Whether it’s a hormone-induced breakout, a bloated belly or sugary cravings, most women are familiar with the signs that signal the start of their period. However, for some, this time of the month brings with it much more than meets the eye. Thought to affect around one in 20 menstruators*, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) “is a cyclical reproductive mood disorder that arises during the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and your next period) of the cycle, with symptoms showing ten to 14 days before menstruation begins,” explains Jes Hagan, period educator and integrative menstrual health coach. Though still unconfirmed, “PMDD is believed to be caused by a sensitivity to the natural fall of oestrogen and rise of progesterone after ovulation,” says Jes. Despite not being a hormonal imbalance, it can bring with it psychological and physical symptoms – something that Phoebe Williams, founder of The PMDD Project, experiences regularly. “My main symptoms are anxiety, extreme irritability, insomnia, * The Recovery Village, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Statistics, April, 2021. INSIDE OUT
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