Available for over a year

For some women, the two-week luteal phase of their menstrual cycle can be extremely disruptive and life altering. PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is mental health disorder directly linked to regular hormonal fluctuations that take place during a cycle. People living with PMDD can experience anger, anxiety, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts which then stops shortly after menstruation begins. Two women, Shariya in the US and Janna in Germany tell us how PMDD has impacted them.

There’s very little scientific research about why PMDD happens and the signs or symptoms can be missed by doctors. We hear from BBC Health Reporter Ruth Clegg, who’s been reporting on how social media has shifted perceptions of the disorder, and led to changes around how doctors screen for symptoms.

If you are affected by any of the issues in this episode, or suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Benita Barden, Ash Mohamed and Adam Chowdhury
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde

Programme WebsiteShow less

“I want to have a child, but I also want to be sane.”

Marianne Barry, 29, from Cardiff, has pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition which can cause symptoms of severe anxiety or even suicidal thoughts.

It affects as many as 8% of women, yet the average wait time for a diagnosis is around 12 years.

The main treatment to manage PMDD symptoms is contraception, but for women like Marianne who wish to become pregnant this poses a dilemma.

In a statement, the Welsh government said it was “determined to improve the diagnosis, treatment and awareness of conditions affecting women,” including PMDD.

Video edited by Greg Davies