Kristina’s Journey on Married at First Sight and Raising Awareness
In a powerful moment on Married at First Sight, Kristina opened up about her experience with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), a severe and often misunderstood condition that affects many women. Her candid discussion revealed how deeply PMDD impacts her daily life, including her relationships, energy levels, and overall mental health. For Kristina, PMDD is more than just a “bad mood” or difficult premenstrual symptoms—it’s an all-consuming condition that can last up to two weeks each month, often derailing her sense of control and well-being.
Understanding what PMDD is
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) that affects about 5-8% of women of reproductive age. Unlike PMS, PMDD is more intense and disruptive, causing significant emotional and physical distress. The symptoms start during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation) and can last until menstruation begins, which means women may experience these debilitating symptoms for 5 to 14 days each month.
PMDD isn’t just about mood swings; it’s a complex condition that can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including work, social relationships, and mental health. Women with PMDD often feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and disconnected, which can strain even the closest relationships—something Kristina has bravely shared as part of her journey on the show.
Common Symptoms of PMDD
- Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships
- Fatigue or low energy
- Sadness or hopelessness, possibly accompanied by suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Feeling out of control
- Food cravings or binge eating
- Severe mood swings, often leading to bouts of crying
- Irritability or anger that impacts others
- Physical symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain
- Problems with sleep, including hypersomnia (sleeping up to 14 hours and still feeling exhausted)
- Trouble concentrating or focusing
PMDD affects both body and mind, making everyday tasks feel overwhelming and leaving sufferers exhausted, irritable, and often disconnected from their relationships. At times, the hopelessness becomes so overwhelming that it can lead to thoughts of suicide—something that highlights how critical mental health support is for people with this condition.
Living with PMDD
Kristina’s experience is not unique. Many women with PMDD struggle to get through their daily routines, as the condition can sap energy, cloud thinking, and make interactions feel emotionally charged or tense. Another challenge of PMDD is hypersomnia, where people can sleep for several hours a day and still feel utterly exhausted. This sleep disturbance can make it hard to maintain consistent energy, especially when paired with the other emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD.
Moreover, PMDD can affect relationships, often leading to misunderstandings, frustration, or even conflict. Partners, family members, and friends may not fully understand what a person with PMDD is going through, which can create distance or emotional strain. For Kristina, PMDD has been a significant factor in her relationship on Married at First Sight, showing how this condition doesn’t just affect the individual—it affects everyone around them.
Why More Awareness and Research Are Needed
Despite how debilitating PMDD, it’s still relatively unknown and often underdiagnosed. Many women struggle for years without a diagnosis, sometimes attributing their symptoms to stress or other mental health conditions. Kristina’s story from Married at First Sight shines a spotlight on why more awareness, research, and understanding are crucial. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PMDD, and many women must go through trial and error with different therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes to find relief.
PMDD FAQ
Q: How is PMDD different from PMS?
A: While both PMDD and PMS occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, PMDD is much more severe. PMS can cause mild mood swings and discomfort, but PMDD includes more intense emotional and physical symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Q: What causes PMDD?
A: The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly an abnormal reaction to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone.
Q: How long do PMDD symptoms last?
A: PMDD symptoms typically begin after ovulation and last until menstruation starts. This can be anywhere from 5 to 14 days, making nearly half the month difficult for those with the condition.
Q: What are the treatment options for PMDD?
A: Treatment options vary and can include lifestyle changes, antidepressants (SSRIs), hormonal therapies like birth control, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It often takes time to find a combination that works for each individual.
Q: How can partners support someone with PMDD?
A: Communication, empathy, and understanding are key. It’s important to recognise that the emotional and physical symptoms are beyond the person’s control, and offering support during the challenging days of the cycle can help reduce tension and improve the relationship.