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Health advice: premenstrual syndrome PMS

(Telegraph 10/06/2009)

During my period I suffer from alarming mood swings and feelings of aggression, which usually mutate into a deep sense of gloom. In addition, I experience back and stomach pain, headaches and fluid retention. I crave chocolate and sweets throughout - during the five days I can gain up to half a stone. My partner says there's no such thing as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and that my problems are emotional. What do you think?

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LifeCoach: reducing the symptoms of PMS

(Telegraph 26/05/2009)

Q: I get bad PMS and cramps every month and have to take lots of painkillers. Could this have anything to do with my diet? (I'm vegetarian but eat eggs.) A: There are a variety of treatment options so talk with your GP to see which is best. A number of dietary factors (specific fatty acids, vitamins B6 and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc) have been linked with PMS symptoms, particularly mood fluctuations, because diet, as well as hormones, can affect brain neurotransmitter activity.

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Period pains

(BBC 04/01/2009)

When doctors told Marie Seward that her period mood swings and depression were extreme she felt both relieved and angry. For 17 years the mother of one had struggled through almost ten days of hell each month. "Everyone talks about premenstrual stress (PMS), everybody talks about the same symptoms, the cramps and the mood swings but the difference with me was the severity."

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PMT problems

(BBC 18/06/2008)

According to the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS), premestrual syndrome is often being misdiagnosed as depression

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