Cori Lint lived a happy life, working as a software engineer during the day and playing the cello part-time in the evenings. She enjoyed inline skating, gardening, and long conversations with friends in her spare time. However, a few days each month, her mood would plummet, leading to panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.
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Although she had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, Lint, 34, had a hard time comprehending her experiences, feeling like two different people during her highs and lows. In 2022, she had a breakthrough moment when she realized her symptoms were cyclical and related to her menstrual cycle.
With a lack of focus on women’s health in the medical field, many gaps exist in understanding conditions that specifically affect women. President Joe Biden even signed an executive order in 2024 to advance women’s health research and innovation, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues.
Understanding PMDD
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe negative reaction in the brain to hormonal changes before a menstrual period, leading to symptoms like irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Unlike PMS, PMDD symptoms can be debilitating, affecting around 5% of menstruators.
Despite the prevalence of PMDD, many health care providers lack knowledge about the disorder, making it difficult for patients to receive appropriate care. Reframing PMDD as a legitimate medical condition is crucial to support those affected by it.
Suicide Risk and Treatment
Due to the limited research on PMDD, its cause remains a mystery, and treatment options are scarce. Recognizing the seriousness of PMDD symptoms is essential, as it can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts among those affected.
While universal treatment protocols are still under discussion, options like SSRIs, hormonal birth control, and talk therapy have shown effectiveness in managing PMDD symptoms. Peer support groups like the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders can provide invaluable resources to patients.
Breaking the Silence on Menstrual Health
Both Lint and Tingum emphasized the lack of open discussion around menstrual health as a barrier to receiving timely care for PMDD. Understanding their cycles and tracking symptoms have empowered them to manage their conditions better and plan around difficult weeks.
By sharing their stories and connecting with others facing similar challenges, individuals with PMDD can find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their struggles. Breaking the silence on menstrual health is crucial to improving awareness and support for those affected by PMDD.
This article was produced through a partnership between KFF Health News and the Tampa Bay Times.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
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