In a revealing account, Stephanie Gray, a 30-year-old nursing student from Edinburgh, shared how a crucial episode of ITV’s “Loose Women” led to her diagnosis of premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), a condition she battled unknowingly for over a decade.
Stephanie Gray recalls the relentless battle with severe depression and suicidal ideation that plagued her monthly, coinciding with her menstrual cycle. For 12 long years, these crippling symptoms were a dark mystery until a breakthrough moment while watching “Loose Women.” A discussion on the show about PMDD, featuring Denise Welch, resonated with Gray’s mother, sparking a life-changing realization.
Gray explained, “Every month before my period, I felt overwhelmingly suicidal. The cycle controlled my life, clouding my teenage years with depression and anxiety.” Her struggles peaked during her university years, leading to isolation and a suicide attempt, signaling an urgent need for intervention.
Despite numerous consultations, conventional treatments like antidepressants and psychiatric sessions failed to alleviate her condition. It was the shared experience of Welch on television that illuminated the true nature of her suffering. “When my mum heard Denise discussing her symptoms, everything clicked. It felt precisely like what I was enduring,” said Gray.
PMDD affects an estimated 1 in 50 women in the UK, manifesting severe psychological and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These include mood swings, sleep disturbances, heightened anxiety, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
The path to diagnosis was fraught with challenges. Gray and her mother reached out to Welch via Twitter, who then provided resources and support. “It was a long journey filled with doubt and dismissal by professionals unaware of PMDD’s impact,” Gray recounted. Persistence led them to a sexual health clinic that recognized her symptoms, where she finally received appropriate treatment.
Gray’s successful treatment began with a combined contraceptive pill, which moderated the hormonal fluctuations linked to PMDD. “The treatment, coupled with lifestyle adjustments, significantly improved my quality of life,” she shared. Gray is among the fortunate few as many women endure invasive procedures like hysterectomies when other treatments fail.
Now an advocate for PMDD awareness, Gray leverages her experience to highlight the broader issues of underfunded research and inadequate professional knowledge in women’s health. “It’s crucial not only to focus on PMDD but to enhance the healthcare response to all women’s health challenges,” she asserts.
In a show of solidarity and awareness, Edinburgh Castle will illuminate in teal on April 30th, marking PMDD Awareness Month. Gray invites supporters to join at the Castle Esplanade from 7 PM to recognize the condition and advocate for better healthcare solutions for women globally.