GP laughed at woman with debilitating PMDD that sparked ‘uncontrollable rage’
“There were times when I needed a padded cell for a few days, that’s how I felt,” Laura Nicholson said. “I can see myself doing things, I can see myself saying things but I can’t take myself back, it’s scary.”
The Derbyshire woman, now 45, knew she needed help when she started experiencing “uncontrollable” anger that left her fearful for her son and husband.
She was later diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, a serious hormone-based mood condition that affects one in 20 menstruators.
But Ms. Nicholson had to defend herself to get a diagnosis and treatment. When her symptoms worsened after the birth of her son, who is now 11, she consulted her doctor for advice.
“Everything came back and got worse. I told my husband, ‘I have to do something about this,'” she said Independent.
However, he said the doctor laughed at him. “I turned to him between sobs and said: ‘I’m glad you think that’s funny.’”
She was then referred to a specialist women’s health unit who provided her with the help she needed. Ms Nicholson said that although GPs cannot be experts in every area, she thinks they need to listen more and believe women who say their symptoms are abnormal.
The GP said of women defending themselves during surgeries: “You should leave your dignity at the door and pick it up on the way out.
“Just when you think you’re the only one going through this, you’re not. If I can help one person have the courage to go to their doctor and ask for help, then I’ve done my job.”
PMDD causes debilitating psychological symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to the next period. It is considered a serious form of premenstrual syndrome and is related to hormones, but its exact causes are not fully understood. Common symptoms may include thoughts of murder and suicide, intense anger and self-hatred, and a desire to withdraw.
According to the charity International Association of Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), 72 per cent of PMDD sufferers experience suicidal thoughts and 34 per cent will attempt to take their own life, but Ms Nicholson did not experience these symptoms.
He is determined to continue treatment because he does not want his family to be affected by his involuntary behavior.
“I don’t want my child to grow up thinking his mother is a monster, I don’t want my husband to be subjected to domestic violence,” she added.
A mix of hormonal therapy (injections that stop your ovaries from producing estrogen, followed by medications to restore estrogen) and a “healthy obsession” with exercise helps keep her symptoms at bay without antidepressants, but many people use them.
Ms Nicholson said the injections had given her a “new lease of life” and she was now on a waiting list to have a hysterectomy to further improve her symptoms.
A recent report from the Women and Equalities Committee found that stigma, lack of understanding and “medical misogyny” contribute to women suffering from gynecological conditions being dismissed from doctors’ surgeries and, in some cases, waiting years for diagnosis and effective treatment.
People with PMDD can currently expect to wait an average of 12 years for diagnosis.
Phoebe Williams, 29, founded a charity called. PMDD Project To raise awareness and support for this condition in 2024.
The charity contributed to the recognition of PMDD as a serious medical condition as part of its recent Women’s Health Strategy refresh and hopes this will be a “turning point” for society. “Knowledge can give people hope,” he said.
Dr Julie Riddell and Dr Lynsay Matthews from the University of St Andrews also developed this method. UK Research Agenda for PMDDIt identified the main priorities for future work on this condition.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Women with PMDD have been failed for too long. Too often their symptoms are ignored or normalized and this needs to change.”
“Our refreshed Women’s Health Strategy will ensure women are heard, taken seriously and referred to the right professional first time through a single access referral point, from the first appointment.
“We are also committed to improving collaboration between the mental health and women’s health sectors by improving understanding of the links between female hormones and mental health, including conditions such as PMDD.”
An NHS spokesman said: “Dismissive behavior towards any patient is unacceptable and the NHS is clear that women’s symptoms should always be taken seriously.
“That’s why we’re working with the government to introduce a revamped Women’s Health Strategy, launched this week, which will see doctors and mental health professionals work side by side to understand how female hormones affect mental health and ensure conditions such as PMDD are never overlooked.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or finding it difficult to cope, you can speak to Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit . Samaritans Website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are a US resident and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call or text 988 or visit: 988lifeline.org To access online chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis helpline available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country you can go www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you.
