Pre-menstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is a condition that can cause extremes.

 

Premenstrual Syndrome, also known as PMS, is a condition that can cause extremes. The symptoms can be physical, mental and cognitive and can all range in severity.

 

According to Premenstrual Syndrome nutrition and support expert, Wilma Kirsten, ‘9 out of 10 women in menstrual age potentially suffer with PMS.’ Which can cause irritability, depression, or anxiety to varying degrees.

 

The symptoms of PMS can be different in every woman but the the best way to differ PMS from other conditions is to determine whether it is cyclical. Many women who suffer with PMS will have only a week of their menstrual month feeling unwell. This can be longer and often worsens with age.

 

PMS is caused by a genetic sensitivity to hormone changes. Sufferers will be extremely sensitive to an imbalance of the two main hormones oestrogen and progesterone in different degrees.

 

Severe PMS can also be referred to as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD.

 

Laura Murphy who founded Vicious Cycle to raise awareness about PMDD says, ‘it can happen to anyone at any time, any form of hormone interruption can trigger it.’ For Laura this interruption happened when she began taking birth control pills and then worsened when she was fitted with the coil in her 30s. It has also been recognised that PMDD can worsen with age.

 

In some cases, PMS can become severe enough to lead to PMDD, this is much more severe with only a small percentage of women being affected. ‘This can lead to patients being encouraged to have their ovaries removed. But this is last resort.’ Explains Wilma Kirsten.

 

It took Laura 17 years to be correctly diagnosed with PMDD. However, Laura was indirectly treated for her condition whilst being treated for depression. After being diagnosed by a specialist, Laura tried different types of treatment but eventually decided to have surgery to remove her ovaries.

 

Laura had a hysterectomy 16 months ago, but many people find other symptom reliving treatment before this is necessary. ‘PMDD is relentless. It can take you out for two to three days or two to three weeks.’

 

Vicious Cycle is a patient-led project passionate about raising awareness of PMDD and the standards of care for its sufferers. ‘When I first heard about PMDD, it was a light bulb moment. That’s what we want other people to have.’