London Woman's Years of Mystery Symptoms Finally Explained by PMDD Diagnosis
Polly Martinovic, a 29-year-old London resident, has revealed how she suffered through years of debilitating physical and emotional symptoms before finally receiving a diagnosis for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Her journey began after the tragic loss of her sister five and a half years ago, which triggered a cascade of health issues that went unexplained for years.
The Struggle for Recognition
Polly experienced a range of severe symptoms including breast pain, persistent bloating, chronic fatigue, anxiety attacks, panic episodes, and dark thoughts. Despite repeatedly seeking medical help, she felt dismissed by general practitioners who attributed her condition to simple hormonal sensitivity or depression. "Nobody had mentioned PMDD to me at all; I had no idea what it was," Polly explained. "I was just told I was a little bit sensitive to hormonal changes."
The mental health charity Mind describes PMDD as an extremely severe form of premenstrual syndrome affecting approximately 31 million women and girls worldwide. It causes both emotional and physical symptoms during the week or two before menstruation. While exact causes remain unclear, research suggests genetic factors and trauma may contribute to the condition.
Cyclical Pattern Leads to Breakthrough
Polly eventually noticed her symptoms followed a cyclical pattern connected to her luteal phase. After two years of worsening symptoms, she paid for a private consultation with a hormone specialist in early 2023, where she finally received her PMDD diagnosis. "I wasn't sure mentally whether this was grief that I was suffering from," she recalled. "I was told that I was depressed, and I was put on antidepressants."
The National Health Service lists several potential PMDD treatments including:
- Antidepressant medications
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Induced menopause through medication or surgery
- Therapy and lifestyle modifications
Treatment Challenges and Holistic Transformation
Polly initially tried hormone replacement therapy with synthetic oestrogen and progesterone, but a severe reaction forced her to stop treatment, causing her condition to deteriorate rapidly. "I remember one day I was at home with my mum," she shared. "I was having a really bad episode, and I was like, I can't do this anymore. I don't want to be here anymore."
The situation became so difficult that Polly had to move from London back to her parents' home in Devon, losing her independence and struggling to maintain relationships. "You're on this cycle, building yourself back up for two weeks and then just being torn down completely," she described. "It was exhausting."
A turning point came during a 2024 summer holiday when Polly reached what she calls "rock bottom." While experiencing a severe PMDD episode that confined her to her hotel room, she discovered a functional medicine clinic at their accommodation. After her mother encouraged her to visit, Polly met with a functional health specialist who introduced her to a holistic approach.
"It's the first time someone said to me, a lot of this is nervous system rooted and trauma related," Polly explained. She began comprehensive hormone testing and addressing underlying trauma and stress factors. "After working with them for a couple of months, my symptoms really just calmed down."
Recovery and Advocacy
Since adopting this holistic approach, Polly has experienced months with minimal or no PMDD symptoms. She has since studied integrative health and founded her own functional wellness brand, Vhyne. "Now, I have symptomless cycles, which is amazing, and somewhere I was told I was never going to be able to get," she revealed.
Polly emphasizes the importance of sharing her story to help other women struggling with PMDD. "I was fortunate enough to be able to seek another route and go down the functional medicine route, and be able to afford to pay for that help for myself," she acknowledged. "But there are so many women out there who don't have access to that and are having to live with this every month. They just feel like there is no way out and there's no hope."
Understanding PMDD Symptoms
The NHS describes PMDD as a severe chronic condition resulting from an abnormal brain reaction to natural hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Symptoms can include:
- Mood swings, depression, or excessive crying
- Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or panic
- Anger, irritability, or loss of emotional control
- Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
- Sleep disturbances or changes in eating patterns
- Physical symptoms including fatigue, muscle pain, breast tenderness, headaches, and bloating
April is recognized as PMDD Awareness Month, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support for those affected by this challenging condition.
