The contraceptive super-pill that ends PMT

The lives of millions of women could be revolutionised within months by the arrival of the contraceptive super-Pill.

It promises to end the misery of pre-menstrual tension and banish periods.

Lybrel, the first Pill designed to be taken continuously, is likely to appeal to women keen to stop menstruation from intruding into their hectic working lives - as well as the millions whose lives are blighted by PMT.

By simply taking a tablet a day, every day, women could avoid the inconvenience of periods years.

It could also end the mood swings, bloating, tiredness and other uncomfortable symptoms that many experience in the run-up to their period every month.

But critics point to the documented side effects of hormone-laden oral contraceptives, which may raise the risk of breast cancer as well as potentially fatal blood clots.