I recently woke up feeling irritable and downright cantankerous. It wasn’t just a typical bad day; I was ready to explode. The sight of my daughter’s filthy socks scattered across the living room sent me into a tailspin. I found myself in a heated argument with my partner over who made the mess in the bathroom (spoiler alert: it was me). I snapped at my kids to “be quiet!” and “pick up your stuff!”—basically, I wanted them to stop being, well, kids. My frustration radiated, creating a tense atmosphere for everyone around me.
Honestly, I couldn’t even tolerate my own company and felt an overwhelming urge to hide under the covers for days. What is going on with me? I pondered. That’s when I checked the calendar and realized my period was approaching. Ah, the answer was clear.
A couple of years ago, I began noticing more intense symptoms leading up to my cycle. The bloating was so severe that I couldn’t wear my rings anymore, and I developed this odd pain in my side about ten days before my period. But the real kicker? About a week prior, I turned into a different person entirely.
If I wasn’t arguing with my partner or yelling at my kids, I was crying at the drop of a hat—yes, even over those tear-jerking commercials. I’ve always been a bit emotional, but my hormonal fluctuations became unbearable. The mood swings, anxiety, and deep sadness began to take a toll on my relationships and social life.
I soon discovered that I wasn’t alone in this struggle. Many women face similar challenges. According to the U.S. Department of Health, approximately 85% of women experience PMS, while around 5% are affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). While both conditions feature physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD can lead to severe mood changes that disrupt daily life and relationships.
Symptoms for both PMS and PMDD typically arise seven to ten days before menstruation and can include bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite. However, PMDD also brings emotional turmoil—intense sadness, anxiety, and extreme irritability. That explains the looming dark cloud that seems to hover over me leading up to my period, along with the hair-trigger rage I experience over the slightest inconveniences. Some days, I’m so overwhelmed that it drives me to the brink.
After a particularly tumultuous weekend last year, I sought help from my doctor. My gynecologist listened attentively as I recounted my symptoms and suggested either an antidepressant or resuming birth control to help stabilize my emotions. I opted to give the birth control a try first, hoping it would tame those unpredictable moods.
Initially, the pill offered some relief, reducing my mood swings somewhat. However, it wasn’t a silver bullet. The deep-seated melancholy still crept in a week before my period, and I faced the added annoyance of spotting for weeks on end, which only fueled my irritability. So, I turned to other methods for relief. A little Xanax here, some supplements for bloating and cramps there, and a hefty dose of self-compassion (and understanding from my family) have become my go-to strategies.
Understanding the timing and triggers of my mood fluctuations has made a significant difference. Knowing when I’m likely to “lose my cool” allows me to better prepare for the hormonal whirlwind. And if the situation ever escalates, I have a prescription for an antidepressant waiting in the wings.
If you find yourself grappling with severe PMS or have been diagnosed with PMDD, know that you’re not alone. There’s no need to suffer in silence; hormones can be relentless. The struggle is real, but taking care of yourself is essential.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m feeling premenstrual, and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and a plate of nachos are calling my name.
For more insights on navigating family life and fertility journeys, check out our post on artificial insemination kits. And if budgeting as a new parent is on your mind, this guide can provide some clarity. For those seeking additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, this page is an excellent reference.
Summary
PMDD can create chaos not just for the individual experiencing it but for their entire family. Understanding symptoms and seeking help are crucial steps toward managing this condition. Self-care, support from loved ones, and medical intervention can offer relief.