Helen Flanagan says she was left completely bed-bound as her health spiralled thanks to a brutal battle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) until a cheap pill dubbed the 'female Viagra' finally offered relief.
The former Coronation Street star, 35, revealed how PMDD had plunged her into severe depression, intense mood swings, and crippling anxiety: "It's something that really rules my life. To be quite honest with you, I really struggle with my PMDD. I can get severe depression, and it can really take over my life."
Helen admits she's been "bed-bound for two days" at times, unable to cope even with simple tasks: "I never actually do that."
She tried all kinds of treatments from contraceptive pills to antidepressants but nothing hit the mark. Then she discovered The Golden Pill from Elle Sera, costing just around £1.66 a day. Despite its "female Viagra" tag, it's not about boosting libido for Helen, its power has been stabilising her hormones and smoothing out the emotional rollercoaster.
Helen says: "I've always had a good sex drive. But I think it's just made me feel stronger, more level, more balanced out. I haven't felt the dramatic lows before my period."
She's also opened up about how PMDD affects her relationships. Helen reveals that anyone she's ever been with knows about her cycle, because the swings are so intense: "I could be really happy and great and positive, and then suddenly I'm really quite depressed."
For Helen, living with PMDD has been "debilitating" but this little golden pill has given her moments of sanity and normality. She tells herself through each low: "This will pass."