Most women will spend almost a quarter of their adult lives having a period, and of course, they are likely to spend quite a lot of that time at work. For some women their monthly cycle is more than a mild inconvenience though, with pain, discomfort and mood swings which can be disruptive and debilitating.
The National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) offers a quarterly newsletter and publications including Understanding PMS: Help and support for PMS sufferers and their families, and booklets: Premenstrual syndrome: A clinical reviewand Dietary guidelines for PMS, available online for free to members, or for purchase. Helpine: 0870 7772177. pms.org.uk
The NHS Choices Live Well pages have advice on menstrual health, including information on painful periods and PMS. www.nhs.uk/Livewell/menstrualcycle