The Whisper Network “The absolute worst part of my life”: Living with PMDD
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Mar 14, 2025 Jennifer Gordon, a Canada Research Chair focused on women’s mental health, joins the conversation on PMDD, a debilitating condition affecting many. She shares groundbreaking insights about its emotional toll and the historical context of PMDD research. The hosts candidly discuss their struggles with mood swings and search for effective treatments, including unconventional remedies like antihistamines. They emphasize the importance of awareness in tackling the stigma surrounding women's mental health and the urgent need for better medical support.
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PMDD Feels Life‑Altering
- Emily Hampshire describes PMDD as extreme mood swings that can make her "willing to blow up my whole life" each month.
- She reports severe physical and psychological symptoms that escalate beyond typical PMS.
Mental Symptoms Can Dominate
- Katie Boland shares she experiences crippling insecurity and paranoia without physical symptoms during PMDD.
- She says emotional symptoms make her believe others are against her and lead to relationship turmoil.
PMDD Is A Distinct Cyclical Mood Disorder
- Dr. Jennifer Gordon defines PMDD as a mood disorder with an on-off pattern tied to the premenstrual phase.
- She estimates 5–6% meet DSM criteria and up to ~10% have noticeable cyclical mood symptoms.
