Your HEALTH

Got a medical problem or need health advice? Ask GP Dr Pixie McKenna

Q My daughter has premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It’s like a dark cloud over her for half the month. She can’t seem to get help – her GP will only offer the contraceptive pill. What should she do? A PMS affects women in the second half of their cycle, normally starting after ovulation. It has psychological symptoms, such as low mood, anxiety and irritability. Physical symptoms include bloating, headaches, spots, backache and breast pain. Also common are behavioural changes, such as clumsiness, brain fog and aggression. Establishing the severity of the diagnosis is important, so I would encourage your daughter to take a symptom diary with her when she sees the GP. The contraceptive pill can work, but is usually taken without a break (what doctors call back to back) rather…

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Woman & Home South Africa (Digital) - 1 Issue, October 2024

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