Vicky Pattison, currently gracing the dance floor in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, has been actively campaigning against medical misogyny and is calling for improved support for women.
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For a long time, Vicky, who recently discussed some ‘bad decisions’ from her past, knew something was amiss with her health.
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However, the BBC star felt that her symptoms and worries were brushed aside by doctors as mere PMS. After enduring five years of discomfort, Vicky was officially diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in 2023.
PMDD is described as: “A very severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before your period. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘severe PMS’.”
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Vicky has been campaigning for change after facing her own struggles(Image: X/GOODMORNINGBRITAIN)
Now, the BBC star is championing the cause of women’s health and has spoken on Good Morning Britain about their campaign spotlighting issues of medical misogyny, reports Wales Online.
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In a pre-recorded segment on Tuesday’s programme, she stated: “A shocking number of women have been misdiagnosed, have been dismissed and ignored when it comes to female reproductive health.
“These women are suffering with Adamariosis, endometriosis, PMDD, and so many more. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that they have a bit more support.”
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Vicky has met with the Health Secretary to try and get change in the medical industry(Image: X/GOODMORNINGBRITAIN)
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Exclusive research conducted by the ITV show reveals that three out of five women experience issues related to their reproductive health.
Over half of these women were misdiagnosed, and for more than one in three, it took over a year to receive a diagnosis.
In a pre-recorded segment, Vicky was seen meeting with the Health Secretary, West Streeting, who has pledged ‘action, not just words’.
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He remarked, “I want to make sure that Vicky is involved in the development of our renewed women’s health strategy. That we’re taking up Good Morning Britain’s campaign for real practical change.
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Wes has spoken to Good Morning Britain about ‘medical misogyny’(Image: X/GOODMORNINGBRITAIN)
“The NHS needs to listen to women, needs to listen to women when they’re describing pain and symptoms, be more precarious in order to get a diagnosis .”
Despite being pleased with the progress so far, the Strictly star insists that more action is needed on the issue and has vowed not to stop.
She added: “Knowing that there are hundreds of thousands, millions of women suffering in silence, being dismissed and ignored, made to feel ashamed- I am more galvanised than ever to do something about this.”
