If 29-year-old Marianne Barry doesn't take the contraceptive pill each day, she could have symptoms of severe anxiety or even suicidal thoughts. Marianne has pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition which affects as many as 8% of women, but for which the average wait time for a diagnosis is around 12 years. Contraception remains the primary course of treatment for women living with PMDD, but for women who wish to become pregnant this poses a dilemma. "I want to have a child, but I also want to be sane," said Marianne. The Welsh government said it was "determined to improve the diagnosis, treatment and awareness of conditions affecting women", including PMDD. Marianne, a teaching assistant from Cardiff, spent eight years going back and forth to her GP before seeking a private diagnosis two years ago, when her symptoms became overwhelming. "I would wake up in the morning and I could feel this thing bubbling up inside of me," she said. "It was like my brain was almost hot with feelings of anger, being upset, anxiety – the anxiety was just insane." She began to realise that her symptoms coincided with her menstrual cycle, and started to make a record of them. "I could feel it and I'd go 'OK, well I know my period's coming.'" Before she was prescribed the contraceptive pill, Marianne's symptoms would re-appear each month, which she said left her in a constant cycle of anxiety. "You almost feel like you've made it up because you have this really bad low and then everything seems to start getting better again as you're coming towards that ovulation period." According to theNHS, symptoms of PMDD are "similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life". Symptoms can include: The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but the average wait time for a diagnosis is around 12 years in Wales. Dr Llinos Roberts, a GP, believes this is due to a lack of research. "The treatment options are somewhat limited and I think this reflects the lack of research historically that's gone into health issues particularly affecting women," said Dr Roberts. "The options we have are contraception, which helps reduce the symptoms of PMDD. Also you've got the options of treating the actual symptoms with CBT and antidepressants." For Marianne, who wants children in the future, the idea of coming off her medication and her symptoms potentially returning is too daunting for her. "There's no certainty that you're going to get pregnant, you don't know how long it's going to take. So, I want to have a child but I also want to be sane," she said. "I'm too scared to come off my pill now." Corinne Sinclair, 30, from Cardiff, was diagnosed with PMDD two months ago and is currently trying for a baby. Antidepressants are her only treatment option but she has been told by doctors that if she gets pregnant, she will have to think about coming off those too. "I think more research could be done into PMDD to give women more options that isn't just taking the contraceptive pill," said Corrine. "It's a bit of a cop-out really and I feel they tend to do that with a lot of women's issues." Corinne also has endometriosis, which can make conceiving a child more difficult. She said the worry of this, and the potential return of her PMDD symptoms - which include dark thoughts and struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed - caused her a lot of stress. "When you're trying for a baby, it's supposed to be an exciting and happy time and it is, and I'm still hopeful and looking forward to it, but there is that niggly worry at the back of your head," she said. "After having the baby, am I going to suffer with my mental health? "During pregnancy, am I going to be really unwell mentally?" Dr Roberts said PMDD could be difficult to diagnose as it was often mistaken for depression or anxiety. She advised women with suspected PMDD to keep a detailed diary of their symptoms, to keep track of when they occur and subside, and to provide that evidence to their GP. She said there was no silver bullet for women with PMDD who wanted to have children. "This can be very challenging for women who want to conceive but know that if they come off their contraception that's likely to exacerbate their PMDD symptoms," she said. "If they're somebody who has significant PMDD symptoms, it's a matter of balancing the pros and cons of coming off contraception." The Welsh government said its Women's Health Plan for Wales outlined how it was "determined to improve the diagnosis, treatment and awareness of conditions affecting women". "Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is included as part of the menstrual health priority area within the plan," a spokesperson said. "Funding of £3m will be used to deliver the actions in the plan." Additional reporting by Dani Thomas.
