Around 90 per cent of menstruating women get advance warning of an approaching period because of physical and/or psychological changes in the days before their period begins.

For most women the symptoms are mild, but a small proportion finds their symptoms so severe they dread this time of the month.

The terms ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ in respect of PMS are arbitrary, but relate to the extent of disruption to your home and work life that's attributable to the monthly cycle.

About a third of women say PMS significantly affects their life, with 5 to 10 per cent classifying their PMS as severe.

There are more than 100 recognised symptoms that may be due to PMS. Fortunately, most women experience only a handful of problems. The most common symptoms are listed below.

Psychological

• Irritability.
• Mood swings.
• Losing your temper easily.
• Loss of confidence.
• Crying for no particular reason.
• Aggression.
• Poor concentration.
• Tiredness.

Physical

• Breast tenderness.
• Abdominal swelling or bloating.
• Weight gain.
• Swollen ankles.
• Headaches and possibly migraine.