WOMEN who are overweight are more likely to suffer from more frequent pre-menstrual symptoms, according to new research from Southampton University.

It is the first time a link has been found between a woman's body mass index - a measurement of body fat based on height and weight - and the severity of symptoms suffered.

The study, led by Dr Carrie Sadler, also found that women who use different forms of hormonal contraception such as the Pill or the contraceptive injection are less likely to suffer pre-menstrual symptoms.

Her findings are based on the responses of 952 women who were asked to fill out a daily menstrual diary for six weeks, recording whether or not they experienced any one of 14 different symptoms in the days leading up to their period.

These included irritability, loss of efficiency, tension, feeling bloated and breast tenderness.

All the diaries were assessed by Dr Sadler, a GP who specialises in Women's Health, and a second GP, who divided the diaries into those women who suffered significant premenstrual symptoms and those who did not.

Together they found that 21 per cent of women surveyed suffered significant premenstrual symptoms, experiencing two or more of the 14 symptoms.

Dr Sadler said that the association between a higher body mass index and pre-menstrual symptoms could reinforce healthy lifestyle advice.

"As we know the government is very keen to address problems of obesity,"she said.

"If we can say there is another condition that looks like it may be associated with a woman's BMI that could be a very important health message."

The study's findings also showed that the combined Pill and contraceptive injection could alleviate pre-menstrual symptoms.

Until now some studies have shown that the Pill can be beneficial while others have not. Now Dr Sadler is studying the different brands used by women in the study to see if some are more effective than others in reducing symptoms.

She will also look at any differences to emerge between women who take the Pill and those taking the contraceptive injection.

She said: "Sometimes pre-menstrual symptoms are not always taken seriously. Hopefully this study will provide evidence that they are a very real thing," she said.

"The hormonal influence over the female is a reality, not an excuse."

Dr Sadler added: "Women aged between 16 and 54 make up 28 per cent of the population.

"They have an essential role in society. If up to one in five experience significant premenstrual symptoms, this has to be taken seriously."