Recently, I woke up feeling completely out of sorts. It wasn’t just a minor case of the grumps—it was as if I was carrying a storm cloud above my head. The sight of my child’s socks strewn across the living room sent me into a tailspin of irritation. I found myself arguing with my partner over the mystery of my spilled makeup in the bathroom (spoiler alert: it was my fault). I snapped at my kids to “Keep it down!” and “Clean up your mess!”—essentially wishing they would just stop being, well, kids. My frustration was palpable, and it was stressing out everyone around me.
I couldn’t even stand to be in my own skin, longing instead to crawl under the covers and hide away for days. What was going on with me? A quick glance at the calendar provided an answer: my period was approaching. Suddenly, everything clicked.
A couple of years ago, I started noticing more intense symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). I experienced such bloating that I had to stop wearing my engagement ring and developed a persistent pain on one side about ten days before my cycle. But the real kicker? About a week before my period, my emotions spiraled out of control.
If I wasn’t losing my temper at my partner or raising my voice at my kids, I was sobbing over tear-jerking commercials or navigating a thick fog of sadness. I’ve always had a flair for the dramatic, but my hormones seemed to take it to another level. My mood swings and feelings of despair not only impacted my relationships but also kept me from socializing with friends, creating chaos in my life.
As I researched these hormonal changes, I wondered if it was merely a sign of aging or if it could be something more serious than typical PMS. According to the U.S. Department of Health, roughly 85% of women endure PMS, and about 5% suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). While both conditions share physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD is characterized by extreme mood fluctuations that can deeply affect relationships and daily life. That certainly resonated with my experiences.
Symptoms for both PMS and PMDD typically surface seven to ten days before menstruation, leading to bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and shifts in sleep and appetite. However, PMDD adds emotional and behavioral symptoms like heightened sadness, anxiety, and intense irritability. This might explain the overwhelming negativity I feel in the run-up to my period, as well as the rage that bubbles up over trivial annoyances. On some days, my emotional instability is so severe that I drive myself crazy.
Following a particularly tumultuous weekend, I consulted my doctor. As I recounted my symptoms, my gynecologist acknowledged my struggles and suggested either an antidepressant or returning to birth control to stabilize my erratic emotions. I opted to give the birth control pill a shot first to tame those unruly hormones.
Initially, the birth control helped mitigate my mood swings, but it wasn’t a miracle cure. I still encountered the looming darkness of depression before my period, and I began spotting multiple times a month, which added to my irritability. So, I turned to occasional Xanax for my out-of-control mood swings and anxiety, along with a supplement to relieve bloating and cramps, all while relying on a good dose of self-compassion and understanding from my family.
Just recognizing when these mood disorders rear their ugly heads (i.e., I lose my temper) prepares me for the hormonal whirlwind that often engulfs me. And if my symptoms intensify, I have a prescription for an antidepressant at the ready, which I won’t hesitate to use if needed.
If you find yourself grappling with severe PMS or PMDD, know that you’re not alone. It’s crucial to speak up and not suffer in silence. Hormones can be incredibly challenging to navigate. So, take care of yourself during these tough times.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m premenstrual, and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and nachos are calling my name.
For more insights on similar topics, check out Modern Family Blog, which covers various aspects of family life, or visit Cleveland Clinic for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. Also, if you’re exploring options for starting a family, consider the BabyMaker Home Insemination Kit.
In summary, PMDD can significantly impact not only the individual experiencing it but also their loved ones. Understanding the condition and seeking appropriate help can ease the burden for everyone involved.