How a tipple can make PMS worse

THE cramps, mood swings and bloating are enough to make any woman reach for a glass of wine. But if you have ever been tempted to soothe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with a tipple, you may want to think again.

Drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of getting symptoms.

At least one in five cases of PMS in Europe could be the result of alcohol intake, which researchers believe could alter hormone levels during the monthly cycle. It is known female hormone oestrogen has an effect on pain levels. British and Spanish researchers found women who regularly consumed one unit a day – less than a 175ml glass of wine – were nearly 50 per cent more likely to suffer symptoms than those who do not drink at all. This rose to 79 per cent in those who drank a couple of small glasses a day.

Professor Hazel Inskip, of the University of Southampton, said: ‘If you have PMS, it might be worth cutting down the alcohol to see if it has an effect.’ The study, published in BMJ Open, examined data from 19 studies involving 47,000 participants.