Finding My Balance: Starting Yaz for PMDD

Hey there!

Just wanted to share a little life update that MIGHT help anyone else struggling with PMDD or just curious about birth control options. As we all know we are all different and not everything works for everyone and that is okay.

A few weeks ago, I started taking Yaz, and…surprise!…I’m actually starting to feel normal again (whatever that means 😅).

For context: I’ve dealt with PMDD for a while now. If you’re not familiar, it’s like PMS’s evil twin—think mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety… all ramped up to the week before your period. Fun, right?

After lots of reading, venting in support groups, and talking to my doctor (shout-out to patient GPs everywhere and those who recognize PMDD), after meeting with my gyno I decided to try Yaz, a combined hormonal birth control pill. It contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol and it’s actually one of the few pills that’s FDA approved specifically for PMDD.

I was nervous to start it…hormonal birth control can be a rollercoaster…I have had horrible experiences in the past but here’s the good news: almost three weeks in, and my mood has noticeably leveled out.

The week before my period was usually a minefield of crying over random commercials and snapping at everyone I love, but this time… nothing. I was aware my period was coming but it didn’t hijack my personality.

Side note: Yaz isn’t magic and it’s not for everyone. Some people experience side effects like nausea, headaches, or changes in weight or libido. For me so far, the biggest “side effect” has been feeling more in control. I’m I am being cautiously optimistic and keeping in touch with my doctor, just in case anything changes.

PMDD is rough but Yaz (or other hormonal birth control might be worth talking to your doctor about if you’re dealing with mood swings that mess with your life every month. It’s early days still but I’m hopeful…..and that’s honestly something I haven’t felt in a while.

If anyone else has experience with Yaz or managing PMDD in general, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Take care of yourselves 💛

With Love,

Caitlin