A north-east woman who believes she has a severe menstrual condition which makes her life a misery has been denied an operation she says would radically improve her health.
Mother-of-four Lucy White-Laird says she has struggled with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) since her periods started age 11.
She had visited her local New Pitsligo GP more than 200 times in the last eight years before hearing about the condition.
In that time, she had been given antidepressants, antipsychotics, contraceptives and holistic therapies – and says she was once advised to have another baby to relieve the symptoms.
PMDD causes emotional and physical problems around menstruation and ovulation – typically involving irritability, depression, or anxiety.
She was sectioned for six days in 2017 and told she had borderline personality disorder.
But Mrs White-Laird says she was told by a psychiatrist consultant that she had a severe form of PMDD last year, and has since been battling to secure the correct treatment.
The 36-year-old said: “It’s like living with Jekyll and Hyde in a monthly cycle.
“I suffer depression, severe anxiety, insomnia, painful heavy periods, acne, IBS, backache, paranoia, extreme fatigue, mood swings, skin rashes, weight loss, weight gain, rage, extreme emotions, tender breasts, migraines and have suicidal thoughts.
“I only get about four good days a month and I’m not usually an emotional person at all.”
She added: “I was told this year by the NHS that I don’t have PMDD.
“They don’t know what I do have, but they are going to treat me for it anyway.
“I was also told I’m not on the list for surgery to have my ovaries out – which would help the condition.”
Mrs White-Laird says she was recently reassured that she does in fact have PMDD by a private consultant, and that she should “convince” a surgeon of her condition so that her ovaries can be removed.
She is currently in chemical menopause for the third time since 2017 and is undergoing hormone replacement therapy while learning to cope with her symptoms.
Due to her struggles, she has complained to NHS Grampian twice.
A spokeswoman for the health board said: “While we cannot discuss individual patients in detail, we can confirm Mrs White-Laird has raised issues with her care to date, which we have responded to.
“We remain willing to discuss any further concerns she has.​”
Mrs White-Laird wants others with the condition not to feel as alone as she did, as it is thought one in 20 women suffer from PMDD.
She said: “The message is to go back to the doctors if you feel that something isn’t right, track your cycle for at least two months, ask to see a female doctor, do your research and learn about the condition yourself.”
Mrs White-Laird has asked people to contact her by email at A_wee_find@yahoo.co.uk if they wish to talk.