Anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts, lack of energy, panic attacks.
During my middle adolescent years, I would crumble and sink into a horrible depressed state each month. Happiness felt so out of reach, and the negative voice in my head grew louder with every tear that fell down my cheek. My mind would race a mile a minute. I barely recognized myself and I felt like I was losing control.
There was no palpable explanation for the onset of my debilitating symptoms, until I started tracking them and noticed a pattern in their frequency: I’d begin to spiral during the week before my period, and as soon as I started bleeding, I felt like my normal self again. Much to my surprise, none of my friends could relate when I asked them if they ever felt dissociative and suicidal before their periods. I was shocked to find out that this was not a normal part of menstruation.
You can imagine the huge sigh of relief I let out when I discovered an explanation: PMDD.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects 3 to 8 percent of people with periods. The symptoms drastically affect your mental health, functioning, and sometimes your desire to continue living. Researchers do not fully understand what causes PMDD, but it’s related to the cycling of progesterone and estrogen hormones.
If you suspect you may have PMDD, you should begin tracking your symptoms and moods each day. Try using tracking apps (such as Clue) and writing journal entries to document your headspace.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
There’s no cure or standardized treatment for PMDD, since it’s a relatively new diagnosis that many healthcare professionals are unaware of. It’s also important to note that symptoms of certain mental illnesses tend to get worse before menstruation, and having thyroid issues or ADHD can worsen PMS symptoms. Your doctor can help rule these out to find the right course of action.
Below are some common treatment options:
1. SUPPLEMENTS
Lacking certain vitamins and/or minerals can result in more severe PMS symptoms, and you may benefit from taking calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12, or vitamin D. Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements!
2. BIRTH CONTROL
Because they can help balance and regulate hormonal changes, birth control pills are often prescribed for PMDD. Your doctor may or may not suggest birth control, depending on your health history and status. Although the first few months were rough for me, I believe hormonal birth control has helped stabilize my moods.
3. BALANCED DIET
Your diet heavily affects your premenstrual symptoms! Avoiding excess sodium and caffeine intake can help reduce negative symptoms. Try to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet as well!
4. EXERCISE
Exercising naturally improves your mood and can help regulate your hormones. I know it can be hard if you struggle with mental health, but try your best to get moving. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference a 30 minute walk can make!
5. ANTIDEPRESSANTS
If other treatments are not effective, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat PMDD.
You deserve to feel stable and supported during all stages of your cycle. If your PMS symptoms are impairing your life, make an appointment with your doctor—and remember, you’re not alone!