keep in mind: what’s PMDD?
Whether it’s your bestie, wife, partner, friend, sister, daughter - we all have women in our lives that we want to understand better! Ladies, this includes yourself.
While there are many experts out there to discuss Endo and PCOS I am not one of those experts. So, today we are approaching PMS and PMDD - what even is that? That’s a lot of letters, no clue what it means? Don’t worry, I’ll help.
We’ve heard somewhere “I’m PMS-ing” which I suppose is a valid saying. I’m not in love with it though unless it’s being used positively. We can’t help experiencing these symptoms surrounding our hormones as that’s what makes us human. Even though we hate on our 28 day cycle (this is the average, some are shorter or longer), we hate on shark week - we know it serves a purpose.
To go back to basics there are 4 weeks /4 phases in a female cycle.
First week is the menstruation phase - your actual period. The uteral lining sheds lasting 3-7 days on average. There are physical sensations like cramping, bleeding, back pain - it’s different for each and every woman. Week 2 is the follicular phase, the pituitary gland releases a hormone to stimulate production of follicles in the ovaries, resulting in the production of an egg as early as day 10. The 3rd week is the ovulation phase, where it’s prime time to conceive for pregnancy. Finally, the fourth week, the one just before your period, is the luteal phase. This is where cells release a small amount of progesterone and estrogen are released causing the uterus lining to thicken. This can last in a fertilized egg or the cycle continues again.
Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS - occurs between week 4 and week 1 - but as always, it’s different for every woman! These are hormonal effects that trigger a range of side effects in some women including fluid retention, headaches, fatigue and irritability.
Something that is not as well known or as well recognized is Premenstrrual Dysmorphic Disorder or, PMDD. This is essentially PMS on steroids. It can appear as more physical conditions or some emotional symptoms in others who usually have other mental health conditions.
Personally:
I myself, having being diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and PMDD are extremely married to eachother. My week 4&1 are a nightmare of emotions. It’s essentially my usual unpredictable cycle of emotions but even more evident/intense. The one thing that has been the most beneficial to me is tracking my period to the day. I’m lucky to have a 28 day cycle so I can do this. I know the exact day my PMDD will start and when I’m really sad I can recognize it’s just because of the cycle. It is just a cycle. It never lasts, it’s hormonal.
This is not just a strategy for someone with bipolar 2, someone who feels emotional effects - it is for everyone. It might be the reason for horrible migraines, vomiting, different bowel movements, extreme fatigue, you name it and PMDD has got it.
So a big take away whether or not you suffer with PMS or PMDD is tracking your period. I made a calendar on my wall specifically dedicated to it so my partner also can visually see it. It helps, A LOT.
If you think you have something more than just a regular painless period speak to your doctor. It could be something much more complex and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our hormones - even though it’s the last thing we prioritize.
Talk to your friends about how they feel vs how you feel and get an idea from there. There’s no stigma around periods anymore, freely discuss and we can learn from each other!
So let’s prioritize ourselves, check in with your hormones, take the steps you need to.
Until next week.