sexy topic in blogs and articles these days!
Though this is from a life experience point of view, the nerd in me could not help but research the disorder further. I was amazed to see how far research symptoms and treatment options have gotten since my pubescent years. It would be a flaw of me not to mention that the updated analysis of the symptoms resulted in many hours of reflection.
I was diagnosed with PMDD around the age of 10. I had been experiencing consistent mood swings, migraines, and back pains and was immediately prescribed Ibuprofen. Little did I know that those symptoms would define my teen and young adult years.
Dealing with this disorder for over ten years has been absolutely exhausting. Constantly not being understood in doctor’s offices, educational and work settings, and among your peers is no easy feat, which unfortunately is the case of any kind of “invisible” health condition. But with menstrual issues constantly being minimized or written off as “regular PMS’ing,” expressing how unbearable the symptoms are is often seen as dramatic. However, it is not dramatic.
Having cramps that feel paralyzing, uncontrollable mood swings, and nausea constantly interrupting your way of life becomes embarrassing. The increased anxiety and heavy depressive moods make you feel like your life is full of suffering. Every month I felt like I had no control of my body and was honestly starting to loathe that part of being a woman (as my Mama would say).
Fortunately, young girls, women, and menstruating people won’t have to suffer like I did and sometimes still do. There is more information about PMDD and treatment than just a strong prescription of Ibuprofen. If you feel that you or someone you know may have PMDD, read up on it and talk to your doctor or another medical professional about it. We don’t have to chalk this up as regular PMS or suffer in silence to prove our strength or womanhood.
Closing
I know this topic is a bit personal, but this issue has been brushed under the rug, and people can’t continue to suffer. First, understand that you are not crazy, this is not normal PMS, and every woman and menstruating person does not deal with this. It can be hard to verbalize what is going on to other people who have never experienced it, so try to explain using metaphors and end with an actionable request.
Grace and self-preservation will be crucial when dealing with PMDD, so take that sick day, cancel plans, and eat those snacks. Do whatever you need to do until you’re back to your usual self. And if you need help, YELL! Let your support system know what you need, how you need it, and when you need it. We’re not suffering in silence anymore! Please be sure to consult with a medical professional, preferably an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB-GYN) or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant, for more information, a diagnosis, or treatment.
Be on the lookout for more articles from “SPEAK UP!” interns. If you are or know of any Black college-aged and enrolled women interested in advocating against tobacco cessation on HBCU campuses, please visit Save a Girl, Save a World (SAGSAW) for more information.
Aravia Patterson, MPH, is a 26-year-old intern with SAGSAW/SPEAK Up! She is currently a Ph.D. Student at the University of Louisville studying Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences.
Dynecia Clark is a 23-year-old HBCU Recruitment Intern/Project Associate with SPEAK Up! She is also a Clark Atlanta University Alum
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