Australian Union seeks PMS leave for women
In a groundbreaking initiative the Australian Manufacturing Union is seeking a menstrual health leave agreement for women working at the Toyota Company.
NAPS members in Australia have alerted us to this initiative, which has started a public debate. NAPS would value your views. Should British Trade Unions follow this lead?
Stress at work in US military
A major study involving over 6000 women from the US military forces has revealed fascinating new information about PMS and stress.
The results found that nearly two out of every three women included experienced PMS and that those suffering were three times more likely to experience a high level of job stress at this time. The researchers are calling for further studies into stress and PMS, and NAPS has lent its support to the team. We have included an abstract from the Journal of Women's Health on our website, giving an outline of the findings of the study
Ground breaking study on St John's Wort
A recent substantial study of St John's Wort (hypericum extract WS 5570) supports its use as an alternative to anti-depressants for the treatment of moderate to severe depression.
The study also found that because St John's Wort is especially well tolerated it is a particularly valuable alternative treatment. The convincing results for St John's Wort that were observed in this trial deserve independent confirmation by other research. This is extremely important now that all over-the-counter medicines will require registration under tough new Europe-wide rules.
HRT follow-up
Sharon Jones has drawn attention to the British Menopause Society views on the use of HRT for premenstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Guidance on use of anti-depressants
In response to requests for information and advice on the use of anti-depressants, we have posted on our website the latest letter of guidance issued (15 December 2004) to health professionals by the UK Committee on the Safety of Medicines.
Stop press...Mail on Sunday...
The Easter weekend edition of the Mail on Sunday will include a feature on PMS by Health editor Sarah Stacey, written with NAPS participation.
Forum Fanfare
With over 2,800 posts on line and 300 registered users worldwide, the NAPS Forum provides a fantastic way for women to share experiences and self-help techniques from around the world.
Those logging on are gaining a great deal of support from each other. Are you a regular Forum follower? Let us know what you think of this service.
