Vicky Pattinson is shining a light on the reality of living with PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a more severe form of PMS that can have an incredibly intense impact on your day-to-day life.

Speaking about living with the disorder, Vicky said many people don't understand just how difficult it can be.

She admitted she's tired of online trolls mocking her and claiming she's made up the condition to stay relevant.

"I'm not new to this industry & I've had my fair share of criticism over the years. I'd like to think I've developed a thick skin when it comes to trolling. However, what annoys me most about these pathetic comments is the message it sends. That women who talk openly & honestly about their pain are fantasists, dramatic, or just after attention."

She said women already have to go through so much so the last thing they need are keyboard warriors doubting their health issues.

"I know the level of pain & desperation most women have to be experiencing to speak up. Because we've been conditioned for years to believe we just need to 'suck it up' and 'get on with it."

She said it takes a lot for women to speak out about this disorder and the last thing anyone should do is underestimate their pain.

"PMDD, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS and everything in between are heartbreaking & debilitating conditions that are driving women to despair and early & often unnecessary hysterectomies- if you can't give these women the empathy and compassion they deserve I really suggest you say nothing. Or educate yourself. Because your misogyny is showing hun," Vicky said.

PMDD is a condition that affects around 5.5% of women in Ireland but what are the symptoms?

PMDD is a severe and debilitating condition, but medical experts still don't know what causes it.

Symptoms will vary by patient but the main symptoms include:

• Depressed mood, sadness, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness
• Increased anxiety, tension, or the feeling of being on edge all the time
• Mood swings
• Self-critical thoughts, increased sensitivity to rejection
• Frequent or sudden tearfulness
• Increased irritability, anger, or both
• Conflict with family, coworkers, or friends
• Decreased interest in normal activities
• Concentration problems
• Fatigue, lethargy, or lack of energy
• Changes in appetite, such as binge eating, overeating, or craving certain foods
• Changes in sleep pattern, such as excessive sleeping or difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control
• Physical symptoms, such as breast swelling or tenderness, headaches, joint or muscle aches, weight gain, and bloating

You should book an appointment with your healthcare provider if you think you may have PMDD.

There is no cure for the chronic condition but there are things patients can do to help ease their symptoms.

They include regular exercise, stress management, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, birth control pills, and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Your doctor may also suggest changing your diet to increase protein and carbohydrates and decrease sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol.

They may also recommend taking vitamin B-6, calcium, and magnesium.

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