Your tummy is bloated, your tits are trying to escape from the bra, you are depressed and yet somehow have a tendency to slap any man who looks you in the wrong way. You have PMS.

If it weren't enough to know that in a few days you are going through the pads and tampons hassle once again, you also have to endure mood swings, painful breasts and skinny jeans not fitting.

I have suffered all those symptoms plus some more (like acne), every month before my period, until I learned that there are many things I can do to help myself lessen the PMS effect.

First of all, I started taking more calcium. You wouldn't believe how much it can help! Doctors suggest that you should take around 1200 mg of calcium if you want to stop the mood swings and bloating. The best part is that you can take it in any form you like: milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli or even ice-cream.

Also, pay attention to how high your salt intake is. If you're more of a salty person (you prefer chips over chocolate cake), try using more spices (rosemary, oregano, thyme and sage are great), your flat tummy will thank you. Watch out for high salt levels in TV dinners, instant soups and salami. Drink a lot of water, so that your body can get rid of any excess salt.

Last, try to change your beauty routine if you tend to get PMS and menstrual induced acne (our skin produces more oils thanks to the heightened levels of androgen hormone). Even if you don't have acne-prone skin, you should consider using facial cleansers and moisturizers designed specially to prevent acne a week before your period. I like Biore Blemish Fighting Cleansing Pads and L'Oreal Pure Zone Skin Relief Moisturizer.

These advice should make your PMS bearable and your behavior bearable to others! If these nonetheless don't help, consider talking to your doctor about taking birth-control pills (they make wonders with acne and keep menstrual cramps at minimum).