[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(3,155,132,0.72)” background_image=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BecciS-PMDD-banner.png” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_right” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”40px||24px||false|false” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_image_phone=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BecciS-PMDD-banner.png” background_enable_image_phone=”on” background_size_tablet=”custom” background_image_width_tablet=”65%” background_image_width_phone=”70%” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_position_phone=”bottom_center” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”” height_phone=”” height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”e864d11f-3dab-4fa3-ac06-4f0e1a260807″ header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#103638″ header_font_size=”64px” header_letter_spacing=”-0.02em” header_line_height=”1.15em” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”43px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”41d5859c-fbaa-458a-88e4-5d886857f235″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#103638″ text_font_size=”21px” min_height=”246px” custom_padding=”||21px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
PMDD is a much more severe form of the more commonly known PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and is thought to affect 1 in 20 women.<\/p>\n
This page provides information on PMDD and our work to improve access to healthcare for this health issue. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”309px” height_phone=”208px” height_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_height=”1000px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(3,155,132,0.8)” positioning=”none” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_font_size=”21px” header_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”3px|||||” custom_margin_tablet=”3px|||||” custom_margin_phone=”3px||-27px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n PMDD<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On this page:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”470″ menu_style=”centered” submenu_direction=”downwards” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”|600|||||||” menu_text_color=”#103638″ menu_font_size=”18px” background_enable_color=”off” min_height=”27px” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” sticky_position=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||2px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”201398″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”196%” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”17px” image_icon_custom_margin=”9px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The following information is based on the lived experiences and priorities expressed to us by our community. If you need medical\/health advice, please contact a GP or medical professional. Read our\u00a0medical disclaimer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”about” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”||4px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n PMDD is a much more severe form of the more commonly known PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome).<\/p>\n Symptoms of PMDD can vary but can include extreme psychological, emotional and physical symptoms, which arise during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (starting around day 15 of a typical 28-day cycle) and subside at the onset of the menstrual period.<\/p>\n Symptoms due to hormonal changes can be wide ranging and debilitating.<\/p>\n Severe mood swings can range from frequent crying to increased anger, irritability or sensitivity, leaving people feeling out of control and overwhelmed. People with PMDD can experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and thoughts of suicide. Some people might experience anxiety or panic attacks, or experience low energy and brain fog that affects their daily activities.<\/p>\n Changes in appetite and sleep are also common, as are physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, body aches or bowel changes.<\/p>\n To diagnose PMDD, a healthcare professional will most likely ask patients to track their symptoms alongside the menstrual cycle for two consecutive months. There are no blood, saliva, or imaging tests for PMDD.<\/p>\n Treatment for PMDD is a very personal choice; there is no single option that works for everyone with PMDD, and it is always best to consult your healthcare professional for advice.<\/p>\n Options for treatment can include medicines such as antidepressants, or the contraceptives such as the pill, Mirena coil or hormone gels and patches. Lifestyles changes such as diet and exercise can also help with the symptoms of PMDD, and talking therapies such as Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be useful to help with mental health issues.<\/p>\n Other treatments include chemically-induced menopause and as a last resort, surgery to remove the ovaries and sometimes the uterus.<\/p>\n More information about PMDD symptoms and treatments can be found at on the NHS Wales website\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n If you feel that you may be about to harm yourself, call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E or call the Samaritans (call free on 116 123)<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”24px||0px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||34px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our overall aim is to improve awareness of PMDD in Wales and enable more joined-up care<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On average it takes 12 years to get a diagnosis of PMDD, with many people going undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed. Some people with PMDD may find that their symptoms are normalised or dismissed by healthcare professionals who lack training on PMDD. PMDD patients will see, on average, 6 different healthcare professionals before getting their diagnosis.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In Wales, the lack of awareness of PMDD can often result in delays in diagnosis and difficulties accessing joined-up healthcare<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”48px” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We need to:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”lead” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#003E51″ custom_padding=”||3px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||54px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”treatment” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Laura-T-PMDD_1000px.jpg” title_text=”Laura-T-PMDD_1000px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “I campaign for FTWW because if I had been aware of PMDD earlier, I would have accessed treatment sooner, dramatically improving my quality of life. No one should have to suffer unnecessarily due to a lack of awareness or inadequate healthcare. I am determined to make things better for the next generation\u2014not just for those with PMDD, but for all women and people registered female at birth.<\/p>\n I believe that everyone deserves access to appropriate, effective healthcare that addresses their needs. FTWW has been a vital source of support for me as a patient, helping me navigate my own health challenges. Beyond that, being part of FTWW has given me a sense of purpose. It has empowered me to be part of something larger than myself\u2014an effort to drive meaningful change.<\/p>\n By raising awareness and advocating for fair treatment, I hope to ensure that others don\u2019t face the same struggles I have done, and that they receive the healthcare they need and deserve.”<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wcm9qZWN0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjIwMTI0MCJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Read Laura’s story” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#77ddc9″ button_border_radius=”39px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||54px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”treatment” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BecciS-PMDD-1000px.jpg” title_text=”BecciS-PMDD-1000px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “In 2022, after being diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), I began volunteering with FTWW. It became strikingly evident to me that women and individuals registered female at birth with PMDD were facing disjointed care delivery. Those with PMDD were being discharged from Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) services without the critical support they urgently require in crisis situations, as it is a gynaecological condition, not mental health.<\/p>\n I became passionate about driving systemic changes where I could for current PMDD patients, those facing the agonising average 12-year wait for correct diagnosis, and for future generations.<\/p>\n Within Wales, there is a notable absence of resources tailored to Welsh-speaking patients, contributing to unnecessary barriers in accessing advice and support, and there was a disparity in the information healthcare professionals were receiving, which meant patients often had to battle for safe treatments, even after receiving a diagnosis.<\/p>\n Everyone should be afforded safe and equitable healthcare regardless of how that looks for each person. Healthcare professionals should be provided the tools, knowledge, and support to do this, and patients have a role to play. FTWW has allowed me to be a part of these changes.”<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wcm9qZWN0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjIwMTI0MiJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Read Becci’s story” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#77ddc9″ button_border_radius=”39px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”achievements” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”29px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||19px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our campaign activity to improve the lives of those with PMDD is extensive. Some of our achievements are outlined below:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F8F7E7″ icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(3,155,132,0.72)” z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_5_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n FTWW PMDD Champions, Becci and Laura attended the All-Wales Menopause Conference where they shared their lived experiences of PMDD with a range of healthcare professionals in Wales<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Becci and Laura spoke at Every Woman Festival about living with PMDD, and Laura and FTWW Engagement Officer, Dee Montague, co-delivered a \u201cPlanning For Your Medical Appointments\u201d Workshop, which was later adapted for an online audience – view a recording of the webinar<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n FTWW PMDD Champion Laura provided her patient story for Health Education and Improvement Wales\u2019 PMS\/PMDD e-learning webinar, which was co-produced with FTWW and PMDD Patient Champion LTJ.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F8F7E7″ icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(3,155,132,0.72)” z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_5_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder (PMDD)<\/h2>\n
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What are we calling for?<\/h2>\n
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Our champion: Laura T<\/span><\/h2>\n
Our champion: Becci S<\/span><\/h2>\n
What have we achieved?<\/h2>\n
We raise awareness through events, media, training and fundraising<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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We take part in consultations, advisory boards and co-production of healthcare<\/strong><\/h5>\n