Women scared to get pregnant due to overlooked disorder
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Women Face Challenges of PMDD While Considering Pregnancy"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Marianne Barry, a 29-year-old teaching assistant from Cardiff, struggles with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a debilitating condition that affects up to 8% of women yet has an average diagnosis wait time of 12 years. For Marianne, the daily necessity of taking the contraceptive pill to manage her severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts presents a significant dilemma as she contemplates motherhood. After spending eight years seeking a diagnosis, she was finally diagnosed privately two years ago when her symptoms became unbearable. She described her experience, noting how her anxiety would intensify in sync with her menstrual cycle, leading to a constant state of distress. The Welsh government has acknowledged the importance of improving diagnosis and treatment for conditions like PMDD, aiming to increase awareness and support for affected women. However, for those like Marianne who wish to get pregnant, the fear of discontinuing medication and experiencing a resurgence of symptoms complicates their plans for starting a family.
Corinne Sinclair, another Cardiff resident diagnosed with PMDD two months ago, is also facing challenges as she tries to conceive. Currently, antidepressants are her only treatment option, but the prospect of needing to stop taking them during pregnancy raises concerns about her mental health. Corinne, who also suffers from endometriosis, expressed her frustrations about the limited treatment options available for PMDD, suggesting that more research is needed to provide women with alternatives beyond contraceptive pills. Both women highlight the emotional turmoil of trying to conceive while dealing with the fear of PMDD symptoms returning. Dr. Llinos Roberts, a GP, emphasized the need for accurate diagnosis and symptom tracking to help women manage their condition better. The Welsh government has committed £3 million to address women's health issues, including PMDD, as part of their Women’s Health Plan, recognizing the urgent need for improved support and understanding of this often-overlooked disorder.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the struggles faced by women like Marianne Barry who suffer from pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), emphasizing the long wait times for diagnosis and the challenges of managing symptoms, particularly concerning pregnancy. It sheds light on a significant health issue that remains under-discussed, aiming to raise awareness about PMDD and the need for better treatment options.
Awareness and Advocacy
The main objective of the article is to advocate for increased awareness and understanding of PMDD, a condition that affects a notable percentage of women yet receives limited attention. By sharing Marianne's personal experience, the article aims to resonate with readers and potentially mobilize support for better health policies and practices.
Public Perception
The narrative is designed to evoke empathy and concern within the community regarding the hardships faced by women with PMDD. It seeks to challenge the stigma surrounding menstrual disorders and promote discussions on women's health issues that are often overlooked.
Information Gaps
While the article does not explicitly state that there are hidden agendas, it does imply that there may be systemic issues in the healthcare system, such as a lack of research and recognition of PMDD. It suggests that the prolonged diagnosis time reflects broader neglect of women's health issues.
Reliability of the Content
The information presented appears credible based on the inclusion of statistics, personal stories, and expert opinions from healthcare professionals. However, the emotional tone may influence how the facts are perceived, potentially leading to a degree of manipulation in the narrative.
Comparative Analysis
In relation to other health articles, this one stands out due to its focus on a specific disorder that is often overshadowed by discussions of more commonly recognized conditions. It may connect to broader conversations about women's health rights and healthcare accessibility.
Potential Impact
This article could influence public opinion on healthcare policies, especially those affecting women's health. It could lead to increased advocacy for research funding and improved healthcare practices for conditions like PMDD, which might also resonate with political agendas focusing on women's rights.
Target Audience
The piece is likely to appeal to women, particularly those who have experienced similar symptoms or who are advocates for women's health issues. It may also reach healthcare professionals and policymakers interested in improving health services.
Economic Considerations
While this article may not have direct implications for stock markets, companies involved in women's health products or mental health treatments might experience shifts in consumer interest based on increased awareness of PMDD.
Global Relevance
The issues discussed in this article are relevant globally, as PMDD and similar disorders affect women worldwide. The ongoing discourse around women's health is pertinent in many countries and aligns with current trends in feminism and health advocacy.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were employed in crafting the article, particularly in structuring the narrative or analyzing data. However, the human element of personal storytelling suggests a more traditional journalistic approach. If AI was involved, it may have influenced the presentation of statistics or the synthesis of expert opinions.
The article aligns with broader movements advocating for women's health, yet it does not appear to promote any specific agenda beyond raising awareness. Overall, the reliability of the information seems strong, although the emotional framing may lead to biases in interpretation.