A Bradford woman has shared her experiences with a condition which takes an average of 12 years to diagnose. 

Tanya Turner, who works at insurance agency Integra Insurance Solution, was diagnosed with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in 2022.

Tanya, who has learnt how to deal with the symptoms she faces every month, spoke up for PMDD Awareness Month.

PMDD - a disorder described as a severe version of PMS - can hit women's mental and physical well being.

Tanya said: “I thought I was going crazy, I was losing myself in a monthly battle that I couldn’t understand, I was scared of losing my husband and everyone close to me, if I admitted what was going on inside me, of losing my job and everything I had worked hard for.

“I had no idea that I was experiencing a medical issue.

“The diagnosis was such a relief.”

The company’s base at Currer House, Little Germany, has been lit up in the month’s official colour, teal blue, at night.

Wellbeing lead Valerie Mycroft said: “When Tanya first told us, most of us had never heard of it, and certainly not the extent to which it had affected her. 

“We couldn’t believe she had managed her condition for so many years without us even noticing.

“If we can help someone find out about the condition sooner, they won’t have to suffer in silence.” 

To find out more about PMDD, visit iapmd.org/