Preventing PMS: Vitamin and mineral let women avoid syndrome

Ample calcium and vitamin D in the diet prevent premenstrual syndrome in some women, a new study suggests.

Each month, as menstruation approaches and begins, most women experience at least mild symptoms such as depression, irritability, discomfort, or fatigue. In 8 to 20 percent of premenopausal women, these problems are severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.