Strictly's Vicky Pattison supported after emotional plea amid hidden health battle

Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison was inundated with support as she opened up about her own health issues and led a Good Morning Britain investigation on medical misogyny in the NHS. The 37-year-old joined the ITV breakfast presenters, Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls, who discussed her meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, where she vowed to "hold him to account". Pattison shared: "I was really honoured to meet with Wes, and I'm really passionate about making change within this space, helping women and offering them a better quality of life when they are suffering with female reproductive health issues."

She continued: "I felt that Wes was really receptive to everything I said; he explained that he had a family member experience medical misogyny ... I felt listened to, I felt understood, I felt heard." This meeting came after research by GMB found that 60% of women have reproductive health conditions, while 51% of women surveyed felt dismissed. Vicky also has a personal connection with this study as she was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) after years of struggling.

In 2024, the Strictly star told GMB: "My experiences when I went to discuss my symptoms were horrendous. For years, for five years, I was dismissed, I was made to feel ashamed... for the majority of the time it was men."

Pattison added: "I think they lack an understanding and empathy towards what we're going through as women, whether that be someone suffering with PMDD, adenomyosis, endometriosis, the list is absolutely endless."

According to the NHS, PMDD is "a severe and chronic condition caused by an abnormal reaction in the brain to the natural hormonal changes of oestrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.

The website said: "Individuals with PMDD experience heightened sensitivity to these changes, which can trigger debilitating symptoms."

As Pattison's meeting with Streeting landed on social media, the reality star was supported by thousands of her followers, many of whom praised her for being an advocate.

Taking to the comments, one penned: "Thank you @VickyPattison for having our back!!!! From a fellow pmdd warrior."

"This investigation is needed. The fact that this has sparked conversation around women's reproductive health is brilliant," a second added.

A third shared: "Well done @VickyPattison but make sure DO follow the brilliant @edballs advice. Having been a Minister in DHSC I can tell you he's spot on," as another echoed: "This is brilliant from Vicky Pattinson."

"Thank you for using your platform to give everyone struggling a voice , and using it in such a proactive way," said another

As a fifth added: "From the PMDD community, thank you a million times over for being a voice for us all."