PMDD is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which describes various distressing symptoms occurring in the week or two before a period
Vicky Pattison has opened up about her ‘terrifying’ battle with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in a candid social media post. While the TV star’s symptoms are always up and down, she said ‘nothing could have prepared’ her for this debilitating past month.
“Usually there’s no real rhyme or reason,” she told fans on Instagram yesterday. “But last month, I knew I was in for a bit of a rough ride- I hadn’t done anything that I know helps alleviate my symptoms.
“I hadn’t been consistent with my supplements, my diet was atrocious and my schedule was just unrelenting so I went into my luteal phase not really standing a chance. But despite my concerns, nothing could have prepared me.”
PMDD is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which describes various distressing symptoms occurring in the week or two before a period. For Vicky, this involved ‘crippling anxiety,’ insomnia, and troubling thoughts, as she conveyed feelings of worthlessness and believed that the world ‘would be a better place’ without her.
Sadly, she isn’t alone in her experience. A 2021 study found that women with PMDD are four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than others and nearly seven times more likely to attempt suicide.
Besides its severe impact on mental health and energy levels, PMDD can also manifest as physical symptoms. According to Mind, these generally include the following:
- Headaches
- Feeling bloated
- Changes in your appetite, such as overeating or having specific food cravings
- Sleep problems
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Pain in your muscles and joints
While the cause of PMDD is mainly unknown, some suggest it may be related to hormonal differences or even past physical or mental trauma. Despite the crippling nature of this syndrome, PMDD is often considered a largely understudied health condition. This could mean that countless cases are being overlooked.
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Dr Gareth Nye, a Senior Lecturer at Chester Medical School (@dr.gareth.nye ), previously told the Express: “It is largely undiagnosed for two major reasons. First is a lack of understanding from medical professionals about the condition and the impact it may have.
“Secondly, it may be due to the woman herself not realising her experiences are not normal and can be treated and managed. We see many female-centred conditions falling into these brackets. The menopause, for example, can be quite severe for some however women may just assume it’s normal.”
Dr Nye also mentioned that for a ‘successful diagnosis’, a woman would usually need to exhibit at least ‘five symptoms’ of PMDD, even if they occur only for a brief period during the menstrual cycle.
So, if you’re worried about having PMDD, it’s beneficial to track your symptoms over the month and share this with a doctor. Doing so may help to rule out the possibility of other health issues.
Dr Nye added: “These changes make day-to-day life during this time extremely difficult and it may result in changes in work or home life. It can become more of an issue if support networks or employers do not understand the severity of the condition.”
For emotional support, call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website.
You can also speak with a trained advisor from Mind, the mental health charity, on 0300 123 3393 or by email at [email protected].