A Mood-Menstrual Diary

Dr Norma Williams

In order to know our place in nature we need knowledge about ourselves. The menstrual cycle in adult female humans is a mixed blessing and women themselves view motherhood with ambivalence. The hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle echo this ambivalence and provide opportunity for self-help and self-understanding.

Each woman experiences mood swings and physical exhilaration or depression in response to these hormonal changes.

'How to Keep a Mood Menstrual Diary' is a little book that includes a year's supply of diary charts with explicit instructions for recording human female responses. Charting responses is a simple, easy way which will give individual women insight into their own bodies and will enhance gender identity.

I have been a gynaecologist for nearly thirty years and I created these charts at the end of the seventies. I have found them very useful in my own practice among women of over thirty different nationalities.

The charts have been used by women of all ages from educationally sub-normal teenagers to happy housewives, international scientists and multinational bankers.

'How to Keep a Mood-Menstrual Diary', by Dr Norma Williams, published by the American Women's Health Centre, 25 Weymouth St, London W1N 3 FJ (tel 071 935 4853) (L4-95 + 50p p&p).

Editorial comment

John Illman reported in the Guardian some research by Dr Donna Stewart, associate professor of psychiatry at Toronto University. Two thirds of the women she questioned reported at least one positive change associated with the pre-menstrual week. Dr Stewart asks: 'what effect does the current emphasis on negative changes have on the expectations of women?'

'31% feeling increased sexual enjoyment; 18% reporting more attractive breasts; 18% having more energy; 11%, more creative ideas'

The positive pre-menstrual changes reported to her included 32% of the women having a tendency to clean or tidy; 31% feeling increased sexual enjoyment; 18% reporting more attractive breasts; 18% having more energy; 11%, more creative ideas; 8%, performing better at work; 6%, increased confidence; 4%, more calm and relaxed; 4%, increased interest; 3% more sense of well-being; 2% more attractive facial features; 2% performing better socially.

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