Hi, I'm Lacey-beth and this is my first fundraiser for The International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) As a sufferer of PMDD I not only want to raise vital funds for this fantastic organisation and the vital work they do, but I also want to raise awareness of this disorder and hope to open up the silence around women and thier menstral cyles in general.

Please sponser me to climb Pen Y Fan 10 times. Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales at 886 meters above sea level and I will be enduring the 10 climbs over a non stop 24 hour period.

So what is PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphrolic Disorder is a cyclical hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising during the luteal phase of the menstral cycle and subsiding within a few days of menstration. It affects about 5.5% of women. While PMDD is directly connected to the menstral cycle, it is not caused by a hormone inbalance. It is a severe negative reaction to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone that happens each month between ovulation and menstration, or one's period. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain, and research is still ongoing to pinpoint the exact causes of symptoms. Those with PMDD are at an increased risk for suicidal behaviour.

PMDD is unfortunatley commonly misdiagnosed. This is because the symptoms of PMDD can often mimic those of other disorders including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder. Many patients are not advised to track their symptoms alongside their menstral cycle, leading to misdiagnoses and often ineffective treatment for PMDD.

How PMDD effects me

Its like being on a emotional rollercoaster but you can't get off, and you don't belong on. This also comes with uncontrollable irritability that reduces you to tears and despair. This can become extremely fustrating because you know this is not you or how you normally feel. You have to endure this and other sometimes worse emotional and physical symptoms such as; low energy, breast tenderness, muscle pain, unconsolable crying, bloating and weight gain for up to 2 weeks before your period finally arrives. It is incredibly exhausting and overwhelming and knowing that this is a just a continuous cycle until you get your period. Then once it arrives...Hip Hip Hooray - I'm back to me! :)

Who are IAPMD?

The International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) are a non-profit organisation that inspires and hopes to end the suffering for those who are affected by PMDD and PME though peer support, education, research and advocacy. This is close to my heart as I was diagnosed with PMDD at just 19 years old. This organisation not only contributes to the research and support/treatment of PMDD and PME but has created a community where women can unite in the fight with PMDD.

Fun fact - It was only In May 2019 that the World Heath Organisation recognised and validated PMDD as a worldwide medical diagnosis. Women deserve more research and awareness!

Thankyou for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can give to go towards the awareness and research of this condition which can ultimately save lives.

For more information and support please visit - https://iapmd.org