Vicky Pattison said on Tuesday that she has premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The disorder is classified as’very severe,’ causing acute physical and mental symptoms a week or two before a woman’s menstruation starts.
Vicky, 35, said she sobbed when she was finally diagnosed after years of suffering.
The former Geordie Shore star said her problems had ‘damaged her relationships, employment, and quality of life’ in an emotive social media post that included multiple photographs of her appearing troubled.
Vicky also stated that she had been left in a “dark place” at times and had been ostracised by physicians until she decided to seek private medical counsel.
According to Mind, PMDD ‘is a very severe form of PMS’ and ‘occurs during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle’.
The charity’s website adds: ‘This is the time between when you ovulate and when your period starts.’
Symptoms are listed as anything from ‘mood swings’ to ‘headaches, bloating and muscle pain’.
Taking to Instagram, Vicky wrote in full: ‘I have struggled with my periods my whole adult life – but over the last 5 years or so my PMS [premenstrual syndrome] symptoms have been completely out of control – it has affected my relationships, my work & my quality of life.’
Vicky continued: ‘At times, it made me feel like I was going insane – I just do not recognise myself for 2 weeks of the month & ever so gradually – that time frame is becoming longer – & sometimes, when I’m proper in the midst of this & totally consumed by my own dark thoughts I convince myself that I’m never going to get better… that these feelings & thoughts aren’t temporary.’
She bravely went on: ‘That this is who I am now. And that terrifies me. For years I have been to see doctors & spoke at length about my concerns & in best case scenarios I was pacified – repeatedly told: “let’s take out your implant”, “periods do get worse as women get older”, “that will be your cyst” etc.
‘And in worst case scenarios I was made to feel like I was hysterical & unable to deal with the physical & mental ramifications of a period like every other woman could. I was made to feel weak.
‘And I felt embarrassed that I was making a fuss when everyone else seemed to be ok. So I would leave & I vow to take it on the chin.’
The TV personality added: ‘But the last couple of months have made me realise I can’t go on like this – I’m getting married to the most amazing man, I have the best family & friends & a job I love- and yet I still spend half the month lost.
‘It’s like my brain hates me – I am depressed, despondent & hopeless & have no interest in things that usually bring me so much joy and trying to not only deal with that but hide it all from everyone has left me exhausted & overwhelmed.
‘This week I decided enough was enough and went private & told myself I wouldn’t be dismissed.
‘When the doctor said to me “it sounds like you have PMDD” I cried.
‘I cried because I felt f**king heard in a medical setting for the first time in years and also I cried because hopefully now I can start trying to manage this rather than just “get on with it” – like I feel like women are expected to. ‘
Vicky concluded: ‘For the first time in ages, I feel more positive.
‘For anyone else struggling with PMS symptoms & wanting to know more about PMDD, please head to my Insta story.’
Supportive comments quickly piled up beneath Vicky’s post, with Dr Alex George raving: ‘Sending love to you, you are AWESOME. Remember that.’
Meanwhile, Giovanna Fletcher told Vicky: ‘Love love love you. Love your honesty, your openness, and the fact you’ll be helping others by sharing. Hate that this is happening to you and so happy you’ve finally been listened to.’
Someone else wrote: ‘As a fellow PMDD Warrior (albeit post-hysterectomy now), thank you for raising awareness and with such honesty.
‘Welcome to the community that no-one wants to be part of but that is full of solidarity, understanding and love once you are a part of it.’
‘So glad someone has finally taken you seriously and heard how hard it is! There’s a huge community of PMDD humans here on Insta who get it,’ echoed another social media user.
Other comments included: ‘I’m sending you so much love’ and ‘Can’t even begin to start to imagine what you’re going through. Just to let you know we are all here for you at any time and girl you are so loved.’
