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
017 - The Benefits of Yoga - Lucy Holtom & Dr Louise Newson
016 - The Importance of a Plant-Based Diet - Edward Joy & Dr Louise Newson
015 - Menopause and Nursing - Diane Porterfield & Dr Louise Newson
014 - Getting the right menopause information - Diane Danzebrink & Dr Louise Newson
013 - HRT and Breast Cancer - Liz Earle MBE & Dr Louise Newson
012 - Gut Matters - Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson
010 - MegsMenopause - Meg Mathews & Dr Louise Newson
009 - Gynaecologial Cancers & Eve Appeal - Athena Lamnisos & Dr Louise Newson
008 - Migraines & Menopause - GP & Menopause Expert Dr Sarah Ball & Dr Louise Newson
007 - Campaigning for improved menopause care - Diane Danzebrink & Dr Louise Newson
006 - Importance of discussing menopause early - Meg Mathews, Athena Lamnisos & Dr Louise Newson
005 - Comparing hormones in menopausal women to teenagers - Nurse Tracy Rutter & Dr Louise Newson
004 - Education about the menopause - Practice Manager Sarah Baker & Dr Louise Newson
003 - Menopause & Depression - GP & Menopause Expert Dr Rebecca Lewis & Dr Louise Newson
002 - Improving Education About the Menopause - PCWHF Director, Karl Hamer & Dr Louise Newson
001 - Symptoms and Effective Treatment for Women Experiencing the Menopause - Dr Sarah Ball & Dr Louise Newson
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