Women are being left feeling suicidal for two weeks of every month because of a condition - but a treatment trial in Liverpool is looking to help.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a health problem similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but is more serious.
It affects about one in twenty women, leaving them disabled, depressed and often suicidal for two weeks of every single month.
But a new treatment, which is currently being trialled at Liverpool Women's Hospital, will look to see if a natural substance from the body can be used to dampen the effect of the hormone that triggers PMDD. If successful, it would be the first treatment of its kind.
Dr Paula Briggs is the lead study investigator on the project at the Liverpool Women's Hospital and said the trial could be "massive" for women suffering with this debilitating condition.
She said: "The patients we’re recruiting are highly motivated.
"I think they’re proud to be involved, they know this drug won’t be available instantly after the trial, but they’re committed to volunteering so other women won’t have to suffer like they have.
"There really hasn’t been anything like this treatment before."
There are currently 40 women involved on the trial - and virtually all of them have tried other treatments for their PMDD that have not worked.
Speaking about the condition, Dr Briggs added: "PMDD symptoms include anger, irritability and uncontrollable emotional outbreaks.
"It’s a complex condition that often straddles many mental health issues.
"So the need for careful, thorough screening is critical to be absolutely sure that volunteers have pure hormonal PMDD not exacerbated by any other mental health conditons. Such careful screening takes a lot of time and sensitvity."
What is PMDD?
According to the mental health charity MIND, PMDD includes some of the following symptoms in the week or two before a period, although everyone experiences it differently:
- Mood swings
- Feeling upset, tearful, angry, irritable or anxious
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of energy
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Suicidal feelings
- Muscle or joint pain
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Feeling bloated
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep problems
