MAFS UK 2024 has raised loads of awareness about a condition called PMDD. The bride Kristina suffers from PMDD, and has been really open about how this has impacted her relationship with Kieran. Kristina’s mood swings and muscle pain can make it difficult to form bonds with new people.
Here’s everything you need to know about PMDD, and what Kristina has said about it on MAFS UK so far.
What actually is PMDD?
So, PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It’s essentially a very severe version of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Like a disturbing amount of health conditions which affect biological women and not men, it’s very underresearched. People’s estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate dramatically, and this causes a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
As well as the more common PMS symptoms like mood swings, trouble sleeping, cramps, bloating and spots, people with PMDD can experience muscle pain, overeating, and extreme levels of anxiety and depression.
@nutritionistkristen WHAT IS PMDD? PMDD stands for premenstrual disphoric disorder and is a SEVERE form of PMS. Those that suffer with PMDD may find that their symptoms on the run up to their period are completely disabling: with many sufferers experiencing depression like symptoms, zero drive, severe mood swings, anxiety and other symptoms. It’s important if you feel like you may be struggling with PMDD to seek professional help and speak to your doctor, while also addressing your diet quality, alcohol intake, gut health, movement, medication which may be contributing to these symptoms, but also its important to understand that there is a genetic element that can play a role in pmdd. When you are suffering with PMDD or feel like you may have it it can feel impossible to achieve doing things that can help you feel better- such as eating healthy and moving more. My top tip is to take slow steps, try and get on top of things like healthy meal prep just after ovulation when you do have more energy, and freeze these things so you dont have to cook much in the week or so before your period. Celebrate small wins, allow yourself more rest, try if you can to get some sunlight on your face (when its out which i know is a rare occurence), and remove caffeine and alcohol during this time. As always please seek advice from a medical professional if you feel like you are suffering. #pmdd #pmddawareness #pmddsupport #pms #nutritionist
PMDD usually happens during your luteal phase – the two-week era between ovulation and menstruation.
Scientists have yet to bother to figure out the cause of PMDD. Some researchers reckon that people inherit genes from their parents which make the hormones linked to their menstrual cycles work differently.
Kristina was only properly diagnosed with PMDD during MAFS UK
Kieran ran Kristina baths to help with her PMDD symptoms
(Image via Channel 4)
The MAFS UK bride had suspected she had PMDD for years, especially after hearing Vicky Pattison talk about her experiences with the disorder. Kristina told Cosmopolitan that the psychologists who offer behind-the-scenes support to the MAFS UK contestants validated her feelings about PMDD. They encouraged her to speak to another gynecologist after the show. The doctor formally diagnosed her and prescribed her medication.
People with PMDD often struggle with relationships
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does include PMDD in its list of mental health conditions, because of the levels of stress and low mood which people experience.
The Mind website explains that people with PMDD often struggle with others not taking PMDD symptoms seriously, and dismissing them as female hysteria, or grumpiness, or “just that time of the month”. People with PMDD need partners with lots of emotional intelligence, who understand that the couple might have to plan things like household chores or days out around their menstrual cycle.
@dr.kojosarfo For some women, the weeks before their cycle feels like a nightmare & an unwelcome emotional roller coaster… There’s always hope for recovery!
#pmdd #pms #pmsproblems #keepgoing
Kristina opened up to Kieran on their fancy honeymoon about how her PMDD had affected her past relationships.
She also explained to Cosmopolitan about how PMDD impacted her relationship with Kieran during the show.”To say it was like a wrecking ball smashing through our marriage was an understatement. Filming had to be paused because of my fatigue and exhaustion, and although Kieran did what he could to keep me smiling and comfortable (like running baths and filling hot water bottles) it was hard for us both.”
There is some treatment available for PMDD
Going on hormonal medicines such as contraceptive pills can help PMDD be a bit less severe. Antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage some of the symptoms from PMDD.
Some people say acupuncture and vitamin supplements help with their mood swings. Although, the NHS website says “there’s not much evidence that they work”.
If you think you might have PMDD, then the website for the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders has lots of helpful information.
