Women grappling with health issues associated with their menstrual cycle can often face difficulties getting a diagnosis. But for Kris Stanley, the news she was living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder acted as a lifeline, after years of uncertainty.
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00:00After more than a decade of questioning her extreme mood swings in the lead up to her period,
00:08Chris Stanley finally discovered it wasn't just in her head.
00:13She was living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD.
00:18It was like someone had turned the lights on.
00:21It made what seemed like just nonsense or an overreaction or whatever you want to call it,
00:31it actually made a lot of things make sense.
00:34Among other symptoms, PMDD can cause severe depression and anxiety
00:39during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
00:42You still have to get up and make the lunches and be a mum and be a present human
00:48and then go to work, and all at the same time, you know, in your head,
00:53you can be just questioning, you know, your point in life.
00:57The condition is considered underdiagnosed.
01:00It was Dr Niamh Leonard who picked up on Chris's symptoms.
01:04If you don't know what's going on, it's very distressing,
01:07even being able to educate those around you, particularly family members.
01:11I've seen a lot of women whose relationships have really suffered
01:15and due to really the lack of understanding.
01:17She's since diagnosed dozens of women, mostly in their mid to late 30s.
01:22With suicidal ideation a common symptom,
01:25Dr Leonard says she's seen how identifying the condition can save lives.
01:30So if women can recognise it, so from public education and general awareness,
01:36also amongst healthcare workers, they will feel better themselves
01:40and then everyone will benefit.
01:42Chris, relieved she can explain her experience to her sons and partner.
01:47Hopefully we can get a little bit more understanding and empathy for women in general
01:51when they're going through something that is pretty full on.
01:55A step in the right direction after decades of misunderstanding.
02:00Thank you very much.