Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Awareness

I feel like PMDD is not well understood or heard about a lot, so I wrote this to inform people about it as someone who suffers from it. I understand it may be embarrassing to talk about, but it's also very important.

All girls have heard of PMS, right? Right before "that time of the month" when you get cranky, irritable, moody, and all you want is to eat chocolate. PMS is normal, almost all girls experience it at some point. PMDD is similar to PMS, it is characterized by mood swings around the time of menstruation. However, don't confuse the two.
PMDD is like PMS on steroids, and can be crippling to some. PMDD can cause feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, self esteem issues, outbursts of anger, drastic mood swings, along with countless other symptoms, as it often presents differently. Many women are often misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, when in reality they are suffering from PMDD. The worst cases of PMDD can even cause suicidal thoughts. PMDD can interfere with work, school, relationships, and overall well-being.

PMDD is thought to be caused by a sensitivity to the female hormones released after ovulation, with symptoms appearing up to two weeks before the period starts, and disappearing again as hormone levels drop soon after menstration starts. It returns monthly, often changing in severity depending on the amount of hormones released. It also has many physical symptoms ranging from cramps, bloating, weight gain, acne, and even migraines.

PMDD can be treated with anti-depressants or birth control pills that lower hormone levels thought to cause PMDD. Proper diet and exercise and getting important vitamins can also help regulate it. If you suspect that you have PMDD, keep a mood tracker and see if your mood tends to be significantly more negative around menstration, more so than PMS. If so, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider for more help.

Thank you!