Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has raised awareness of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is known as PMDD, in recent years following her diagnosis
Reality TV star Vicky Pattison has shared a fear over parenthood. She’s opened up about the potential impact of a health condition, saying that she worries it will make it “very difficult” for her to be the parent that she wants to be.
Vicky, 37, has raised awareness of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) since being diagnosed two years ago. The former Geordie Shore star has spoken about symptoms that she has experienced, including “crippling” anxiety and insomnia, in the weeks leading up to her period each month.
The presenter has now expressed concern over the prospect of parenthood due to the condition. It comes after Vicky previously shared that she was freezing embryos amid her relationship with Ercan Ramadan.
Speaking to The Sun, Vicky said in an interview published tonight: “I am a woman of a certain age who would love to have kids.” She added: “But my fear is that my condition will make it very difficult to be the mum that I want to be.”
She went on to discuss symptoms such as exhaustion. Looking to the future, Vicky said: “You want to be this lovely, patient mother, but I do worry what I’ll be like with PMDD – because you’re short-tempered, you’re exhausted.”
Vicky, who is set to appear in a segment on Good Morning Britain tomorrow about women being misdiagnosed with conditions, also spoke about her experience with the outlet. She recalled it taking five years to be diagnosed with PMDD.
She shared that once in her thirties, her period symptoms became “increasingly heightened”. Vicky said that her experience was “so debilitating” and she told the outlet that in her “more intense” moments, she had “suicidal thoughts”.
Vicky, however, said that she was “repeatedly dismissed” by doctors for five years. She said that one doctor told her that she was simply more “sensitive” than other women, experiencing symptoms including depressive moods and cramps.
She’s shared that she ended up visiting a private doctor, who went on to diagnose her with PMDD. Vicky said that she “broke down” when she got the diagnosis.
Vicky also told the outlet that she loses herself every month and that it’s “gotten worse” as she’s gotten older. She said that whilst it used to last a few days, it now continues for up to ten days before her period.
She said that symptoms include feeling anxious, emotional and exhausted. She added that she doesn’t feel joy from things that usually bring her enjoyment either. Vicky said that she is “completely unrecognisable” in the days before her period each month.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.
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