MARRIED At First Sight star Kristina is left heartbroken in upcoming scenes as Kieran admits he’s struggling in their relationship.
In a devastating moment, Kieran admits he has ‘distanced’ himself from Kristina and reveals the upsetting reason why – leaving her in tears.
MAFS’ Kristina breaks down in tears as Kieran reveals struggle[/caption]
Kieran admitted he struggled with her PMDD[/caption]
Asked by the experts why his behaviour towards her has changed, he said: “I am really questioning at the minute if I am able to sustain a relationship with someone who suffers with PMDD.”
Kristina suffers from Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which causes extreme emotional and physical symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
It affects around 5.5% of women in the UK, and is often both misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
She has been open about her condition to Kieran throughout the process and the pair are widely considered to be one of the strongest.
But things now appear rocky for the couple at their hardest commitment ceremony yet.
And in a new interview Kieran has hinted that we it hasn’t all been plain sailing – but we just haven’t seen the full story.
He told OK!: “Yes, I could sit here and say, “No, It was a doddle” but it was hard. I didn’t even know what PMDD was before Kristina. We had one very minor argument on the honeymoon, which wasn’t aired.
“It was Kristina’s PMDD showing for the first time in our relationship, and I didn’t know what it was or how it was going to be expressed.
“But we had a discussion and it was squashed in an hour. There were times when it was really difficult and you had to sit back and go, ‘There’s more to this person than the PMDD.’ There’s a lot more to Kristina and I don’t want her to ever think that’s all she’s known for.”
Kristina is very emotional[/caption]
The couple had been really strong[/caption]
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe and chronic medical condition that affects a small percent of people who menstruate.
It is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is characterised by a range of emotional, mental, and physical symptoms that can significantly disrupt daily life. Unlike PMS, which might cause mild discomfort or irritability, PMDD symptoms can be debilitating and often require medical attention.
The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, particularly fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which plays a critical role in mood regulation. Genetic factors may also contribute to the development of PMDD, as the disorder tends to run in families.
Symptoms of PMDD typically appear in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is the time between ovulation and the start of menstruation. Common symptoms include severe mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Physical symptoms can also manifest, such as fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. These symptoms usually subside once menstruation begins, providing temporary relief until the next cycle.
Treatment for PMDD often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy. Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can help manage symptoms. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hormonal treatments may also be prescribed to alleviate the disorder’s impact. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be beneficial in addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of PMDD, offering coping strategies and support.
