A major milestone in the advancement of research into life-altering condition PMDD has been reached with the launch of a new charity in the UK, involving academics from UWS.  

 

The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders UK (IAPMD UK) is the first charity dedicated to researching Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a severe hormone-based mood condition, causing 1 in 3 affected to attempt suicide. 

 

Of the 18 million people in the UK of reproductive age, PMDD affects 1 million women and people who menstruate, with 1 in 2 self-harming and most having suicidal thoughts. The condition causes debilitating symptoms in the latter half of the menstrual cycle, impacting all aspects of life, with some people requiring support for daily living. 

 

The new charity – which establishes a UK arm of the global organisation, IAPMD – will advance understanding and improve care for individuals affected by PMDD through research, professional education and collaboration. It will also build the UK’s knowledge base and professional capacity to recognise, diagnose, and manage premenstrual disorders effectively and compassionately. 

 

The charity seeks to collaborate to advance current research into PMDD, with academics at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) undertaking the UK’s first-ever research agenda into PMDD. IAPMD UK’s focus on PMDD research and education addresses gaps identified by the Women’s Health policies for England, Scotland and Wales. 

Dr Lynsay Matthews, Lecturer in Public Health at UWS and Trustee of IAPMD UK, said: “The launch of IAPMD UK marks a critical turning point for people living with PMDD. This is a serious, life-impacting condition that has been historically overlooked, leaving many facing delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options and a lack of understanding within healthcare systems. This charity exists to change that.” 

 

The launch of IAPMD UK marks a critical turning point for people living with PMDD. This is a serious, life-impacting condition that has been historically overlooked, leaving many facing delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options and a lack of understanding within healthcare systems. This charity exists to change that.

 

Dr Lynsay Matthews, Lecturer in Public Health at UWS and Trustee of IAPMD UK

 

Fellow Trustee of IAPMD UK, Dr Sophie Hodgetts, Assistant Professor at the Durham University has also led on PMDD-related research. She said: “Through research, education and collaboration, IAPMD UK is committed to driving real, measurable progress. By strengthening professional knowledge and advancing evidence-based care we aim to improve outcomes and, ultimately, save lives.” 

 

To commemorate its launch, IAPMD UK is leading a landmark stakeholder event in London in May this year, bringing together policymakers, NHS leaders, health professionals, people with PMDD and charities, to improve the lives of people living with the condition. This will be followed by the UK’s first PMDD research conference in August, hosted by the UWS at its Paisley campus.  

 

The research undertaken in collaboration with UWS and the charity directly addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Goal 3: good health and wellbeing and Goal 17: partnerships for the goals.  

 

Find out more about IAPMD UK here: https://www.iapmd.org/united-kingdom