Blog & News

This presentation was delivered by Dr Rachael Sumner during Menstrual Health Week 2026 at the University of Auckland on Thursday 28 May, as part of the Menstrual Health Matters Symposium.

Lucy Adlam struggled with undia­gnosed pre­men­strual dys­phoric dis­order for years. She tells Lucy Cooper she wants other women to know they are not ‘crazy’ and they are not alone.

Experience #1 comes from a community member who wishes to remain anonymous. Their story is raw, honest, and a reminder that PMDD is life-altering. Trigger Warning: This post discusses PMDD, suicidal ideation/attempt, mental health struggles, and themes of hopelessness. Please read with care. My Lived Experience Living with PMDD means living in cycles. Half the month, I feel like me, capable, loving, ambitious. The other half, it’s as if my brain is hijacked by something dar

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more than just a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); it is a condition that can drastically affect the lives of those who endure it. While PMS typically includes mild mood changes and physical discomfort, PMDD can cause intense emotional and physical symptoms that severely disrupt daily life. Notably, studies suggest that PMDD impacts approximately 3-8% of individuals who menstruate, yet awareness about this condition remains