“A woman is like a tea bag — you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Dear Proteas, 

What has been on my mind this week? I have been thinking about women’s health. In particular, women diagnosed or undiagnosed, who are suffering from Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 

How long has this been happening? In the 1800s, any changes in a woman’s behavior (any perceived not lady-like behavior, i.e., foul language, argumentative, emotional), whether or not related to their menstrual cycle, were perceived as a cause of moral insanity. Family members would often take a paternalistic or maternalistic approach to ensure that the woman would behave in a manner befitting a lady (e.g., kind, sympathetic, submissive).

How was women's health managed? In places where women were supposed to be kept safe, they would take any drastic measures (e.g., forced to cut their hair, genital mutilation, iced water injected into a women's intimate orifices, leeches hungrily latched onto labia and clitoris, etc.) to humble them and keep them in their proper place. 

What do we know today? Today, women are not perceived as any different. If a woman is experiencing a hormonal in balance due to her menstrual period, she is perceived as "too emotional," "too difficult," or "too aggressive." Despite the knowledge related to women's changes in behavior (emotional and psychological) due to hormonal imbalances (e.g., menstrual period, ovulation, pregnancy, postpartum depression, etc.), there is limited research exploring women’s health and ways to support them both in their personal and professional lives.

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? While there are many reproductive disorders negatively impacting women’s health, for this Blog, I will focus on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is more severe than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is considered a mood disorder. There are changes in hormone contributing to a decrease in serotonin levels.

What are the signs and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? Women may experience increased anxiety, anger, depression, changes in sleeping patterns, breast swelling, and binge eating, etc. Women may have conflicts (e.g., arguing and having emotional outburst) with family, friends, and coworkers. There are a few diagnostic tests (changes in serotonin levels and symptoms before the menstrual period) that can be conducted to diagnosed this condition.

How is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) treated? Regular exercise, meditation, changes in diet, e.g., reduce caffeine, salt, sugar, and alcohol, serotonin inhibitors, and birth control pills.

Next steps: Consult a healthcare provider, health educator, coach, or someone familiar with this condition to help you understand how to manage it (we provide such services). If necessary, bring someone with you to your initial health assessment or follow-up appointment to help you ask questions.

Resources:

•  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd

• The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. We are not responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information.