I woke up recently feeling like a storm cloud had settled over my head. Not just a little grumpy, but ready to unleash my fury on anyone in my path. My daughter’s socks were strewn across the living room, and I lost it over a spilled bottle of foundation in the bathroom (spoiler alert: it was my own fault). I snapped at my kids to “Shut it!” and “Clean this mess up!” as if they were responsible for my turmoil. I was on edge, and my family was caught in the crossfire.
Honestly, even I couldn’t stand my own presence that day and just wanted to crawl under the blankets for an indefinite period. What is my problem? I thought. Then I glanced at the calendar, and the pieces fell into place—my period was due soon. Ah, yes. The dreaded hormonal storm.
A couple of years back, I started experiencing a new level of PMS that felt like a rollercoaster ride gone awry. Bloating so intense I had to stop wearing my rings, and a strange pain that crept in about ten days before my cycle. Then, a week before my period, I became a different person altogether.
If I wasn’t arguing with my partner about trivial matters, I was sobbing over commercials or walking around in a haze of gloom. I’ve always been a little dramatic, but my hormones took it to a new level. These pre-menstrual mood swings wreaked havoc on my relationships, kept me from socializing, and turned my life upside down.
I soon discovered I wasn’t alone in this struggle. Many women go through similar experiences, and as I delved deeper into the issue, I began to wonder if this was just my age or something more serious than regular PMS.
According to the U.S. Department of Health, around 85% of women suffer from PMS, while about 5% deal with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. While both conditions present physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD can lead to severe mood swings that disrupt daily life and relationships.
Symptoms for both PMS and PMDD typically kick in seven to ten days before menstruation and can include bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep. However, PMDD also brings intense emotional turmoil, such as deep sadness, anxiety, and irritability. This certainly explains the dark cloud that looms over me and the rage that bubbles up at the smallest annoyances. Some days, I can’t even stand myself.
After a particularly explosive weekend last year, I decided to consult my doctor. As I shared my experiences, my gynecologist nodded knowingly and suggested either an antidepressant or returning to the birth control pill to help stabilize my moods. I opted to give the pill a shot first, hoping to rein in those unruly emotions.
The pill offered some relief, tempering the extreme mood swings, but it wasn’t a miracle fix. I still felt the gloom creeping in before my period, and to add to my annoyance, I ended up spotting for weeks on end. No thanks!
For now, I’m managing my PMDD symptoms with the occasional Xanax for the wild mood swings, a supplement to ease the bloating and cramps, and a generous dose of self-compassion (and some from my family). Understanding when these mood swings are likely to hit (yep, it’s that time again) helps me prepare for the hormonal whirlwind.
If you’re dealing with severe PMS or have been diagnosed with PMDD, you’re not on this rollercoaster alone. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Hormones can be ruthless, and the struggle is real. Make sure to take care of yourself. And if you want to learn more about self-insemination, check out this resource.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some ice cream calling my name.
Summary
PMDD can transform the lives of those it affects, often bringing chaos into family dynamics. Understanding the symptoms and their timing can aid in coping with this condition. With proper care and awareness, you can navigate the emotional rollercoaster that PMDD brings while ensuring your family remains supportive.
Keyphrase: PMDD impact on family life
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]