I’m going to be presumptuous and assume that the majority of you that follow me know, I have PMDD.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It’s suspected this reaction arises from a cellular disorder in the brain. Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause. Three weeks ago I chose to turn off my ovaries. A subcutaneous implant of GNRH Analogue was placed under the skin of my abdomen to shut down ovarian function. This process is called Chemical Menopause or medically induced menopause. It should (if it works) put my body into a reversible menopausal state. If this works well and symptoms subside I’ll hopefully be added to the waiting list to have my ovaries removed. This isn’t a first line treatment, nor is it an easy one to endure but for the sake of my health specifically my mental health I felt I had no choice but to utilise this option.

So why the fundraising and what’s this about Teal Tuesdays?

April is PMD awareness month. A whole month dedicated to raising awareness for those of us living with a premenstrual disorder. And this year IAPMD the charity that facilitate awareness month are making Teal Tuesdays their big fundraiser.

How do I get involved? That’s the easy part. Below is a simple step by step guide to taking part.

Why do you need donations? Donations help IAPMD continue to provide vital spaces and educational resources for patients, healthcare providers, and researchers. A donation of just US $25 can fund a 1:1 peer support session for those in need. Funds raised also help IAPMD to further research Premenstrual Disorders and support their mission to create a world where those with a PMD can not only survive – but thrive!

Can I host an event or do my own sponsored thing? Yes absolutely. IAPMD have curated a list of ideas to make it easy and fun to participate.

Why Teal? The official ribbon colours for PMDD are teal into black and like many charities have a colour that represents them, IAPMD wanted theirs to be a signature colour for those who fundraise for them. Plus, it’s a great colour and IAPMD can’t wait to see what you do with it!

Can I buy something to wear? Yes! Bristol based designer and fellow PMDD patient, my mate, Amy Steel of One Tuff Muvva has donated some super fun designs that you can purchase on T-shirts and a variety of other items. Find them here.

Note from me: PMDD is a debilitating chronic illness that is widely misrepresented and dismissed. It takes a person on average 12 years to get an accurate diagnosis and many women are misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. This charity has not only helped me understand my condition better with their comprehensive resources, their groups have answered many of my questions. Though international IAPMD have a small team and each one of them work tirelessly to make Premenstrual Disorders visible. Their mission is to create a world where those with a PMD can not only survive; but thrive. If you are someone who was assigned female at birth, a woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister – I urge you consider making IAPMD a cause you get behind. PMDD & PME can and does ruin the lives of those living with it. Without information and awareness sufferers will continue to be misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated. It can occur at any age and worsen over time. IAPMD is the only charity of its kind providing international support to PMD sufferers worldwide.

If you’re able, please help!