Menstrualade

For years skeptical doctors told women who complained of
irritability aroundthe time of their period that it was all in their
head. And they were right--in a sense. When premenstrual syndrome
strikes, women suffer from a sagging supply of serotonin, a brain
chemical that helps regulate mood. Now comes a new powdered drink that
may provide PMS relief.

The beverage, called PMS Escape, hit New England drug stores
earlier this year and is slated to make its national debut in mid-1997.
Its key component: a mixture of carbohydrates that increases blood levels
of tryptophan, the amino acid the body uses to manufacture
serotonin.

Studies show that serotonin levels bottom out during the luteal
phase of a woman's cycle--the two weeks prior to menstruation. The
unhappy results are irritability, lack of concentration, and depression.
And that's just for starters; one nutritionist has tallied 150 symptoms
supposedly linked to PMS.

In a study reported in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
PMS Escape alleviated feelings of anger, depression, and confusion in 24
PMS sufferers. It also sated cravings for carbohydrates. For most women,
the effects kicked in between 30 and 90 minutes after they drank the
beverage, say researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital.

In addition to 188 calories' worth of carbohydrates, PMS Escape
contains vitamins C and B6, calcium, and magnesium. An eight box sells
for about 10 bucks; to order call 1-800-767,6369.

PHOTO (COLOR): PMS Escape