I had a rough morning recently, waking up in an awful mood. It wasn’t just a bit of grumpiness; I was downright irritable. The sight of my child’s dirty socks strewn across the living room sent me into a tailspin. I started an argument with my partner about who knocked over my makeup in the bathroom (spoiler: it was me). I snapped at my kids to “be quiet!” and “clean up your mess!” I was on edge and, unfortunately, spreading that tension throughout the house.
Honestly, I couldn’t even bear to be around myself and wished I could just disappear under the blankets for a few days. What on earth is going on? I wondered. Then I glanced at the calendar and realized: my period was approaching. Ah, the infamous monthly visitor.
A couple of years ago, I noticed some troubling changes in my PMS symptoms. Bloating became so intense that I had to stop wearing my rings. A nagging pain in my side appeared about ten days before my period, and as the date drew near, my emotional state became erratic.
I found myself either lashing out at my partner or bursting into tears over the most mundane things. I’ve always had a flair for the dramatic, but my hormones were turning me into a walking emotional disaster. These premenstrual mood swings and feelings of sadness started to take a toll on my relationships, keeping me from socializing and generally disrupting my life.
It turns out, I’m not the only one dealing with this. Many women face similar challenges. According to the U.S. Department of Health, approximately 85% of women experience PMS, and around 5% suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). While both conditions share physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD escalates to extreme mood swings that can seriously impact relationships and daily life.
Symptoms for both PMS and PMDD generally emerge seven to ten days before menstruation, involving bloating, fatigue, and breast tenderness. However, PMDD also includes profound emotional turmoil, anxiety, and mood swings that can feel overwhelming. That certainly explains the dark cloud that hovers over me leading up to my period and the intense irritability I experience.
After one particularly chaotic weekend, I decided to consult my doctor. As I described my struggles, my gynecologist recommended an antidepressant or returning to birth control to stabilize my volatile emotions. I opted for the birth control route first, hoping it would tame those unruly hormones.
Initially, the pill seemed effective; my mood swings lessened, and I found myself losing my temper less frequently. However, I still felt that familiar heaviness of depression creeping in a week before my period, not to mention the added annoyance of spotting two to three weeks each month.
Currently, I’m managing my PMDD (or perhaps just severe PMS) with occasional Xanax for my unpredictable mood swings and anxiety, a supplement for bloating and cramps, plus a generous helping of patience from myself and my family. Understanding when these mood disturbances hit helps me brace for the hormonal storm that often takes over my mind and body. Should my condition worsen, I have a prescription for an antidepressant ready to go, and I won’t hesitate to use it.
If you’re dealing with severe PMS or have been diagnosed with PMDD, know that you’re not alone. Many women face this struggle, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Hormonal imbalances can be tough to handle. Remember to prioritize your well-being.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m in a premenstrual state and there’s a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and a plate of nachos waiting for me.
For more insights on managing fertility and understanding symptoms better, check out this great resource on fertility insurance, or explore boosting your fertility with supplements. And for those looking into home insemination options, my other blog post can be found here.
Summary
PMDD can create significant challenges not just for those experiencing it, but also for their families. Understanding these symptoms and seeking support is essential for managing the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies this condition.