Why the name change??

[Sam]

Previously I have been talking about PMDD. I am aiming to (kind of unwillingly) change my terminology as this PMDD tag is one which is used in the U.S.A.

I live in the U.K and have only been told today by a lovely gynaecologist that the term we use over here is actually severe PMS. Why I received the PMDD tag so many years ago is beyond me. I do feel kind of mad about this. It feels like it's not been given its own recognition because it lacks its own unique name but hey.. I guess I will just keep telling myself that we are behind on everything and that I will just have to deal with that.

In my eyes if it's classed as severe pms then it should be re-named in the U.K too. It kinda takes the severity away from it. Like I just can't cope with what every other woman can. Not right at all. At times this beggar stops my life steadfast.

Happy but feeling more and more irritated by the terminology.

~S

[MoodyMia]

In Australia it also seems to be PMDD. I've found interesting information from Dr John Studd who is a consultant gynaecologist in London, and on his website he prefers the term Ovarian Cycle Syndrome. Link to see his explanation: www.studd.co.uk/pms.php

I think because it's still in the early days of being integrated into mainstream medicine, this disorder will inevitably have some bumpy moments with naming, categorising and general public awareness. Hopefully it settles into something that more women and doctors can identify.