6 PMDD Myths Debunked as MAFS Groom Questions Relationship Over His Wife’s Condition

Watch: MAFS UK star Kieran reveals doubts about relationship with Kristina due to her PMDD

The health condition premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – a very serious form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – was highlighted in a recent episode of Marriage At First Sight UK (MAFS UK).

Contestant Kristina broke down in tears as her groom Kieran revealed he was questioning their relationship because she suffers from the condition. Kieran told Kristina that he had “distanced himself” from Kristina because he “really doubted at this point if I could maintain a relationship with someone who suffers from PMDD.”

The revelation left Kristina in tears. She said it was something she heard from previous partners, adding: “This is why I prepare myself for the worst in every situation.” However, Kieran assured her that he has not given up on their relationship and that he wanted to “work on it”.

PMDD is an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition. According to Mind, it can cause a range of emotional and physical symptoms. It affects 5.5% of women in Britain and takes an average of 12 years to be diagnosed – a common theme among women’s health problems.

And given the recent analysis from the University of Oxford showing that around 31 million women and girls worldwide have PMDD (with the number believed to be higher), an early diagnosis would undeniably make a huge difference to the lives of many women.

“There is little training around PMDD for psychiatrists or even medical students. Patients often find themselves falling through gaps in clinical services, such as between gynecology and mental health care. GPs’ knowledge of PMDD is also highly variable,” says Dr Thomas Reilly from the department of psychiatry in Oxford. “In psychiatry, we rarely consider whether a patient’s symptoms may be related to hormonal changes.”

To help more people get the care they need, hormonal health experts Karolina Löfqvist (CEO) and Jasmine Tagesson (COO) of app Hormona debunk the top myths surrounding the condition, while a gynecologist shares her advice. Hopefully this will give you better knowledge when talking to doctors, friends or family about PMDD in all scenarios.

PMDD Myths

1. ‘PMDD is in your head’

“Although no one knows exactly what causes PMDD, it is a true psychiatric condition with often serious physical and psychological symptoms. In fact, it is the only menstrual cycle-related condition recognized by the DSM, the medical profession’s handbook of psychological problems,” Löfqvist and Tagesson explains.

The disorder was only included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013 and in the International Classification of Disease in 2019, validating the condition as a global condition.

“PMDD is generally thought to be caused by the brain being extra sensitive to the hormonal changes of a menstrual cycle. And that’s because symptoms worsen about four days before a period and last until three or four days after the period begins, a time known for hormonal ups and downs.”

2. ‘People with PMDD are just moody’

“It is true that mood swings are a leading factor. But to be diagnosed with PMDD, you must exhibit at least five physical, emotional, and/or behavioral symptoms. And they must include at least one of the major emotional symptoms, including mood symptoms. fluctuations, tearfulness and sensitivity to rejection,” say the hormonal health experts.

“In addition, anxiety, a markedly depressed mood and irritability or anger that increasingly cause conflict, in addition to feelings of hopelessness or a sense of tension, can all be part of PMDD. Those who suffer from it may also have difficulty concentrating and feel overwhelmed. or out-of-control issues or problems at work, school, during social activities, or in relationships are also taken into account.

3. ‘PMDD is nothing but a bad period’

“We’ve all had bad spells, experiencing leaks, cramps, lack of sleep, and the desire to consume the world’s supply of ice cream. And while that can be miserable, it is nothing like PMDD,” say the experts.

“While bad periods and PMDD have a lot in common, PMS does not have life-changing consequences like PMDD can. So if you recognize anything between these paragraphs, please talk to your doctor. PMDD can be serious, but treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.”

4. ‘It only affects women’

“While we generally associate PMDD with those assigned female at birth, non-binary and transgender individuals with menstrual cycles can also be affected,” they add.

5. ‘Women should just accept PMDD as a natural part of their lives’

“If PMDD were a natural part of life, every woman would experience it. But as it stands, only 1.6% are currently living with the condition. That makes it quite rare, and certainly not something we all experience life,” says Löfqvist. and Tagesson explain.

That said, it still represents a large segment of society worldwide (again, with actual numbers expected to be higher) who deserve the right education, advice and treatment options for PMDD.

6. ‘Women should not seek treatment for PMDD because the condition is not serious enough’

“PMDD is a serious condition that requires treatment. Without PMDD, people with PMDD are seven times more likely to commit suicide. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are therapies that can reduce and help manage your symptoms,” Löfqvist and Tagesson ask us rest assured.

“Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), also known as antidepressants, are considered the best treatment for PMDD. Oral contraceptives containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol can also be effective, but are generally not the first option. Cognitive behavioral therapies can be. it also helps you change negative thoughts or improve coping skills for serious symptoms.

“Changes to your diet, in addition to yoga and increased exercise, have also shown some benefits for PMDD symptoms, but are less effective than medical therapies.”

Looking for a PMDD diagnosis

“One of the hardest things PMDD sufferers have to deal with is the stigma and confusion surrounding it; with all the harmful discourse and jokes floating around about women during their period, it can be hard to know if you’re just a natural experience fluctuations in your period, your cycle, or if something is actually wrong,” acknowledges Anna Targonskaya, obstetrician-gynaecologist.

“To make matters even more difficult, unfortunately no formal test exists for PMDD. The first step toward a diagnosis is to track your symptoms daily in addition to your menstrual cycle, which will give you a toolkit of information to help a medical professional to help find out what’s really going on.

“When it comes to communicating with those around you, it can be helpful to ask them to listen carefully to you and do their own research. This will better enable them to hold your hand during the diagnostic process.

“Whether you’re speaking to a doctor or a friend, knowledge is power – do your research, monitor your symptoms and trust your gut if you think something is wrong. Rest assured that all your concerns are completely justified There is real help available to figure out what’s wrong. The better you know your cycle and yourself, the faster you can find answers and treatment.

If you need someone to talk to, you can call Samaritans on 116 123.

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