Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes
PMDD, formally known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a severe and in many cases a debilitating version of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Women who have the condition experience tough emotional disturbances during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, which can be for a period of up to 2 weeks before their period is due.
Image by Sora Shimazaki/Pexels
It’s believed those who have the condition have extra brain sensitivity to the changes in their hormones during this phase of their cycle. We experience both emotional and physical symptoms however the most problematic part of PMDD, is the severity of the emotional symptoms.
These can range from a mixture of the following. Anxiety, sadness, depression, hopelessness, feeling on edge or like things are out of our control, severe fatigue, severe food cravings, body dysmorphia, suicidal thoughts and the like.
Unpleasant physical symptoms like breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, bloating and others are also a common experience.
PMDD affects a small percentage of women globally (approximately 5-8%), is not well known, and many women are unaware they have the condition. Rather, (and in many cases), women are commonly misdiagnosed as having depression, bipolar or other mental health disorders.
Due to the cyclical nature of the condition, PMDD can affect a woman’s quality of life dramatically in all aspects. Relationships, work life, one’s ability to carry out routine duties, enthusiasm for hobbies we typically enjoy – to name a few.
Image by Liza Summer/freepik
I’ve personally had this condition most of my life although I wasn’t formally diagnosed until approximately 2014. Prior to that, like many, I was misdiagnosed as suffering from depression.
After keeping a journal for two years, it wasn’t until I visited my doctor’s office with my mood diary, that I received the correct diagnosis. At that time, the awareness of the condition was significantly less than it is today with many health professionals uninformed.
I actually discovered PMDD through someone elses blog post when like many, I was searching online for answers. The blog I read, sounded like my life and I immediately knew this is what I was dealing with.
The reason PMDD has such a major feature on my social media platforms is because years of silent suffering inspired me to want to help others whilst raising more awareness around the condition.
Image by Benzoix/freepik
I remember how alone I felt. If there was anything I could do to help others, despite being naturally more introverted, I was going to do it.
The condition is difficult to live with beyond the understanding of those who have no experience with it. You feel yourself, and then at some point, your emotions feel chaotic with no tangible explanation. I’ve gone into more detail across my various PMDD Blog posts.
For a more detailed read on PMDD, you may find this article by the National Institutes of Health particularly useful which can be accessed here. If you’re in the UK, PMDD is recognised by the ‘Mind’ organisation. They’ve provided information you can read here.
