A woman shared her experience with panic attacks and low mood before being diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Polly Martinovic, 29, is one of 31 million women with PMDD.

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, causing emotional and physical symptoms. The exact causes are not fully understood, but genetics and trauma may be factors.

Polly started experiencing symptoms after a death in the family. She lost her sister five and a half years ago, and that's when it all started. She told The Mirror about her experience.

Polly's symptoms included breast pain, bloating, and fatigue, as well as anxiety and low mood. However, she felt dismissed when she sought help from GPs.

Nobody mentioned PMDD to Polly; she was told she was sensitive to hormonal changes. She had no idea what PMDD was.

Polly is pictured with her sister Harriet in 2018.

Polly wasn't sure if her symptoms were due to grief or something else. She was told she was depressed and put on antidepressants. Her family was grieving her sister's death.

Polly noticed her symptoms were cyclical, linked to her luteal phase. She paid to see a hormone specialist in 2023 and finally received a PMDD diagnosis. Getting diagnosed was only half the battle.

Treatments for PMDD may include antidepressants, contraceptives, or induced menopause. Some people may benefit from therapy and lifestyle changes.

Polly started HRT treatment but had a bad reaction and had to stop. Her condition rapidly declined.

Polly had a bad episode and felt like she couldn't do it anymore. She didn't want to be alive.

Polly relied completely on her parents and had to move home from London to Devon. It was exhausting.

Polly's parents tried to support her, but it was helpless. She couldn't have relationships or friendships and had to move home.

Polly spoke about her mental and physical symptoms.

Polly reached rock bottom during a summer holiday in 2024. She had a PMDD episode and couldn't leave the hotel room.

The hotel had a functional medicine clinic, and Polly's mum begged her to go. She met with a functional health specialist and decided to follow a holistic approach.

Polly claims that someone finally told her that her symptoms were nervous system rooted and trauma related. She started testing her hormones holistically.

Polly worked through things holistically and supported herself. After a couple of months, her symptoms calmed down.

Polly studied integrative health and built her business. She now has symptomless cycles, which is amazing.

Polly often goes months with little to no PMDD symptoms. She founded a functional wellness brand, Vhyne, to help other women.

Polly was fortunate to seek another route and go down the functional medicine route. Many women don't have access to that and live with PMDD every month.

The NHS says symptoms of PMDD can include various physical and emotional symptoms.

Many people with PMDD experience suicidal thoughts and feelings.

The Samaritans operate a free helpline for those struggling. You can email or visit their site to find your local branch.

Always speak to a qualified medical professional about health concerns. More information about PMDD is available on Mind's website.

April is PMDD awareness month.