Scots woman thanks Loose Women after watching show helped her recognise frightening health symptoms
25.06.2024 - 05:03
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A Scots student who didn't know what was wrong with her claims an episode of Loose Woman her mum watched 'saved' her life.
Stephanie Gray, a nursing student from Edinburgh, received a life-changing diagnosis after she struggled to get doctors to take her symptoms seriously.
The 30-year-old was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) after years of struggling with suicidal thoughts, mood swings and severe depression each month before her period, reports Edinburgh Live.
She revealed she felt suicidal every month just before her period - adding that it took years for her symptoms to be taken seriously.
Whilst studying at the University of Dundee, Stephanie attempted suicide at the age of 19, after symptoms increased in severity - causing her to seek help.
"The most problematic symptom was the constant mood swings," Stephanie said.
"I was becoming suicidal every month before my period arrived. I'd shift from relatively normal life to being suicidal, and that happened every single month without fail."
"I was very temperamental I could fly off the handle very easily at certain times of the month. The week leading up to my period, I don't think I was a very nice person to be around."
"Luckily, I have a good support system around me, and I lived at home at the time, and we braced for it. I made it out, but it would just make it harder to face it again the next month."
Stephanie sought therapy and was put on antidepressants, but her symptoms continued.
Her family were left terrified and desperate for answers - until Stephanie's mum Loraine heard Denise Welch discussing her experiences with PMDD on an episode of Loose Women.
Loraine matched the symptoms that the ITV panellist explained, telling Stephanie, who immediately