Content advisory: this episode contains themes of suicide and self-harm
Joining Dr Louise on this week’s podcast is Wendy Barker. Wendy experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first child in the late 80s and was later diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome.
‘For probably three weeks of the month, I was like a coiled spring,’ Wendy recalls.
‘And the only way that I would get anything sort of relief from that would be to either rage, scream, shout, and then there'd be the tears. And then I would think that's it until it starts all over again.’
Wendy movingly describes the impact of PMDD on her physical and mental health and her relationship with her family, her fight for a diagnosis and ongoing access to treatment, plus her advice for others in similar situations.
You can find more information about PMDD in Dr Louise’s book, the Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause. And you can listen back to episode 216 of the podcast with Dr Hannah Ward on progesterone, PMDD, postnatal depression and menopause.
Click here for more information on Newson Health.
Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
057 - The Irish Menopause - Sallyanne Brady, Claire Peel & Dr Louise Newson
056 - ’balance’ Menopause App - Jane Oglesby & Dr Louise Newson
055 - Exercise & the Menopause - Janette Cardy & Dr Louise Newson
054 - The Basics About HRT - Dr Rebecca Lewis & Dr Louise Newson
053 - The costs of the menopause - Professor Philip Sarrel & Dr Louise Newson
052 - The Benefits of Body Identical Progesterone - Professor James Simon & Dr Louise Newson
051 - Breast Cancer & Menopause - Dr Tony Branson & Dr Louise Newson
050 - Empowering Women to Receive the Right Menopause Advice - Liz Earle MBE & Dr Louise Newson
049 - Anti-ageing, Hormones & Healthy Living - John Stirling & Dr Louise Newson
048 - Newson Health in the North - Dr Zoe Hodson & Dr Louise Newson
047 - Fermented Foods & Gut Health - Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson
046 - Menopause Education for Nurses - Mandy Garland, Sharon Hartmann & Dr Louise Newson
045 - Menopause Yoga - Petra Coveney & Dr Louise Newson
044 - Gransnet & the Menopause - Cari Rosen & Dr Louise Newson
043 - Changing the Language Around Menopause and Midlife - Lorraine Candy & Dr Louise Newson
042 - The Big M - Kate Irvine & Dr Louise Newson
041 - You Are Feeling Sleeeepy - Kathryn Pinkham & Dr Louise Newson
040 - ’Supporting Your Immunity’ - Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson
039 - Oestrogen Matters - Dr Avrum Bluming & Dr Louise Newson
038 - Research on Testosterone & Menopause - Lauren Redfern & Dr Louise Newson
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