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" Reader Question: I heard that saffron might help alleviate PMS symptoms. Is it worth trying? Saffron is a spice that&amp;#039;s often used to season rice; it gives it a yellow color and delicious flavor, and there&amp;#039;s certainly no harm in trying it. But does it really work for PMS? A study from Tehran University of Medical Sciences found that women who took a saffron capsule had fewer PMS symptoms (and often better moods) than those who took a placebo capsule. However, the study only included 50 women and it lasted just two months, so more extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings. If you often suffer from PMS symptoms\u2014food cravings, irritability and mood changes\u2014a better bet is to get regular exercise and avoid sweet and salty foods during the two weeks leading up to your period. A daily supplement containing vitamin B may also help. If your symptoms are really severe, talk to your doctor; she may recommend that you take Sarafem, a drug that&amp;#039;s identical to Prozac (the generic name for both is fluoxetine) but has been specifically approved for severe PMS (PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder). I want to hear from you, so e-mail me your questions at dailywd@womansday.com.  Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD&amp;#039;s providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area.  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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