Heavier women are more likely to suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), according to a new survey.

And women taking the Pill are less likely to suffer problems associated with the condition, it found.

Dr Carrie Sadler, a researcher at the University of Southampton, said she had found a link between the condition, a woman's body mass index (BMI) and whether she uses hormonal contraceptives such as the Pill.

The results come from the Southampton Women's Survey which was launched in 1998 and carried out by the university with the Medical Research Council.

Initial findings show most of the 900 women who took part in the survey recorded problems in the days leading up to their period with 21% of the sample suffering with two or more symptoms.

It also found that the chances of having symptoms were more likely for heavier women with a higher BMI and less likely for women using the Pill or the contraceptive injection.

Dr Sadler said: "Women aged between 16 and 54 make up 28% of the population. They have an essential role in society.

"If up to one in five experience significant pre-menstrual symptoms, this has to be taken seriously."

From Healthy.net