Say It LOUDER!….an awareness blog for PMDD

For years I struggled in silence, trying to accept that the emotional and physical dumpster fire I experienced every month was going to be something I would have to endure and deal with. I got the typical diagnosis of General Anxiety and Depressive Disorder. I’m not dismissing those however I want it heard that PMDD is a WHOLE different ball game. No matter how much “work” I put into myself changes I made, or anything else….each month it would feel like I was starting over again.

After a noticeable pattern that would be written off as just “Extreme PMS” I was looking for ….I really don’t know…but I knew something more was going on with my body.  I came across the term Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and everything started to CLICK.  Every article I read…I could relate…I joined a Reddit group (AMAZING GROUP BTW) and I swear I could have been writing all those posts myself….my heartbreaking for each and every one of those women who had been suffering.  Finally feeling like I was onto something and reading there are ways to manage has made me finally start to feel slightly at ease and a direction to go!

So…what is PMDD? (Besides a grab bag of WTF)

PMDD is a severe, debilitating and VERY real condition.  Around 5-10% of women who are menstruating are effected by PMDD but no one is talking about it! WHY!

 It goes FAR beyond typical PMS…

MOODS that do more than just swing….they dance, jump and PIVOT

Depression,

Anxiety…..restless and feeling like your skin is crawling

Hulk on steroids rage

Hard to admit but (needs to be talked about)….at times…suicidal ideations

Such desperation for relief from it all

OH! And let’s not forget some ol’ joint and back pain!

The list goes on…but those are mostly what I experience…some months not as bad as others.

Yet, despite its life-altering effects, PMDD remains widely misunderstood and underrecognized.

The Struggle for Recognition

One of the biggest things PMDD has working against it is the lack of awareness and acknowledgment/understanding…..both in the medical community and in society.

So many spend years cycling through doctors, therapists, and medications (myself included) before finally getting the correct diagnosis. And then….AND THEN…..finding effective treatment is another battle entirely.

Unlike other hormonal disorders, PMDD is still shrouded in stigma. Mental health is already a difficult topic for many and when you add the layer of menstruation the conversation becomes too uncomfortable. But PMDD is not just a “hormonal mood swing.” It is a legitimate and serious disorder that deserves recognition, research, and proper medical support.

If you have PMDD, know this: You are not alone. Your pain is real. Your struggles are valid. And you deserve to be heard.

The more we talk about it the more we break the stigma and create space for real change.

Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.

Seek out specialists, track your symptoms, and connect with others who understand.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Let’s demand better care! Let’s support one another in the fight for recognition and relief!

Have you experienced PMDD? I’d love to hear your story. Let’s break the silence together!

With love, Caitlin