Beat the Bloat

by Barbara Brody | Comments

When I got a sample of a cream called PMS 4 PMS that's supposed to relieve PMS symptoms, I was skeptical. But I asked our production manager—who's often doubled over in pain around that time of the month—if she wanted to give it a go. When she returned with a favorable review, I figured it couldn't hurt to try it myself. Guess what: it works! I mean, it's not going to make you completely cramp- or bloat-free, but rubbing this cream across my midsection really did seem to help relieve pain and de-puff me a bit. And now, the disclaimer…

This product, like many others on the market (that aren't classified as drugs), isn't FDA-approved. It's made of a bunch of "natural" ingredients from Africa, but I've never heard of most of them. I ran the list by a naturopathic doctor, but she seemed more concerned about how the product was manufactured (and you can't tell that from the label). This expert also reminded me that a topical medication/supplement isn't any safer than one you'd take in a pill. (So just because it's a cream doesn't mean it's harmless.) She wasn't necessarily against PMS 4 PMS… she just didn't feel she knew enough to make a judgment about it.

Bottom line: at your own risk. I realize that's not terribly helpful advice, but I can't whole-heartedly endorse this based on what I know at the moment. That being said, I'm going to keep using it. There are so few things that seem to make me feel better when my stomach blows up like a balloon that it's a risk I'm willing to take. (I'll just use it sparingly and only when I really need it.)

Do you have a PMS remedy you swear by? Please share!

—Barbara Brody, WD Health Editor
