Most folks have heard about PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome. It is often portrayed in films and other media as a reason for “moodiness”. You may have had heard someone referred to as PMSing. It is too bad because that feels dismissive of what people are experiencing, not just once per month, but all month. This article discusses the difference between PMS and PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. The article suggests seeing a doctor, an OB/GYN and a psychiatrist to determine how to manage it.
Most folks that deal with PMDD know that one doctor visit is not all that it takes. Figuring out what works and does not work is a journey. The things that may work one month may not work the next month and that is a challenge that is hard to face when you are already struggling with the overwhelming heaviness called depression. Keeping track of your symptoms on an app, such as Clue, there is also Flo is helpful. Both have been criticized for being heteronormative, which they are, and I think other apps are being developed which are less so.
A non profit organization that gathers research and resources for folks dealing with PMDD is IAPMD. The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders is a website with definitions, resources, articles and training opportunities for people that want to learn more about PMDD and PMS. They have information about PMDD awareness month, which is April 2021.