IT seems that millions of women feel that their PMS is affecting their relationships.
A study has found that half of women who suffer from the painful cramps, bloating and mood swings associated with PMS, have seen it lead to rows and cancelled date nights.
Others even said their symptoms led to them sleeping on the sofa, and being given the ‘silent treatment’ from their other half.
One in ten women went as far as claiming that it was the cause of a break-up – while a further 18 per cent admitted that it has come close to ending their relationship.
One in five men went on to claim that their partner would refuse to have sex with them if they were suffering from PMS symptoms.
The poll of 2,000 women, which was carried out by Efamol, found that 85 per cent of the women asked suffer from some kind of PMS or its related symptoms – 47 per cent of which say it happens every month.
84 per cent added that their symptoms have affected their day-to-day life at some point.
But, while most admit that their symptoms are relatively minor, 23 per cent would class them as severe.
A whopping 48 per cent of these women felt that their relationships have suffered at some point due to their PMS, while three quarters of those say that they often end up arguing with their partner due to their constant symptoms.
However, it’s not just women who are suffering; 52 per cent of men polled stated that their partners were more moody than usual during “their time of the month,” with a further 30 per cent believing that they can’t say anything right during this time.
Despite these apparent issues, PMS remains a taboo subject.
78 per cent of women admit to suffering in silence when it comes to their symptoms – and almost one in four shy away from talking to their other half about it.
Half of these women put this down to feeling “too embarrassed” to talk to their partner about PMS -or their period.
Worryingly, 45 per cent say that they don’t think their partners want to know about it as it’s “women’s stuff.”
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One third of men polled said that they also shied away from talking to their partners about the topic, with 28 per cent stating that they find this too embarrassing to discuss with their partners.
30 per cent of guys quizzed added that they wouldn’t want to embarrass their partners by bringing the subject up.
A spokesman for Efamol said, “While some women sail through their menstrual cycle with no problems whatsoever, for others, it can really affect all areas of their life.
“Our partners are often the ones who bear the brunt of our moods and emotions when we are suffering, and it seems this is having a lasting effect on our relationships.
“Unfortunately for most, PMS isn’t a once-off occurrence like an illness; it can regularly hit you every month – and it’s often something women will suffer through in silence.
“Even for the most understanding of partners, it can be difficult to know what to do.
“Incorporating food supplements, such as Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, may help with symptoms of PMS, such as hormone imbalance, which affect your life at certain times of the month.”
The survey reported that cramping pains are experienced by 75 per cent of women, followed by bloating, fatigue or tiredness, and irritability, according to those polled.
Over a third of women polled reckon that PMS affects their social life, while 16 per cent believe the same can be said about friendships.
Top ten most common PMS symptoms
1. Cramps
2. Bloating
3. Fatigue or tiredness
4. Irritability
5. Mood swings
6. Swollen or tender breasts
7. Spots
8. Headache
9. Food cravings
10. Backache
Dr Dawn Harper added: “It’s obvious from the survey that there are many women out there suffering in silence every month from PMS symptoms.
“These symptoms are seriously affecting their relationships and daily lives.
“Encouragingly, 88 per cent of those polled admitted that their symptoms were alleviated with the help of medication or a natural remedy. I think of treating PMS a bit like finding the ‘little black dress.’
“It isn’t a ‘one size fits all,’ and there is clearly a role for alternative treatments with regards to PMS.
“Taking a supplement such as Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil has helped many of my patients.”
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