For me, when I hit luteal through when my period starts has a high likelihood of spiral and depression and just sort of retreating. I also recently got diagnosed with ADHD (two double d conditions lmao) and I think it exacerbates THOSE symptoms which has been an interesting thing to figure out.
I track my cycle pretty closely and try to keep ahead on assignments when I know PMDD symptoms are going to begin.
I do my best not to break certain routines and habits when symptoms show up as they are very important to keeping my brain and help with ADHD symptoms. Like, if I make my bed I won’t lie down in bed if I eat breakfast I won’t be irritable and brain foggy-but if I do I just gotta move on and forgive myself anyways. I actually find myself saying “I forgive myself” out loud A LOT. Cheesy, but it works for me!
I will say I am also on SSRIs for anxiety and I increase my dose from my luteal phase up until my period.
I was very lucky to find one that works for me on the first try, I know meds are supeeeer trial and error. My PMDD symptoms have been more transient since I started the dosage adjustments and I have a lot more good months than bad.
I also communicate to the people close to me when I’m facing the PMDDemon, sometimes they can offer support or just understanding which goes a long way. I try my best not to cancel social plans unless I am certain I don’t have it in me, because ultimately I’m gonna have a worse time alone than when I’m with other people—but that’s just because I know that about myself.
PMDD blows and its under researched and not taken seriously enough! Wishing you luck in figuring out what works for you!!!
omg the PMDDemon 😭 i will so be using that one.
i too am diagnosed with adhd ! i think it definitely plays a role in the severity.
i have been trying to stick to better routines especially with the gym which has helped. i also have been adjusting my diet and have cut out excess sugar which has improved my overall mood. unfortunately not the pmdd though lmfao.
i appreciate you taking the time to share!! 🌟
PMDD itself gets an anti-rec but understanding how it works (and getting meds if applicable to your situation) is a game-changer like yes it sucks to have my mental health essentially held hostage by my hormones on a 28-day merry-go-round BUT that means that now when it’s day 14 and the world starts looking progressively darker and scarier and I start thinking everyone hates me and I should disappear and what good have I ever done anyway—I can go hey, I’m onto you brain, you can’t get me this time 🫵😭 (and then cry and self-care as much as possible until it’s day 1 again and everything is magically chill)
I will be honest I’m not diagnosed, but I have a history of horrible depressions that are immediately solved by getting my period. My mom got me this fertility tea for Christmas, and this last cycle I forgot my period was even coming. Compared to January where I couldn’t leave my house the week before. I think red raspberry tea is the big one as far as hormone balancing. It’s so funny having it in my cupboard. I had a guy ask about my teas once and I was so stressed he was going to find that and think I was trying to baby trap someone. I’ve also heard that allergy meds like loratadine (non-drowsy) can help. Something to do with histamine. But I feel for you, doctors don’t give a fuck about pmdd.
Just try it. Prozac was never tested on women so you have to go rogue. It’s rebellious and it works! I think i did 10mg for a few years to help with the massive hormone imbalance and I’ll use it again when I deal with menopause!!! track that period and be aware and don’t suffer if you don’t have to!! Good Rx gets you a good deal on it and better help etc can prescribe it. Be smart. But try it if your periods are way too moody.
i keep it pinned in my notes app! Good conversation starter for fellow word enthusiasts! One of the first times I hung out with one of my now close friends we realized we both had a list like this and it was a blast to compare and contrast.
To quote him,
Words are so good!!
Literally changed my whole perspective. Suddenly my world is full of possible and wonder and whimsy. I may only write in my journal right now... but I'm a writer goddamnit!
Headphones OFF. Listening to the birds and the leaves and neighbors on walks on phone calls. Journalling and jamming and eating cherries!!! For all the complicated emotions a childhood home evokes I will always relish in the privilege of a porch.