Premenstrual disorders can make life incredibly miserable. Any woman who’s struggled with PMS will know that, and I covered that specific issue in the closing episode to Season 5. This episode is a follow-on from that, as I drill down into PMDD – premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Although it occurs in the 2nd half of the cycle, this isn’t just a severe form of PMS. It’s a hormone-based mood disorder caused by a severe reaction to the natural fluctuations of oestrogen and progesterone which can lead to intense emotional reactions, depression, negativity, brain fog and fatigue, amongst other things. There are no prizes for guessing that PMDD can get a lot worse during the perimenopause which is why I’ve drafted in some expert advice on this.

My guest is Dr Lynsay Mathews. She’s a lecturer in Public Health at the University of the West of Scotland and a leading researcher into PMDD, a condition she’s struggled with herself. Lynsay launched the UK’s first PMDD research agenda and works with a team of researchers on several studies covering a range of PMDD issues. She’s just the woman we need for such a complex subject.

We discuss what PMMD is; why it might happen; how it can affect you and your loved ones; how you know you’ve got it and the challenges of diagnosis. Lynsay talks through her own personal story of PMDD and how it inspired her to initiate numerous research projects into the condition. We look at the stats around PMDD and the number of unsuspecting women who may be struggling with symptoms. She also explains the various treatment options that are available.

It's an incredibly thought-provoking discussion and made me wonder just how many women out there might have PMDD and don’t realise it. If you suspect that it might be an issue for you and you’d like to find out more and perhaps sign up for one Lynsay’s studies, I’ve put all the relevant links in the show notes.

This month, the Happy Menopause Club is covering best breakfasts, there’s a live Q&A on nutrition for bone health and you can discover 7 key things you need to know about the perimenopause. Sign up at thehappymenopause.com for just £6 a month for bonus episodes, nutrition Q&As, menopause masterclasses, special offers and more!

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Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest.

Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my latest book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish.