Emily Blout, a resident of Washington, D.C., shares her experiences living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Since her first menstruation at age 15, Emily, now 42, has navigated severe mood shifts associated with this hormone-related condition.
“For nearly half of each month, I feel like I’m a different person,” Emily expressed to Newsweek. During these periods, her typically cheerful demeanor becomes marred by sadness, anger, and lack of focus. She finds herself crying spontaneously, reacting irritably toward her husband and twin sons, and struggling to concentrate on work.
Understanding PMDD Symptoms
PMDD affects approximately 5% of women, according to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPD). Symptoms typically occur before menstruation, subsiding once menstruation begins due to hormonal fluctuations involving estrogen and progesterone. The IAPD outlines several symptoms, including:
- Emotional and mood changes
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Behavior and appetite alterations
- Feelings of being out of control
Emily vividly describes the emotional turmoil she endures leading up to her period. “The anger is overwhelming,” she confessed. An instance occurred during a trip to London, where her anger led her to book a separate, costly flight back home. This sensation dissipated within a day, leaving her in disbelief of her actions.
Another emotion she battles is profound sadness. “I call it ‘stupid sadness,'” she remarked. Even a simple Disney movie can trigger intense, disproportionate tears. Alternately, a deeper sadness overtakes her, complicating routine tasks and leading to episodes of brain fog.
Last year, Emily recounted an incident where her mental state contributed to a car accident. She was driving to work when, distracted, she ran a red light and totaled her vehicle.
Seeking Effective Treatment
Emily has explored numerous treatments for her PMDD. These included antidepressants and antipsychotic medications following a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Recently, she began taking Lupron (leuprolide acetate), a hormone therapy that suppresses sex hormone production. This treatment has induced a chemical menopause, effectively eliminating her PMDD symptoms.
“Experiencing life like everyone else, with regained clarity and time, has been transformative,” she shared. “My children have their mother back, which is invaluable.” Her sons, growing more perceptive, have recognized the changes in her demeanor, confirming the disorder’s impact.
Contemplating Future Choices
Emily now faces a complex decision between undergoing surgery to remove reproductive organs or trying experimental drugs to maintain her symptom relief. “I have exhausted treatments like antidepressants, birth control, and therapy,” she stated. “My husband and I are struggling to endure this situation.”
Emily consulted a surgeon regarding the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes but remains undecided about surgery due to potential memory or dementia risks identified in related research.
Currently, she perceives herself as being in limbo, awaiting the onset of natural menopause. “Women with PMDD often find themselves as experimental subjects,” Emily explained. “The condition hasn’t received sufficient research funding to discover effective treatments, let alone a cure.”