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You may have noticed behavioural patterns that had you thinking you may be bipolar or the like.
You’ve noticed however, the symptoms are only cyclical and don’t last consistently.
The one thing that has you pondering is as soon as you have your period, you start to feel almost immediate relief.
That relief continues, as your period continues.
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If you’ve recently found out about PreMenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and you’re wondering whether it’s a condition you’re dealing with, the below should help.
Please bear in mind this is not a replacement diagnosis.
You should always seek actual diagnosis from a medical professional.
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Step 1: Journaling for Self-Diagnosis
The main step you’ll need to take initially is keeping a diary of your moods.
The focus of your journaling should be to capture the following:
- When you notice the dramatic shift in your moods happen – Timestamp the change by always noting the date.
- What you’re feeling each day (in the most descriptive detail)
- Note the date you started to feel relief.
From the bad to the worst, take note of everything.
Ideally, it should be 2-3 months of record keeping but the more you have the better.
When you approach a medical professional, your journal will help provide them with a clearer picture of your experience.
It will help to avoid misdiagnosis so you can be assisted with the right level of treatment.
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Why Journal?
Keeping a journal helps to analyse if what you’re experiencing is cyclical in nature.
We’re trying to decipher if the onset of your period, relieves you of the unpleasant symptoms.
This is the key feature of the condition and journaling will assist us in establishing that.
Global Awareness
It took a while but PMDD is now recognised as a distinct disorder.
It’s noted in the ‘diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5th edition’ by the American Psychiatric Association.
It’s also recognised by the World Health Organisation’s International classification of diseases under code F32.81 which is recognised in the UK. You can read more information here.
So yes, it’s a condition now taken seriously and the first step to managing such a condition, is the diagnosis.
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Step 2: Symptoms Checklist
To meet the diagnosis criteria, you should be experiencing at least five of the following mood symptoms within a week or two prior to your period starting.
These include any of the following:
- Sudden sadness
- Tearfulness,
- Increased sensitivity to rejection
- Marked irritability
- Anger
- Increased interpersonal conflicts (i.e it affects relationships you have)
- Depressed mood
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Self-deprecating thoughts (self-criticism or as I experience it, body dysmorphia)
- Anxiety
- Tension
- Feeling on edge
- Suicidal thoughts
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The above symptoms will also usually be accompanied by the following:
- Decreased interest in normal activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Lethargy
- Fatigue and/or a marked lack of energy.
In addition, you may also experience other noticeable changes such as:
- Changes in appetite like food cravings or overeating
- Difficulty with sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Feeling overwhelmed or like things are out of control
The ‘Mind’ group have provided useful diagnosis information here.
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Physical 'Add-Ons'
And in case people think we don’t suffer enough, let’s not forget most of us endure physical symptoms too.
The most common can include:
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Joint and/or muscle pain
- Weight gain or the sensation of bloating.
Aside the mood and above physical symptoms, I have also experienced the inflammation of my eczema. Additionally, constipation has also been another unpleasant feature.
Hopefully, all of the above provide clearer explanation as to why PMDD can be deemed as debilitating.
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Analysis
How does anyone get through life experiencing such symptoms repeatedly every month?
It’s a horrendous condition but there are countless women who do, and many are just about making it through.
I know how the condition ripped my own life apart for years.
It’s something I’ll experience until I reach menopause (which I’ve heard can come with it’s own woes).
I decided however, I no longer wanted to tolerate the condition in the way I had.
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PMDD is why I became so determined in my journey of seeking a better way of living despite the condition.
Whatever it was, I was going to find a way to enjoy and experience every aspect life had to offer.
If you’ve been dealing with this condition from the things I’ve stated above, you are not alone. I want you to know, if you want better, you can have better.
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Summary
Before anything, we must first identify if this is the demon you’ve been battling.
Your two focus points as mentioned earlier are:
- Step 1 – Journaling with emphasis on timestamps
- Step 2 – Noting vivd detail of the symptoms you experience
Keep your diary going, then seek medical assistance so you can be supported with treatments.
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Following that, let’s then do the work on ourselves to ensure we’re enjoying the most out of life.
Every day of my life has been aimed at accomplishing this too and all the content I share is dedicated to this purpose.
To lock in on getting the best out of ourselves amidst the mental challenges we face.
No more dimming your light because of the condition. You are significant, you belong here, and your journey to wellness is worth the effort.
If I’m able to fight and evolve with each month, you can too.
(To watch my PMDD self-diagnosis video on YouTube, click here).
