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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a Vicious Cycle...

You mean there's something worse than PMS and it accompanies the menstrual cycle? Say whaaaaaat?!

By Vicious CyclePublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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What is PMDD?

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is thought to affect around 5.5% of women, and other individuals assigned female at birth, during their reproductive years.

PMDD is a hormone-based mood disorder characterized by an extreme sensitivity to the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. (Luteal phase is between ovulation and around the time you bleed - generally, this is 2 weeks per month with a standard 28-day cycle).

It is NOT a hormone imbalance.

With PMDD, your hormones are 'normal' and doing what they should, however, your brain has an abnormal negative reaction to the fluctuations that occur between ovulation and around the time of your period. So, PMDD is a hormone 'sensitivity' rather than an imbalance - hence why it cannot be detected (currently) by blood tests. However, a full female panel blood test should be carried out to rule out an imbalance or thyroid issues, which can mimic PMDD symptoms.

It is thought to be genetic.

Recent research suggests that PMDD is a genetic condition and that people with PMDD have an altered response to sex hormones at a cellular level.

PMDD is not the same as PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMT (premenstrual tension) which the majority of people with periods will experience. PMDD is far more severe and impacts on a person's ability to function, carry out daily tasks, work and maintain relationships. PMDD is a spectrum and can be mild, moderate or severe.

What is 'Dysphoria'?

So what is 'Dysphoria'? - If you think about the word 'euphoria', which means a state of intense happiness and self-confidence. Well, its the opposite of that! Think dissatisfaction, anxiety, restlessness, depression and self-loathing.

Why haven't I heard about this before now?

PMDD has been in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual since 2013. But it has taken the medical world a while to catch on. It is not an area of women's health or mental health that has recieved much funding for research or for the development of treatments. The disorder was only recently added to the World Heath Organisations Classification of Diseases in it's 11th revision.

Why is awareness needed?

Despite 1 in 20 female and AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals being affected by PMDD, 90% of sufferers are thought to be undiagnosed.

Recent surveys showed that 30% of sufferers will attempt suicide at least once during a PMDD crisis. It also showed an average 12 year wait in gaining a correct diagnosis. It is vital that education and training is improved in the medical field to ensure accurate diagnosis and correct treatment/support.

What is being done to improve awareness of this debilitating condition?

We're glad you asked!

It is currently PMDD Awareness Month!

This is the 6th PMDD Awareness Month since it’s inception & despite what’s happening in the world it is set to be bigger and brighter than ever! Again, Vicious Cycle have linked with IAPMD and Me V PMDD to put together information and tools for YOU to get involved. This year's theme is 'Ignite the Fight'...

Click here to visit the PMDD Awareness Month OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Here you will find information about:

- Landmarks and iconic buildings lighting up teal around the world

- IAPMDs Ignite fundraiser

- IAPMD virtual 5k, 10k and half marathon events

- PMDD Awareness Month Instagram Challenge

- Downloadable social media shareables, posters and other assets you can use to 'ignite the figh't.

To find out more about PMDD and what we are doing to raise awareness, please visit our website www.viciouscyclepmdd.com.

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About the Creator

Vicious Cycle

We are a grassroots patient-led project passionate about raising awareness of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and improving the standards of care for people living with this hormone-based mood disorder.

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