Vicky Pattison has opened up about being diagnosed with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), revealing: “I cried because I felt f*cking heard in a medical setting for the first time in years”.
The former “Geordie Shore” star has long been open about her mental health struggles and fertility journey after freezing her eggs in April, and has now revealed her latest diagnosis of PMDD; a severe version of PMS.
In a 22 August Instagram post, Pattison revealed that she has “struggled with periods my whole adult life – but over the last 5 years or so my PMS symptoms have been completely out of control”. She explained that her symptoms, which include depression and lack of interest “in things that usually bring me so much joy” has taken a toll on her relationships, work, and quality of life.
The influencer faced years of battling with doctors to take her symptoms seriously, and said she was “pacified”, with medics previously making unhelpful suggestions like “‘let’s take out your implant’, ‘periods do get worse as women get older’, ‘that will be your cyst'”. Pattison went on to explain that she “was made to feel like I was hysterical & unable to deal with the physical & mental ramifications of a period like every other woman could.” She added: “I was made to feel weak. And I felt embarrassed that I was making a fuss when everyone else seemed to be ok”.
Her experience is sadly a common one for those with endocrine disorders. Like Pattison, 30 percent of women in the UK experience moderate to severe PMS, and 5-8 percent of the UK population have PMDD, according to Dr Nick Panay via Hormone Health. Yet, the UK has the largest gender health gap among all G20 countries as well as having the 12th largest gender health gap across the world, according to The Guardian.
This means that women and those with periods are often subjected to long wait times and find that years go by before they can receive a diagnosis and treatment. In the end, Pattison revealed that she had no choice but to undergo private appointments in order to be taken seriously. “This week I decided enough was enough and went private & told myself I wouldn’t be dismissed,” she wrote. “When the doctor said to me ‘it sounds like you have PMDD’, I cried.”
Now that she has finally been diagnosed, Pattison is feeling “more positive”. If you’ve been experiencing delibiliating symptoms around your period, then it’s worth reading on for more about the condition. We’ve spoken to a gynaecologist to give you the lowdown on what exactly PMDD is, and how to manage it.
What Is PMDD?
“Premenstrual dysphoric disorder – also known as PMDD – can be defined as a significantly more severe iteration of premenstrual syndrome (PMS),” Dr. Amit Shah, gynaecologist and co-founder of Fertility Plus, tells POPSUGAR.
The disorder is linked to the luteal phase (the second phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation, which prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining). “Whether you experience PMDD during the entirety of the luteal phase or in the final few days before menstruation begins will differ from person to person,” says Dr Shah.
Experts aren’t sure why some people experience PMDD, though they think that lowering levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone after ovulation and before a period starts may trigger the symptoms of the disorder, as per Cleveland Clinic. They also believe that serotonin – the brain chemical which is responsible for regulating your mood, hunger, and sleep – might also be involved.
What Are the Symptoms of PMDD?
Despite PMS and PMDD symptoms being similar – with “both leading to experiences including bloating, headaches, muscle/joint aches, fatigue, tender breasts, and trouble sleeping,” says Dr Shah, as well as “mood changes and food cravings” – there are some distinctions.
“What distinguishes PMS from PMDD is the intensity and severity of the symptoms,” Shah begins. “While those with PMS may experience some anxiety, with PMDD this can often lead to more intense emotional responses and potentially even feelings of depression. Many women experiencing PMDD may feel incredibly lacklustre, sad, and hopeless around this time, and a lot more on edge than those with PMS.” Other emotional changes like mood swings “are likely to be even more extreme for those with PMDD”.
How Is PMDD Diagnosed?
According to Cleveland Clinic, your doctor will make a note of your medical history and discuss the symptoms you’ve been facing. They may suggest that you track your symptoms over one or two cycles to determine if there is a pattern (these period-tracking apps can help with that).
To diagnose PMDD, your doctor will need to determine five or more PMDD symptoms, including one mood-related symptom to provide a diagnosis. They must also rule out or diagnose other conditions, like anxiety, depression, or reproductive disorders such as PCOS or endometriosis.
What Treatment Options Are there for PMDD?
It’s important to remember that everyone with PMDD will have different symptoms, and therefore, requires a unique treatment plan. “For some, making simple lifestyle shifts such as more exercise, balanced nutrition, improved sleep, and stress management can eradicate many PMDD symptoms,” says Shah. “However for others, taking the route of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and/or other antidepressants / anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) can offer relief when it comes to mood issues.”
If you find yourself struggling with these symptoms each month, make sure to book an appointment with your GP or gynaecologist.
