Premenstrual
syndrome can be a serious, debilitating disorder that is wrongly trivialised, a
pressure group claimed during an awareness campaign last month.
Symptoms can
include nausea, severe pains, paranoia and depression, said the National
Association for Premenstrual Syndrome.
"We
are not saying that every woman who has the syndrome will experience symptoms
which will cause absence from work.
"What
is clear, however, is that employers need to ensure that they understand the
condition and make provision," said Stephanie Allen, executive officer of
the association.
Access to
advice and treatment, and insistence on meal breaks to maintain the sufferer’s
equilibrium, are the principal measures needed, said Peggy Pryer, nurse adviser
to the charity.
"Some
sufferers feel that by declaring that they have the condition then
discrimination in the workplace may result," Pryer added.
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