Joanne*, a 37-year-old mum of twins and a teacher in the South-East, was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by a consultant gynaecologist.

The cyclical mood swings experienced by many women can be due to hormonal imbalances, though GPs may not see the full picture, says Helen O’Callaghan.

>> Following a recent blood check, my 60-year-old friend was found to have extremely high ESR levels.