Your PMS Survival Guide—11 Ways to Ease the Misery

Change an irritable attitude by clearing your calendar

Feeling like you could snap at anyone at a moment’s notice is a classic symptom of PMS. “In my practice, this is the most common symptom women report,” says gynecologist Barb Depree, MD, of Lakeshore Health Partners in Zeeland, Michigan. “Charting your period and preparing for the PMS days can be a lifesaver,” she says. That means don’t overschedule yourself (here’s how to say no to annoying requests), even consider postponing important decisions until later in the week. Not only will you avoid potential conflict, but the self-nurturing will boost your mood.