The Bachelorette Australia 2019‘s Angie Kent has opened up about her health after being diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The 32-year-old was diagnosed with PMDD, a hormonal condition that triggers extreme mood swings, in early 2022 after having a third laparoscopy for her polycystic ovarian syndrome and a major hormone imbalance.
Chatting with The Daily Telegraph, Angie said the condition is most prevalent “leading up to [her] period”.
“Leading up to my period, I’m a different person. I thought I was bipolar. I was so manic and completely not myself,” she explained.
Noting that PMDD makes her “feel like an alien” and “like somebody has taken over [her] body”, the TV star said she often experiences “thoughts every day Angie wouldn’t have”.
When experiencing a PMDD episode, Angie admitted she feels like a “psychopath” and is unable to socialise.
“I am much more sensitive to things, I find it very difficult to concentrate,” she told the outlet. “I am functioning, but I am not present, I am floating.
“Everything hurts; you can’t explain that; people would think I’ve been on a bender; with more education they would understand.”
What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?
Monash University Professor of Psychiatry Jayashri Kulkarni told The Daily Telegraph that PMDD usually occurs seven to 10 days before menstruation.
The condition often leaves the person “incapacitated, not being able to get out of bed, with terrible sadness, rage, suicidal thinking and brain fog.”
While PMDD can affect up to 15 per cent of the reproductive age group, Professor Kulkarni said that the “very serious condition” is “classically underplayed” and overlooked.
“PMDD is a dumb name. PMDD carries dreadful morbidity and even mortality,” Professor Kulkarni said.
“With conditions that are fluctuating, it’s seen as ‘is it real or is it put on’.”
As such, Angie hopes further discussion and research will put an end to “medical gaslighting”.
“I want to create a space for people to be diagnosed quicker and get the right help instead of having to suffer for as long as I did.”
The former Gogglebox Australia star also suffers from endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and interstitial cystitis.
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