MAFS star to run marathon for PMDD while on period

A Married at First Sight (MAFS) participant is running the Brighton Marathon to raise money and awareness for PMDD - and she will be on her period at the time.

The condition, also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a severe and intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but can have a much bigger impact on someone's quality of life and daily routine.

Bexhill resident Kristina Goodsell, 32, was diagnosed with PMDD when she was 31 and spoke about her condition while on MAFS, during which time she was unmedicated and struggling with her symptoms.

She told BBC Radio Sussex that PMDD was "like PMS but on steroids".

Symptoms of PMDD vary but tend to include extreme mood swings, irritability, tiredness and losing interest in usual activities.

It was thought about 5.5% of women were affected and although the cause was unknown, the NHS said it could be genetic.

Ms Goodsell, who is raising money for The PMDD Project alongside her friend, said: "There just isn't enough research and resources for this debilitating condition, it's something so close to our hearts and this is a perfect opportunity to raise funds to help women like me who suffered in silence for too long.

"It's time to make a stand."

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