When a health problems have more than 150 symptons, it deserves to be taken seriously. It's estimated that nearly half the women of childbearing age suffer from premenstrual sundrome (PMS) - that's millions people in Britain experiencing, every month, condiyiond including bloating, depression and pain.But, amazingly, it is still not clear what causes PMS and there is no diagnostic test for it. In fact, the most important indication of PMS is its cyclic nature, occuring like clockwork once a month. Premenstrual syndrome is an umbrella term used to describe the symptoms that start two weeks before a period and cease ince the period has started, It brings distress in varying degrees to many women.

Tense, nervous, headache? All of the following symptons habe been linked with PMS: Depressions, sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability, frequent and serve mood swings, decreaded concentration, indecision, headache, breast tenderness and joint and muscle plain, sleep disruption, food cravings, fatigue and lethargy, loss of sex drive, clumsiness, dizziness and vertigo, gastrointestinal problems, including nasuea, diarrhoea and bloating.

Food for though - A growing number of women who suffer from PMS are looking to their diets to help ease their symptoms. It is now thought that the problem might be made worse by a lack of certain key nutriens , including essential fatty acids found in oily fish; magnesium, found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains; and vitamin B6, found in chicken, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and yeast extract. Generally, women who eat a well balanced diet - rich in fruit and vegetables, pulses, whole grains, fish and plenty of water - seem to suffer less with PMS than those who eats lots of sugary and convenience foods and drink lots of tea and coffee. Some studies also show taht eating more carbohydrates during the weeks preceding menstruation can be helpful. PMS- related depressionhas been linked to a low level of serotonin, but carbonhydrates increase the level of this important neutrotransmitter. Other trials have indicated that certain supplements can help ease the problem. One discovered that a daily dose of 200mg of magnesium reduced fluid retention, mood swings and headaches, while 50mg of vitamin B6 was found to significantly reduce anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms.
Wassen has relased a one-a-day supplement, Magnesium-OK, containing six vitamins and seven minerals including magnesium, B6 and zinc, designed to help women throught their monthly cycle.

Research shows that making three small changes to your lifestyle may ease symptoms.

Step one - cut back on caffeine - Some woman find that reducing their caffeine intake- tea, coffe and soft drinks containing coffeine - can help ease PMS. This move is backed by a study that found that consumption of caffeine was strongly rekated to the prevelence of PMS. In women with more servere symptoms, the effect of caffeine was greater.

Step two - try herbal help - Chastberry is approved in Germany for the tratment of PMS. A plebaco-controlled trial involving 170 women found that 20mg of Chastberry (agnus castus) daily significanty improved PMS symptoms.

Step three - take regular exercise - research shows that women who are more active are less likely to have PMS. You don't need to hit the gym - simply try activities like walking three times a week, swimming, yoga and dance classes.