Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder with Genevieve Hall
Apr 9, 2023
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Genevieve Hall, writer and marketing consultant, shares her experiences with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), discussing its symptoms, diagnosis, and overlap with ADHD. The podcast explores the significance of discussing periods in mental health, the stigma surrounding menstruation, and strategies for managing PMDD symptoms.
Managing PMDD involves various strategies across different realms of well-being, such as diet, exercise, stress management, therapy, and hormonal treatments.
Open communication and setting boundaries with partners or loved ones can create understanding and support in managing PMDD.
Deep dives
Managing PMDD and Menstrual Cycles
Managing PMDD and menstrual cycles can involve various strategies, such as diet, exercise, stress management, therapy, and hormonal treatments. Taking measures across different realms of well-being, like actively managing stress, can be beneficial. Open communication with partners or loved ones about the impact of PMDD and setting boundaries can help create understanding and support. Lifestyle measures and medical interventions, like hormonal treatments and medications, can also play a role in managing PMDD symptoms. It is important to advocate for oneself and prioritize self-care during different phases of the menstrual cycle to minimize the impact of PMDD on overall well-being.
Recognizing the Effects of PMDD
PMDD is characterized by mood and emotional changes, including mood swings, increased irritability, depression, anxiety, and decreased interest in usual activities. Physical symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, and weight gain can also occur. It is important to track symptoms and seek professional help to distinguish PMDD from normal fluctuations in mood. PMDD criteria include experiencing at least five of the 11 specified symptoms, with at least one being a mood-related symptom, in the 10 to 14 days before menstruation.
Lifestyle Factors and PMDD
Managing PMDD involves considering lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, and quality sleep. Decreasing stress levels is particularly important. Open communication with partners or loved ones about PMDD symptoms and setting boundaries can also contribute to better management. Identifying stressors and implementing strategies to reduce stress can help alleviate PMDD symptoms. Additionally, practicing self-care and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can positively impact overall well-being.
PMDD Treatment Options
Treating PMDD often involves a combination of lifestyle measures and medical interventions. Hormonal treatments, such as contraceptives, can help regulate hormonal fluctuations and manage symptoms. Mental health medications like SSRIs may be prescribed to alleviate mood-related symptoms. Seeking professional guidance, such as therapy or consulting with an integrative GP, can provide personalized treatment plans. Overall, understanding and addressing the complexity of PMDD can contribute to better management and improved quality of life.
This week we welcome Genevieve Hall back to the pod to chat with us about her experiences with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Genevieve is a writer, marketing consultant, and creator of the Demimonde Jewel Shop. Her special interests include gemstones, bees, and starting new hobbies (ideally a niche crafting skill). On any given day Genevieve will be either powered or frustrated by her ADHD, and PMDD has been a familiar and unwelcome visitor over the years.
On this episode we unpack exactly what is PMDD, and how is it different from PMS or regular fluctuations in mood and physiology across a menstrual cycle. Genevieve shares her experience with PMDD, including the mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms she experienced, her path to diagnosis, the overlap between PMDD and ADHD, and strategies to manage and treat symptoms of PMDD. Tune in if you have a menstrual cycle or love someone who does!
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