Living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Local Life - Local perspectives

Author: Aekaterini Leivaditi

The female reproductive system is complex and fascinating. Each month, a series of functions are activated, with the possibility of achieving the miracle of life. If pregnancy is not the woman’s goal, this whole cycle is completed with menstruation. Menstruation is a unique process, which is experienced differently by each woman. Unfortunately, this natural procedure is still viewed as a taboo by a large part of society, especially men, in the light of patriarchy and its stereotypes. When on their periods, women are characterized, either with the purpose of insulting and belittling them or in the context of bad, stereotypical humor, as excessive, irritating, hyper-sensitive, and “crazy”.

It is an indisputable fact that women experience many hormonal changes during both ovulation and menstruation. In turn, many behavioral changes are caused which, as mentioned above, are criticized by certain parts of society. However, in many cases, these hormonal changes do not just cause an increase in nerves or an emotional charge. An actual disorder may exist.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a diagnosis used to indicate serious premenstrual distress, with serious consequences on the life of the woman. Even though it is commonly defined as an endocrine disorder, it is also listed as a mental health problem because of its severe symptoms and its influence on women’s mental state. Those suffering from PMDD experience feelings like extreme irritability, nervousness, lack of control, difficulty concentrating, severe fatigue, anger, and emotional sensitivity.

In many cases, depression and suicidal thoughts have been reported. The physical symptoms contain breast tenderness and swelling, bloating, face acne, and abdominal cramps. Increased appetite and insomnia or over-sleeping are also very common. Those symptoms typically occur one or two weeks before menstruation, and they end once the woman’s period begins. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder seriously affects all areas of a woman’s life.

“Nothing is surprising anymore: I just know that once a month for the rest of my life, my whole mood will be turned upside down”, says Elena, a 24-year-old law student. Elena lives in Thessaloniki and was diagnosed with PMDD when she was 16. “It was crazy. My period was always quite weird ever since it started, but once I hit sweet 16, everything became much more serious. My symptoms have always been the same: Every month, two weeks before my period starts, I experience the same misery. I am sad and angry all the time without a reason, I cry on the slightest occasion, and I am fighting with my family and my friends. I just cannot enjoy anything; I cannot live my life like I do the rest of the month. Going to my university seems impossible. I just want to stay in my bed, away from everyone and everything, preferably eating as much as I can, until my period arrives. I know all those things do not seem normal, but this is my reality”.

The exact causes of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are still not known. Many experts have linked PMDD with a family history of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders. Other risk factors include cigarette smoking and traumatic past events. Sadly, not enough research has been conducted on the syndrome, and girls are not properly informed about it from a young age.

“When my symptoms kept occurring for several months, I thought I had depression. Obviously, I connected them to my cycle, but they were so strong, that they took over me entirely. It is like my whole personality and my views on life change. Basically, I lose my will to live. I didn’t believe that my menstrual cycle could cause something this serious”, says Elena.

In many cases, PMDD is treated with antidepressants. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the only ones that have been shown to work for this disorder. Also, birth control pills are prescribed. Some natural alternatives to cope with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder are the adaptation of a healthy diet, and the consumption of certain vitamin supplements, such as vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium. In addition, regular exercise and the decrease of caffeine and alcohol have also been proven effective.

“Personally, I saw a significant change once I stopped smoking, mostly in my physical symptoms. My breasts stopped swelling so much, and my bloating decreased as well. I really try to eat healthily and do some sports, but I am really thinking about starting some birth control pill”, says Elena.

“To be honest, I’m kind of used to it now. It is part of my life, and I am accepting it until science does something more to help us, the women suffering from our cycles. I still receive stupid jokes and offenses from people not aware of my condition, like “Wow, you got so many nerves. You are on your period, right?” Yes, I am on my period, and this is not as simple as many think. I know that this condition will possibly cause me problems in the future, in my career, and in my relationships with others, but

I will not apologize or feel ashamed about it. I want to improve my condition as much as I can but, in the end, awareness should be raised as well. Regardless of gender, everyone should be aware of the particularities around a woman’s period. We are not exaggerating; we do not use our menstrual cycle as an excuse for anything. This is just the way our bodies work.”