Actress Helen Flanagan has received an outpouring of support as she bravely opened up about her health issues on Instagram.
Former Coronation Street star Helen has been candid about struggling with her hormones.
View this post on Instagram
Helen Flanagan on Instagram
In May, Helen opened up about her decision to try a contraceptive pill late last year in hopes of regulating her hormones.
Unfortunately, the solution backfired, leaving her feeling extremely unwell.
Helen’s journey led her to a womb and menstrual cycle awareness educator, which she said has greatly improved her understanding of her own body.
As soon as I came back it was the week due before my period and the hormones just made me feel so depressed.
However, a recent Instagram update on September 5 painted an honest picture of Helen’s current struggles.
She confided in her followers that she might as well “throw myself in the bin” due to the severity of her health condition.
She wrote about her battle with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS.
Describing her PMDD as a “nightmare,” Helen expressed the harsh realities of the disorder. “It’s horrible with hormones as you can’t control what the hormones do to your brain,” she wrote.
Helen on health battle
Helen recounted her recent holiday, where she felt balanced and happy, only to return and be swamped by a wave of depression triggered by her hormonal cycle.
“I was so happy on holiday; my hormones were stable and then as soon as I came back it was the week due before my period and the hormones just made me feel so depressed,” she revealed. “Not wanting to leave the house, crying all the time, exhaustion (like a pregnancy kind of tired), focus and concentration really poor, even clumsy, irritated.”
Helen also acknowledged a link between PMDD and other conditions she faces, including ADHD and OCD.
Despite her struggles, she noted that she is focusing on self-care routines such as exercising regularly, spending time in nature, getting enough sleep, lowering alcohol consumption, and following a healthy diet.
Alongside the caption, Helen shared a snap of her on the toilet. Looking drained and holding a unopened tampon to her face, Helen showcased the reality of her everyday struggle.
However, the impact of Helen’s vulnerability was immediate.
Fans rallied around her, thanking the actress for her openness and sharing their own experiences.
Comments poured in from women who related to Helen’s words and were encouraged by her resilience.
Later, Helen updated her post with a comment, thanking her followers for being open.
“It was a relief to come on my period this morning and for all the women that struggle with the same thing,” she also wrote.
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