Helen Flanagan has opened up about a hidden chronic health condition that “ruins” her life.
Mum-of-three Helen, 35, opened up about her health battle during a new interview over the weekend.
View this post on Instagram
Helen Flanagan on hidden chronic health condition
Speaking to The Sun yesterday (Sunday, October 5), Helen revealed that she’s been diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD).
PDD is a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before your period.
Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, extreme irritability, feelings of hopelessness, as well as headaches, fatigue, and bloating.
During her childhood, Helen suffered from drastic mood swings. However, after being diagnosed with ADHD when she was 16, the mood swings continued, leading to Helen and her parents growing concerned that she could have another underlying mental health condition.
Speaking to the publication, Helen said that her parents thought she might be bipolar due to her mood swings.
Helen Flanagan talks Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder diagnosis
Eventually, the I’m A Celebrity legend was diagnosed with PDD.
“It’s something that really rules my life. To be quite honest with you, I really struggle with my PMDD. I can get severe depression, and it can really take over my life. I really do struggle with my mental health massively, and it’s quite debilitating,” she confessed.
“Everybody that is close to me is very aware of my PMDD, I don’t think I’ve ever had a relationship with a man, or even when I’ve dated someone, that they don’t know about my cycle, because it massively changes everything. I could be really happy and great and positive, and then suddenly I’m really quite depressed,” she then continued.
Helen on how PDD affects her relationships
The star then continued, saying: “Especially in relationships, I could be very irritable, could get angry, overly emotional and anxious so it can be extremely, extremely challenging. I think I struggle with relationships as well. I don’t want a boyfriend at the moment, but I do think PMDD can make it very difficult to be with someone because men don’t really usually understand how you’re feeling.”
Helen was told that a hysterectomy was the only real solution. However, the star said that that option feels “drastic” and isn’t something she wants to go through with. But, she admitted that she has considered it.
Taking things into her own hands, Helen discovered a pill which has been described as the “female Viagra”. The product claims to boost the libido. Though Helen didn’t think she needed it, she soon realised the positive impact it would have on her, stabilising her hormones, and therefore changing her relationship for the better.
She added that it’s made her feel “more level” and “stronger”. However, when she forgot to take the pill one month, the difference was alarming. The star was left bed-bound for two days, riddled with anxiety and dark thoughts.
However, the star has learned to understand her cycles, which she says helps “put some logic to it”.
Read more: Helen Flanagan supported as she reveals all three of her children are unwell
So what do you think of this story? Then leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.