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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 specifically, is as soon as you have your period, you start to feel almost immediate relief and that relief continues as your period continues.
If you’ve recently found out about pre menstrual 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 still proceed to seek diagnosis from a medical professional regardless.
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The main step you’ll need to take initially in self-diagnosing PMDD, is keeping a diary of your moods. When they start to happen, and what you’re feeling. From the bad to the worst right up until you feel better, make note of it all.
This ideally needs to be two to three months of record keeping and is key because when you approach a medical professional, it’ll be in your best interest to share this with them.
Keeping a journal for this period, helps to analyse if what you’re experiencing is cyclical in nature and the most important element, if you start to feel better when your period begins.
It took a while for this condition to be recognised as a distinct disorder in the ‘diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5th edition’ from the American Psychiatric Association – but it is. 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 that is taken seriously and the first step to managing such a condition, is the diagnosis.
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To meet the diagnosis criteria, you should be experiencing at least five of the following mood swing symptoms in a week or two prior to your period starting. This includes 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 or suicidal thoughts.
The above symptoms will also usually be accompanied by the following. A decreased interest in normal activities, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, lethargy, fatigue and a marked lack of energy.
In addition, you may also experience a marked change in your appetite like food cravings or overeating, difficulty with sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia), and feeling overwhelmed or like things are out of control.
The ‘Mind’ group have provided useful diagnosis information which you can find here.
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And in case people think we don’t suffer enough, let’s not forget about the physical symptoms i.e breast tenderness or swelling, joint and/or muscle pain, weight gain or the sensation of bloating.
I personally experienced every item mentioned with extra physical symptoms – the inflammation of my eczema (which only occurs during PMDD weeks), and constipation up until my period begins.
The symptoms of the condition is why it’s deemed debilitating. When you think about it, condition aside, how does anyone get through life experiencing such symptoms repeatedly every month? At certain moments, I’m amazed at how far I’ve been able to come and you should be too.
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I know what the condition did to me for years and it’s likely something I’ll experience until I reach menopause (which I’ve heard can come with it’s own woes). I decided in my mind, I can no longer tolerate the condition in the way I had been.
That’s exactly 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 it. 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, then you are in no way alone.
You’re the reason I’m here and I’m doing this because I want you to know, if you want better, you can have better. First, we need to pinpoint if this is the demon you’ve been battling. Keep your diary going, get the necessary medical assistance and then let’s work together to ensure you’re enjoying the most out of life.
No more dimming your light because of the condition. You are significant, you belong here, and your journey to wellness is worth all the effort. If I’m able to beat it month in month out, you can too.
Remember, I have a specific video on PMDD self-diagnosis, which you can watch here.
