For some women, the two weeks leading into our period (luteal phase) can upheave our routines and lives. Sometimes it's one week, maybe even just a few days. It can also, unfortunately, feel never-ending for others.
Without much research on the disorder, it's often up to us to soothe our own pain.
I've been diagnosed with PMDD since 2017. Many of the meds I tried for my migraines were also meant to help my PMDD, but the biggest thing that helped was therapy.
While most of my physical symptoms haven't improved, in fact, some have gotten worse with age, the emotional healing has been very noticeable. Healing by being vulnerable and then open to having a conversation about it with someone professional, who actually does care, has improved almost every aspect of my life.
The cramps are still debilitating from time to time, the low moods strike me like clock-work, and I'm still dysfunctional. But I'm more empathetic, way less prone to outbursts, and have the vocabulary to describe my state of mind rather than fall apart.
Some of us aren't ready for that, and that's okay too. There's cases where therapy just doesn't help. And that's when you should talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to make a plan that works for you, because something will work someday.