Yahoo News Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison opens up about health diagnosis
Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has opened up about being diagnosed with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The former Loose Women panellist shared a powerful post on her Instagram account this week, where she spoke about the physical and emotional trauma of going five years without a diagnosis.
In her post, Vicky explained that she'd dealt with severe PMS symptoms for most of her adult life and that they'd grown more severe even as she consulted medical advice.
"It has affected my relationships, my work & my quality of life," she said. "At times, it made me feel like I was going insane- I just do not recognise myself for 2weeks (sic) 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. That this is who I am now. And that terrifies me."
Vicky wrote that she'd spoken with multiple medical professionals, but was made to feel "pacified" in the best-case scenarios or like she was "unable to deal with the physical & mental ramifications of a period like every other woman" in the worst-case scenarios.
Everything changed for Vicky recently when she decided to seek private medical advice before she marries her long-time partner Ercan Ramadan.
"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. 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.
"For the first time in ages.. I feel more positive."
Related: I'm a Celebrity's Vicky Pattison reveals terrifying "near-death experience" as car explodes
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS where the patient can experience significant emotional and physical distress a week or two before a period.
Vicky received tremendous support following her post, as many praised her "honesty" and "openness" in frankly discussing an issue that impacts women across the world.
This life-changing diagnosis comes on the heels of more positive news for Vicky, as she recently announced she'd landed a new full-time job as a Heart Radio presenter.
If you would like more information on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Mind offers tips on self-care and guidance on potential treatment. You can also consult the NHS for additional resources.
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