PMDD is...

the acronym for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

PMDD is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising during the premenstrual, or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subsiding within a few days of menstration. Or in my case, hours before the blood (That’s how I know it’s coming!). It effects an estimated 5.5% of women and AFAB individuals of reproductive age. PMDD was added to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) in 2013 and to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) in 2019.

While PMDD is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not a hormone inbalance. PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesteron. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain. Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as manarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarraige, and perimenopause.

For more information check out https://iapmd.org/about-pmdd .

Today is DAY 1 for me. SURPRISE SURPRISE! Again early this month. My cycle only lasted 20 days this month. Last month was 24, before that 28 and originally 31 days like clockwork. I am not sure what’s going on. It could possibly be my workout and food habits but usually working out more tends to lessen your periods NOT INCREASE THEM. Isn’t this fun!? Luckily, I am in a good mood. I mean it’s easy to be in a good mood this day. It feels like I have been born again and the blood is just shedding all the shit I had to go through to get here. EVERY MONTH.

I’ll have to add more to this later I have a super busy day today. Ya know, making up for everything I couldn’t do for the past few days.