Are you suffering from Premenstrual Dsyphoric Disorder

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical provider, and everything in this article is what I have experienced and other women that share their symptoms with me.  

*Please consult with your medical provider for more information and details on what you can do to help your symptoms.* 

My goal with this blog is to shed more light on PMDD and share what many women suffer from and sometimes not even know it.  I know, I was one of them.

What is PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe, sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although PMS and PMDD both have physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that can disrupt daily life and damage relationships.

In both PMDD and PMS, symptoms usually begin seven to 10 days before your period starts and continue for the first few days of your period. https://www.mayoclinic.org

Here is my experience with PMDD

For many years, I was suffering from severe PMS, or so I thought was.  I couldn’t explain my behavior, sadness, depression, anger, anxiety, mood swings, crying spells, brain fog, irritability, and the constant disruption of my life.

Many could say, well, that sounds pretty normal for PMS, but no, PMDD is a vicious cycle.  I only felt normal one week out of the month.  And it felt amazing to feel normal and happy for that one week.  I couldn’t explain why I felt this way, and seriously thought I was going crazy.

My constant mood change has been difficult on my family, and I honestly don’t know how they up with me.  As hard as it was for me, it is also hard for them.  They have no idea what I go through, but the patience they have for me is absolutely incredible.

I recommend talking to your partner and letting him or her know what you are going through.  Learn about PMDD together so that your significant other understands and can help you through it.

My therapist diagnosed me two years ago, and everything finally made sense.  I also realized I wasn’t alone; many women suffer from this and don’t know they have it.  I wanted to share my story so that I can reach other women going through the same thing.  I want to let you know you are not alone.

When my therapist told me about PMDD, I immediately began searching, and she recommended a Facebook group to learn more about it, so I did.  I am someone that doesn’t allow something like this to define me.  I didn’t want PMDD to win, and I have done everything possible to better my symptoms.  During this past year, my symptoms have better, and I can say I feel normal again most of the time.  But it does take trial and error.  You have to find what works for you.

What I’ve done to better my symptoms:

Talking to doctors about PMDD or symptoms can very difficult because doctors immediately want to put you on anti-depressant medication or birth control.  I refused both, to me, that was like putting a band-aid over it, and I wanted something that I could help long-term without damaging my body more.

I was determined to find something natural and began using CBD oil, it helped, but since I am currently overseas, had to stop using it.  I found Hormone support plus from 1 up nutrition, and this has been life-changing.  A lot of my symptoms have diminished and some months I don’t have any.  I am not saying this cures PMDD, but it is what has been helping me.  Recently, I starting using Mood shift from bloom supplements.  I journal, and exercise 5 days a week.

My diet is also a big part of my healing.  I have always been very conscious of what I eat but now even more.  Eating healthy and balanced meals is a must.  I no longer do any strict diets on top of not being good for you.  I eat a clean diet and incorporate cheat meals every week.  Incorporating all these into my daily routine has been very helpful and can say I live a much normal life.

I am kind to myself, and I don’t put so much pressure when I am down.   I allow myself to relax without the guilt.  Acceptance and loving yourself are a big part of making a difference.

What are the symptoms?

Depression                                                     Confusion                                   Sadness                    Irritability

Moody                                                              Paranoia                                    Antisocial                 Night sweats

Lack of control                                             Emotional sensitivity          Overwhelm

Anger                                                               Painful cramps                        Agitation

Insomnia                                                        Nausea                                       Poor self-image

Difficulty concentrating                          Vomiting                                  Headaches

Severe fatigue                                               Pelvic Pressure                      Forgetfulness

Anxiety                                                            Backache                                   Suicidal

These symptoms vary from person to person.  Some women get some of those, and some may have all of them.  I am not going to lie PMDD is difficult to deal with.  But there are things you can do to help with your symptoms, groups you can join for support, and medication you can try.   You are not alone!

How can you be diagnosed?

You can talk to your health care provider about your symptoms or if you are treating with a therapist or physiologist. They should be able to diagnose you.

Here are some of the things you can do to help your symptoms:

Anti-depressants

Exercise

Birth control

Diet change

Supplements

I hope this blog helps someone else that is suffering from PMDD.  If you are reading this, know that it can get better.  There is help and support group for you to join.  PMDD is something that is happening to us but doesn’t have to define us.