A womans period has many different side effects. Apart from menstrual cramps, headaches and back pain, a woman can also experience flatulence and diarrhoea.

According to Women's Health, this is because of "the hormone progesterone and prostaglandins can make the smooth muscle in your intestines more or less active."

To help deal with this, experts recommend

• avoid foods like beans and cabbage

To help with the discomfort that comes from PMS, ginger, chamomile or peppermint tea is also recommended.

Should your period seem to trigger bloody diarrhoea or abdominal pain that causes you to be unable to eat, you must consult your physician immediately as it could be a sign of endometriosis.