My PMDD Story

I was diagnosed with PMDD in college after coming off of birth control. In this post, I dive in to what exactly my symptoms were and how I noticed something was off. I also share how I manage my symptoms now, holistically.

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Both diagnoses include emotional and physical symptoms. However, in the case of PMDD, the emotional symptoms are severe enough to disrupt a woman's normal activities or personal life. The symptoms of PMDD begin and exist in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase is the time period between ovulation and menstruation.

Simply put, PMDD affects a woman in the one to two weeks before her period, and it is different than PMS.

Let's Get Into It

I have always struggled with emotional ups and downs. I usually attributed these emotional "swings" to stress and didn't think much of them. Sometimes, this was the case, but during my experience with secondary amenorrhea (loss of your period), I experienced more severe episodes of crying and sadness. It really felt uncontrollable, and they seemed to happen randomly.

As I discussed in my personal cyclical health story, I was prescribed birth control to help "regulate" my irregular periods and mood. Spoiler! It doesn't do that. But, that's a post for another time...

After I stopped taking birth control and began consistently tracking my cycle, I noticed a recurring pattern of symptoms. For a majority of my cycle, I felt great! My mood was stable, and I was calm and happy most days. However, the week before my period was a completely different story.

It's important to note that even though the symptoms of PMS and PMDD may seem similar, the difference lies in their severity. My symptoms impacted the way that I normally lived my life. During an emotional episode, I was not able to focus on anything other than what I was feeling. Additionally, these episodes typically lasted about five days, sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less.

The best way I can describe it, is like a light switch.

During that one week, it was as if someone just flipped a switch. I was a totally different version of myself.

It was very frustrating, and I couldn't understand why it was happening. Initially, I didn't realize that it was PMDD, but I new that the changes I was experiencing were definitely NOT normal.

The emotional symptoms of PMDD that I experienced include the following:

• Depressed mood

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Anxiety & panic attacks

• Increased irritability

• Severe mood swings

• Uncontrollable crying

• Less interest in usual activities

• Feeling overwhelmed

In addition to the symptoms listed above, I also experience some physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and headaches.

To clarify, I don't experience ALL of these symptoms every single cycle. It varies every time, and it's usually a combination of some of the symptoms listed above. For example, one cycle, I may feel irritable, argumentative, and depressed. The cycle before, I might have felt anxious, overwhelmed, and had panic attacks.

My symptoms are very much dependant on what is currently happening in my life. Additional factors that can influence the type and severity of my symptoms include lack of sleep, nutrition choices, exercise intensity, and external stressors like work or school.

So, how did I find out I had PMDD, and what how do I manage it now?

First things first, diagnosis.

After consistently tracking my cycle for about six months, I confirmed a definite pattern in my mood changes. I attribute my diagnosis of PMDD to my cycle tracking and fertility awareness. If I hadn't been consistently keeping track of my emotions and how they related to my cycle, I may never have noticed this pattern.

I talked to my doctor. I told her all of my symptoms, and I explained their severity and the impact they have on my life. She said that it was likely PMDD, and that my options for treatment were either birth control or antidepressants. I decided against both.

To be clear, I am in no way against medication, but because of my past experience with birth control, I was not open to trying it again. I also felt like antidepressants were not the right choice for me. After explaining this to her, she suggested that I at least see a therapist to help learn some coping skills to use during an episode.

Currently, I am working on managing my PMDD symptoms with lifestyle changes and therapy.

During the week before my period, I try to focus on quality nutrition and blood sugar balance. I also work on minimizing stress as best I can, since I know I am not able to cope with stressors as well as I normally do (I've learned that stress is a HUGE trigger for me). Additionally, I try to incorporate at least one relaxing or enjoyable activity each day, especially during that week.

One thing that has been extremely helpful is selectively supplementing at the recommendation of my holistic health provider. Recently, I've been taking a combination supplement that contains GABA along with some other amino acids and B vitamins during my luteal phase, and I've noticed a BIG improvement!

So does this mean my PMDD is cured?

No. Defintely not.

While I've certainly noticed great improvement in my symptoms, it is still something that I have to actively and consciously work on. One thing I am proud to say is that I have experienced cycles with no PMDD flare ups, and that's pretty amazing!

I approach PMDD from this perspective: my body is trying to communicate something to me, and I need to listen.

One of the biggest tips I can give to someone struggling with PMDD is to listen to your body. Rest if you need rest. Reduce stressors if you can. Do things you enjoy.

If your symptoms are flaring up, it's likely a sign that you need to pull back with something in your life.

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If you're experiencing symptoms of PMS or PMDD, I encourage you to begin tracking your cycle and see if there seems to be a connection. Additionally, consider reaching out to your doctor and explaining your concerns.

If you're interested in finding a therapist, Psychology Today has a great search tool!

What's Next?

I'll be sharing more of my personal testimonies on the blog. Additionally, we'll begin talking about the phases and hormones of the menstrual cycle.

References

Burnett, T. (2021, March 11). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A severe form of PMS. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 10, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/expert-answers/pmdd/faq-20058315.

Reid RL. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (Formerly Premenstrual Syndrome) [Updated 2017 Jan 23]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Table 1, Diagnostic Criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279045/table/premenstrual-syndrom.table1diag/.