Extreme anger, anxiety and depression

PREMENSTRUAL syndrome is the term for the physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the two weeks before a woman’s period.

Nearly all women have some form of PMS, but for 5 to 10 per cent it is so severe that it stops them getting on with daily life. This group suffers more extreme symptoms, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the condition experienced by Nicola James. Common PMS symptoms include mood swings, tiredness, sleep problems, head- aches, changes in appetite, bloating and sore or tender breasts. Women with PMDD can suffer extreme anger, anxiety and depression.

PMS is thought to be caused by fluctuating levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Women using hormonal contraception are less affected by PMS.

The chance of bad PMS is higher in obese women and those who do little exercise. Eating too much salt and drinking too much alcohol or coffee can worsen symptoms.