FAQS

PMS

What exactly is PMS?

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms you experience 1-2 weeks before your period and dissipate or disappear within the first few days of menstrual flow. Back to top

Do all women have PMS?

Over 85% of all women of childbearing age report physical and/or psychological changes that last from a week to ten days before the onset of menstruation. If you are one of them, you are definitely not alone. Back to top

How do I know if I have PMS?

You may feel tense, anxious, ready to jump out of your skin. Minor weight gain, abdominal bloating, and swollen breasts may put a stranger in your mirror. You may have food cravings, headaches, joint or muscle pain, insomnia or hypersomnia, anger, depression, difficulty in concentrating. All told, there are over 150 PMS symptoms! Back to top

Can I control my PMS symptoms?

To a great extent, yes. Hormones are extremely sensitive to diet, exercise, work, and sleep patterns. Making changes in those everyday activities can make a big difference in the way you feel. Back to top

I previously took the Midol Pre-Menstrual Syndrome formula – which product do you recommend?

We recommend you try our Midol Complete formula for the temporary relief of cramps, bloating, backache, headache and fatigue during your menstrual cycle. Back to top

Diet & Exercise

Are there specific things to eat or not eat?

There are 4 things you should try to avoid: sweets, salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol. That may mean passing up some of the things you like best - but it can alleviate some of the symptoms you hate most. Like anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and headaches. Back to top

Is it okay to give in to food cravings?

It's better to eat a balanced diet at regular mealtimes, and avoid bingeing on snacks or crash dieting. Keeping your metabolism stable can help keep PMS symptoms in check. Back to top

What can I do about bloating?

Cut back on salt to help prevent water retention. Water retention can lead to breast tenderness; swelling of your feet, ankles, and hands; and headaches. Back to top

Is there anything other than dietary changes that can help?

Try to avoid stress - which can inhibit the release of certain hormones and worsen PMS. Meditation or relaxation exercises may help. Back to top

What about workouts? Do I have to give up going to the gym?

Not at all. Moderate exercise can help relax muscles - and alleviate cramps, headaches, backaches, and all kinds of body aches and pains. Back to top

Midol Products

Why does MIDOL Complete contain caffeine?

MIDOL Complete contains 60 mg of caffeine per caplet. A two caplet dose is the equivalent of a cup of coffee.

Caffeine is added to MIDOL Complete to help fight fatigue and to act as a diuretic, helping to reduce bloating.

Please be aware that it is important to avoid additional caffeine from other substances such as coffee or soda when taking MIDOL Complete. Back to top

Can I use MIDOL if I'm pregnant or nursing?

As with any drug, if you are pregnant or nursing, seek the advice of a health professional before using this product. Back to top

Does MIDOL contain aspirin?

No. MIDOL Complete, MIDOL Teen Formula and MIDOL PM contain acetaminophen. MIDOL Extended Relief contains naproxen sodium and MIDOL Liquid Gels contains ibuprofen. Aspirin-sensitive patients should not take MIDOL Extended Relief or MIDOL Liquid Gels especially if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin, e.g., asthma, swelling, shock or hives, because even though this product contains no aspirin or salicylates, cross-sensitivities may occur in patients allergic to aspirin. Back to top

Is the sleep-aid in MIDOL PM safe?

Yes. MIDOL PM contains Dephenhydramine Citrate which is a safe non-habit forming sleep-aid. Back to top

What are Midol Liquid Gels?

MIDOL Liquid Gels provide fast relief for the cramps, backache and muscle aches that you suffer during your menstrual period. If you previously used MIDOL Cramps & Body Aches, we recommend that you try this product. Back to top

Is MIDOL kosher?

No. The gelatin in the Midol Menstrual Complete Gelcaps is derived from both pork and bovine (cow/beef). It is the main ingredient in the gelatin shell.
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Can I take Midol if I am taking birth control?

Yes. Back to top

Other Information

Where can I find more information?

There are a variety of organizations that can provide you with extensive resources on menstruation:

• National Association for the Advancement of Health Education
  1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091 703-476-3437
• American School Health Association
  7263 State Rt. 43, Kent, OH 44240 216-678-1601
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  409 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 202-638-5577
• American Academy of Pediatrics
  141 Northwest Pont Blvd., P. O. Box 927, Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0927 708-228-5005
• Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
  C/o Communications Department, 700 14th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005-2019 202-662-1600
• National Association of School Nurses
  Lamplighter Lane, P. O. Box 1300, Scarborough, ME 04070 202-883-2117
• American Institute of Nutrition
  9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3990 301-530-7050
• Public relations or patient education department of your local hospital
• Local family physician or general practitioner
• Local gynecologists
• Local pediatricians
• Your city's department of health

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