It's Not PMS, It's PMDD: Why This Severe Mood Disorder Needs to Be Taken Seriously

Do you experience extreme mood swings, anxiety, and depression in the days leading up to your period? If so, you may have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS that affects up to 5% of menstruating women.
PMDD is not just a bad case of PMS. It's a debilitating condition that can interfere with every aspect of your life, from relationships to work. And unlike PMS, which typically resolves within a few days of your period starting, PMDD symptoms can persist for up to two weeks.
The symptoms of PMDD can be both physical and emotional. They may include:
* Severe mood swings
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Irritability
* Anger
* Fatigue
* Bloating
* Breast tenderness
* Headaches
* Difficulty concentrating
* Poor sleep
If you think you may have PMDD, it's important to see your doctor to get a diagnosis. There is no cure for PMDD, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments may include:
* Antidepressants
* Mood stabilizers
* Birth control pills
* Hormone therapy
* Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet
If you're struggling with PMDD, know that you're not alone. There are many women who have this condition, and there are treatments that can help. Don't suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor to get the help you need.

Personal Story

I've been struggling with PMDD for over 10 years. For years, I didn't know what was wrong with me. I would experience severe mood swings, anxiety, and depression that would start about a week before my period and last until it started. It was like a dark cloud that would descend upon me, ruining my life for a week every month.
I finally got diagnosed with PMDD a few years ago, and it was such a relief to finally know what was wrong. I started taking antidepressants, and it has made a huge difference in my life. I still have some symptoms, but they are much more manageable now.
I know that PMDD can be a difficult condition to live with, but I want other women to know that there is hope. If you think you may have PMDD, please see your doctor. There are treatments that can help, and you don't have to suffer in silence.