Menstruation is a common occurrence in women, but the stigma around it makes it a rare discussion out in the open.
However, we are taking a step further to talk about the most severe premenstrual disorder, known as Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
This disorder usually occurs a week before menstruation and can be explained by symptoms of headache, bloating, breast tenderness, severe anxiety, mood changes, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
Before we look at the stars who have been diagnosed with PMDD, let’s understand this disorder and its cause first.
What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?
PMDD is a dreadful form of premenstrual syndrome (PNS) and affects women of childbearing age.
It is a chronic and painful condition that requires treatments and attention, lifestyle changes, and medication.
What Causes Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?
Unfortunately, there is no known cause of PMDD. However, decreasing estrogen and progesterone hormones before menstruation and after ovulation may trigger PMDD symptoms.
Additionally, a brain chemical (serotonin) that aids in regulating sleep, mood, and hunger also plays a role in provoking PMDD.
Stars Who Have Been Diagnosed with PMDD
Below is a compiled list of top female stars who have been diagnosed with PMDD.
1. Vicky Pattison
We kick off our list with the author, radio host, and former ‘I’m A Celebrity winner’ Vicky Pattison, who was diagnosed with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
As she says, she was struggling with PMDD symptoms for years without ending a week before her period without knowing the cause of such debilitating symptoms.
2. Zara Larsson
Zara Larsson, a chart-smashing popstar, got real and talked about her struggle with PMDD. The singer faces horrendous anxiety, and she barely gets out of bed a week before her period.
She opened up to the world at Radio 1’s Big Weekend that PMDD causes hair physical and emotional symptoms that get severe and hard to deal with.
3. Dixie D’Amelio
The TikTok star Dixie D’Amelo was also diagnosed with PMDD. She explained the impact on her attitude, personality, and anxiety, which even affected her relationship.
The social media influencer added that she had to deal with this condition for more than seven years without knowing the cause. Though she was diagnosed with PMDD, she at least knows what she is dealing with.
4. Gia Allemand
The late Gia Allemand was an American model, actress, and reality show contestant. She was famous for her actress role in ‘On the Wings of Love.‘
At only the age of 29, she took her own life by hanging from a vacuum cleaner cord around her neck in August 2013 and was pronounced dead a while later.
This is one case study of how PMDD is concerning and needs to be addressed as it brings suicidal thoughts among people suffering from it.
5. Zara Peerzada
Zara Peerzada, a model famous for magazine and shot cover, also suffered from PMDD.
She opened up on the symptoms that had become extremely mentally taxing, which included extreme anger, anxiety, irritability, and despondency.
6. Bridget Malcolm
The Perth-born and Victoria’s Secret model Bridget Malcolm was deeply affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which was diagnosed in 2018.
She explained that she could think of her husband as a stranger and admitted that the antidepressant that she took saved her life due to the weird, dark thoughts.
7. Ellisha Blake
Elliisha Blake, the English actress best known for the television series ‘Brave World’ and ‘Stand Up Sketch,’ shares on Twitter how she was diagnosed with PMDD. At Tiktok, she is popularly known as the PMDD girlie because she shares her story with PMDD.
8. Lindsey Gurk
Lindsey Gurk, the journalist and entertainment/lifestyle TV host, also opened up on TikTok about the highly uncomfortable thoughts she had before her menses, which she kept to herself for a long time.
Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with PMDD and decided to share her story to encourage other women experiencing the same silently.
9. Emily Jane Yates
The renowned English lecturer at Clemson University explained how PMDD made her violent with suicidal thoughts.
She went further to explain how her mood swings could cause her to lose her grip on reality and weirdly believe that her boyfriend was dead.
10. Kira Knuckey
The famous yoga teacher also had her episodes with PMDD for years. She had struggled with moodiness, period problems, anxiety, and dark thoughts that were tragically disturbing.
However, when she was diagnosed with PMDD, it’s when she realized the cause of the behavior.
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The stigma surrounding period talks is still alive. However, the fear has eroded in recent years, and notable stars boldly speak of their period problems to help others with the same fate.
