Premenstrual Disorders Australia

In 2019, I began to share my lived experience of a disorder that

I spent almost three decades fighting against. This disorder, not only almost cost me my life, it robbed me of almost any quality of life I could have had, for those 30 years, continuously.

Three years ago, I had surgery to treat the disorder and have since gone on to live a life completely free, of the mental health struggles I spent almost an entire lifetime surviving.

However, whilst I am so incredibly lucky to have survived it, there are so many others - who will not.

This disorder is often referred to as "PMS on steroids" and although both PMS & PMDD occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, PMS and 'Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder' or "PMDD" as it is commonly known, are not the same.

PMS does not have the power to destroy or take lives, but PMDD absolutely does.

In March 2022, the findings into the largest study of PMDD patients ever undertaken was released and what was found - was nothing short of horrific.

The study¹ found that individuals with PMDD:

▪ Waited an average of 12 years and saw 6 providers before receiving an accurate diagnosis

▪ 49% were planning; 42% were intending & 40% were preparing to suicide

▪ 51% were self-harming

▪ 72% of PMDD patients experienced LIFETIME ACTIVE suicidal ideation

And, of the 3153 participants from more than 56 countries that were involved in the study, the data showed that:

34% of PMDD sufferers - HAVE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

At present, the suicide rate amongst PMDD sufferers, continues to remain unknown.

4 years ago, I created a Facebook page called "The Faces of PMDD" to highlight the suffering of the women and AFAB individuals living with PMDD and put a human face to the suffering we were enduring each month. I wanted to reach those who may have never heard of the condition and those who believed that they were alone. This page has since gone on to see multiple women begin - and end (in a good way!), their PMDD journey and has continued to do so, for the last 4 years.

However, whilst that page has made a BIG difference to those who saw themselves within the stories, the fact remains that many others continue to remain unaware, that PMDD exists at all.

These lives - remain at significant risk.

At present, there is no representative body for Premenstrual Disorders within Australia and I intend - to see that change.

With the endorsement of Sandi MacDonald, Co-Founder of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders - the leading global body for PMDD & PME, it is my hope and dream to increase awareness of PMDD & PME and see the lives of Australian women - changed and saved.

With your support, I intend to establish the first representing body for Premenstrual Disorders within Australia and establish a national not-for-profit that will be registered with the Australian Charities Register.

In order to achieve this goal, I very much hope that your donation will help finance the specialised legal and accounting services needed, to navigate these initial stages.

Your donation will help Premenstrual Disorders Australia reach the thousands of Australian women and individuals, living with this devastating illness. It will provide a local presence within their home country - giving them a presence that can be seen, a voice that can be heard and a support system for the future.

Brie Moore

Founder, Premenstrual Disorders Australia