Featured Image Credit: Channel 4
Topics: Health, Married At First Sight, Married at First Sight UK, Women's Health, PMDD
Britt Jones
Topics: Health, Married At First Sight, Married at First Sight UK, Women's Health, PMDD
The latest episode of Married At First Sight UK left viewers welling up after Kieran and Kristina's heart to heart about her PMDD.
Channel 4 viewers have been following the pair's relationship since they first said 'I do' and through their ups and downs, the two have come back stronger.
But it was yesterday's episode (21 October) when the couple had a conversation which could change everything for them.
You can watch the emotional moment below:
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It was when Kieran and Kristina were talking to the experts, the groom confessed his views about their future, and it was harsh to hear.
"This is going to be hard to hear. I think it's something you've probably heard before, and I really don't want to be the guy that says it," he began.
"I'm really questioning at the minute if I'm able to sustain a relationship with someone that suffers with PMDD."
This was a blow to the poor bride, who has been open about her Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which she has struggled with for years.
However, viewers have praised the episode for bringing awareness to the realities of the condition.
"Loving the PMDD representation on MAFS UK," said one viewer.
PMDD is a serious health condition that causes severe physical and emotional symptoms on the run up to your period.
It is a lot more severe than PMS, which can make you feel like a totally different person about one to two weeks before your period happens.
It typically happens to around 1.6 percent of women and girls, around 31 million globally.
Symptoms can include depression, severe irritability, fatigue, anxiety and headaches.
The symptoms range from person to person, with some women even admitting to feeling suicidal right before their period starts.
You may also experience cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, mood swings or crying often, trouble thinking or focusing and more.
Typically, it will last right up until around two to three days after your period starts, and you might need medicine or other forms of treatment treatment to help with your symptoms.
Unfortunately, researchers are not sure what causes PMDD, however it could be down to your hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, or even serotonin levels as they fluctuate.
There is no cure for PMDD, but you can manage your symptoms through pain management or by contacting your GP to go over your options.
This may include antidepressants, birth control pills or therapies.
You may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods, and getting more physical activity.
However, PMDD can be serious enough that you may need to see a doctor or nurse to discuss treatment options.
If you are considering hurting yourself, call 999 immediately.
During the MAFS UK episode, Kristina, welled up with tears and replied to her husband about his comments.
She said: "I know Kieran, which is why I've like, said to you from day one, whatever you say to me, it's nothing I haven't heard before. It's like, it's fine."
Expert Mel Schilling quickly took control of the meeting and reassured her, saying: "Kristina, it's not fine. This is not fine for you."
"No, but I like, I understand, I understand, and respect Kieran's feelings in this," Kristina explained and Mel then asked: "But what about your feelings?"
"Well," Kristina shared, "it's f**king s**t.
"This is why I prepare myself for the worst in every situation, and I live in the moment for every good bit that I have."
Kieran shared to Kristina that he will 'work at it until there's no bones left' but understood that her struggle with PMDD is a 'struggle for life'.
Viewers were left in tears after watching the vulnerable scene, and equally understood what Kieran was saying.
"'Everything takes work and I’ll work until there’s no bones left'," quoted one person. "Good lad Kieran."
A second added: "Was counting on these two for some relief to all the drama then Kieran goes and drops that bomb."
Another user echoed: "Absolutely gutted for Kristina!!
"Give it to Kieran though, that must have been hard.. but if he’s struggling now then he won’t be able to come to terms with it in the future.
"Thought they would be the ones as well."