As a continuation of yesterday's post on PMDD Awareness (linked below), I wanted to provide a more direct glimpse into common PMDD symptoms. Since everyone experiences PMDD differently, and my own symptoms can vary from month to month, this post isn't meant to be a guide on all possible symptoms; instead, it's meant to show how I experience PMDD on a given day.

Here's what it was like dealing with my PMDD today:

Mood-wise, today was pretty easy. I had a lot of exciting stuff going on, so the negative moods didn't have the space to drag me down. On the flip-side, since I had a lot of exciting stuff going on, I had to do a mild amount of physical activity. Stuff like walking around, socializing, etc. Normally this sort of activity would leave me energized and ready for more. Not today.

Instead, I'm in bed because my severe tension headache makes me too dizzy to stand, and I'm prone to vasovagal syncope (fainting spells) even when not pre-menstrual. Typing is difficult because my fingertips and forearms keep going numb, and just holding my phone feels like I'm carrying a 10lbs weight. With the headache, my brain is foggy, and it takes 10x the usual effort for me complete a thought. And even though I only walked a short distance today, my legs hurt as if I hiked up a steep hill for a few miles. Activities that are normally easy for me are now borderline impossible.

And this is just one day. Thankfully I'm due for my period soon. I'm at the height of my PMDD symptoms, but it'll be over in a few days until next month.

The purpose of this post isn't to complain or gain pity: All I ask is for compassion and understanding when someone with PMDD is struggling. It's not "all in our heads" or something we can just "get over." PMDD is a condition that can affect us both mentally and physically. And if you're frustrated with us because we can't function like we usually do, imagine how we must feel.

Original Post:
https://pagan.plus/@khthoniaa/110686245687260350

#PMDD #PMDDAwareness #PremensturalDisorder #PremenstrualDisorders #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride

Even though approximately 3%-10% of AFAB folks who menstruate experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), the condition is rarely discussed as frequently as its nondisordered counterpart premenstrual syndrome (PMS.) Most people, both AFAB and not, know what PMS is, but few know PMDD.

I know PMDD very well since I've been diagnosed with it for over 10 years now. And today's been a bit of a struggle because of it. But I wanted something positive to come out of today, so I decided to write this post and spread awareness.

PMDD is essentially PMS cranked up to 1000. Where someone with PMS might feel a little cranky, sad, or unenergetic during the days leading up to their period, someone with PMDD might feel enraged, hopelessly depressed, or completely drained of energy. Most folks can push through PMS symptoms without much trouble while PMDD is debilitating. There are often physical symptoms, too. Symptoms vary from person to person.

There's unfortunately a lot of stigma around discussions of menstruation and premenstrual symptoms. But there shouldn't be. In fact, the stigma keeping people silent may be hurting a lot of people. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the number of people with PMDD is much higher than 10% as many people may think their symptoms are "just PMS." If you don't know what PMDD is, how would you even know to seek a diagnosis and treatment?

And the silence surrounding premenstrual conditions applies to conditions other PMDD! For example, there's also PME or premenstrual exacerbation. It's essentially a condition where someone with a mental illness experiences an exacerbation of their symptoms during the premenstrual cycle. I've honestly never seen either PMDD or PME discussed in mainstream media or sex ed materials. And I fear that with the current attacks on reproductive rights and education, we'll see even less.

There needs to be further awareness, education, and discussion around premenstrual and menstrual disorders. They are serious, often debilitating conditions. We can't afford to be silent about them anymore.

If you would like to learn more about these conditions or seek support, I recommend the International Association for Premenstural Disorders website. They have so many awesome resources for people living with PMDD and PME, and for those who want to be better allies to folks with premenstrual disorders.

https://iapmd.org/

#PMDD #PMD #PME #PremensturalDisorder #PremenstrualDisorders #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride #DisabiliyPrideMonth2023

Before this post, did you know about premenstural disorder/PMD?