Vicky Pattison Confronts Medical Misogyny on Good Morning Britain
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, 38, has bravely disclosed a distressing encounter with a 'gaslighting' doctor during her five-year battle to diagnose premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Appearing on Wednesday's episode of Good Morning Britain alongside Health Secretary Wes Streeting, 43, she discussed the new women's health strategy aimed at combating medical misogyny.
The Shocking Doctor's Comment
Vicky recounted how medical professionals repeatedly dismissed her symptoms, leading to 'dark and intrusive thoughts.' She revealed, 'I was actually told if I wanted someone to seriously advocate on my behalf, I should take my partner. And that way I would get the help I needed.' A stunned Susanna Reid responded, 'You were told that explicitly?!' Vicky confirmed, explaining the doctor implied she sounded 'hysterical' and needed a man to be taken seriously.
Understanding PMDD and Its Impact
According to charity Mind, PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome causing intense emotional and physical symptoms before menstruation. Vicky described her ordeal: 'Symptoms getting increasingly worse, increasingly debilitating, I was dealing with hopelessness, despair, anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion. In my darker moments, dark intrusive thoughts.' She emphasized that years of being ignored exacerbated her distress, labeling the experience as medical gaslighting rooted in gender bias.
Fertility and Motherhood Concerns
Vicky also opened up about her fears regarding motherhood due to PMDD. Having frozen three embryos at age 35, she expressed apprehension about parenting during her symptomatic days. 'For seven to 10 days of the month I'm incredibly short-tempered, impatient, and exhausted. I can't regulate my emotions and I have dark, intrusive thoughts. It's really debilitating,' she shared in a recent interview. This adds to her broader advocacy for affordable egg freezing and challenging stigmatizing language like 'geriatric eggs.'
Advocacy and Public Discussion
The discussion on Good Morning Britain highlighted the government's initiative to address women's health disparities. Vicky's candidness aims to foster honest discourse, as seen in her upcoming Channel 4 documentary, Maybe Baby?, which explores fertility options. She stated, 'Women deserve to have security and a backup plan,' urging society to support diverse paths to parenthood and reduce pressure on women.
Vicky's journey underscores the urgent need for empathy and reform in healthcare, ensuring women's voices are heard without prejudice.
