The Beast That is PMDD: A Case Study of Kate

I was first diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) two years ago. Two

minutes into my consultation with my Chinese doctor, I broke down in tears—a cry of pure

relief. Finally, someone understood what was happening. After years of testing, dead ends,

countless doctors, specialists, and supplements with little relief, I finally had an answer.

Despite my relentless pursuit of solutions, I had resigned myself to wearing a mask—

pretending I was okay while enduring two weeks of stability followed by two weeks of utter

chaos. Half the month, I couldn’t recognize myself. I was consumed by depression, intense

cravings, bloating, extreme fatigue, body aches, night sweats, headaches, dissociation from

the things I love, mood swings, anger, and irritability. The things that once brought me joy

felt meaningless. Then, like clockwork, my period would arrive, and suddenly, I’d be okay

again.

The best way I can describe it:

"I have two great weeks, two destructive weeks—ruining my life, fighting with people I love,

saying things I didn’t mean, second-guessing my career and relationships—then spending the

next two weeks trying to undo the damage and pick up the pieces."

Then came a pivotal moment. I was on a plane when the man sitting next to me—a

psychiatrist who ran a clinic in Melbourne—referred me to a Chinese doctor specializing in

women’s health, particularly PMDD. I don’t believe in coincidences, and this was one of

those moments of divine intervention. As I write this, I realize I still need to reach out and

thank him, because that referral changed everything for me.

Fast-forward to that first appointment: the overwhelming relief, the tears I couldn’t hold

back, and then the inevitable questions—What can I do? Is there a treatment? Will it work?

So, What Really Is PMDD?

For most of my life, doctors told me I had a hormone imbalance, and I never even knew

PMDD existed. But PMDD is much more than just hormonal fluctuations—it's about how

your body intensely reacts to those changes. Despite its serious impact, awareness remains

alarmingly low, even among healthcare professionals. Many women, like me, find it difficult

to connect with a doctor who truly understands PMDD, and finding an effective treatment is

often a frustrating journey of trial and error.

To put it simply, PMDD isn’t just “bad PMS.” It’s a severe, debilitating condition that

doesn’t only affect your physical health but can also derail your work, relationships, and

sense of normalcy. That’s the key difference: while PMS can be challenging, PMDD

consumes your life in ways that can feel almost impossible to manage.

PMDD vs PMS – What’s the Difference?

• Prevalence: PMDD affects 3-8% of women of reproductive age.

• Severity: Unlike PMS, PMDD is life-altering.

• Diagnosis: There’s no specific test; diagnosis is based on tracking symptoms over

multiple cycles.

• Impact: PMDD can cause extreme mood swings, depression, and irritability, leading

to major personal and professional struggles.

For me, PMDD is a flick of a switch. Symptoms hit like clockwork—10 to 14 days before my

period. Suddenly, I shut down. Depression and dissociation creep in. Then—just as

suddenly—it lifts into day 1-4 of my period. It’s one of the strangest, most frustrating

experiences to endure. I remember being in the Maldives on a research trip—literally in

paradise—and experiencing one of these massive mood shifts. I wasn’t stressed. Nothing was

wrong. I was in heaven—so why did I feel like I was drowning? That’s when I knew

something deeper was going on.

The Lack of Awareness & Treatment Challenges

While there is no "cure," management options include:

• Trauma healing: Many PMDD sufferers have past trauma that needs addressing.

• Hormonal management: Some find relief through hormone therapy.

• SSRIs (antidepressants): These can help regulate mood swings (effective for some,

not for others).

• Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and stress management play a role.

• Therapy & support: PMDD takes a toll on mental health; professional guidance is

crucial.

• Alternative therapies: Chinese medicine, naturopathy, kinesiology, tapping, yoga,

NLP, Healy machines, and chiropractic care can help regulate stress responses.

• Good sleep hygiene: Stable sleep patterns can reduce symptom severity.

• Nervous system regulation: Breath work, grounding, mantra, humming, and

meditation can help.

• Managing social events: Avoiding high-stress plans during vulnerable phases can be

beneficial.

• Avoiding alcohol in the "danger zone": Even a small amount of alcohol during

PMDD phases can lead to emotional instability, blackouts, and chaos.

Do You or Someone You Love Have PMDD?

If symptoms follow a cyclical pattern—severe emotional distress before your period that

disappears once menstruation begins—you might have PMDD. Tracking symptoms over

several cycles using an app or journal can help identify patterns.

You Are Not Alone

I wrote this after experiencing a terrible episode—my cycle stretched to 49 days. Even

though I’ve made progress managing my highs and lows, I was reminded how crucial it is to

spread awareness. For so many years, I felt alone, misunderstood, and desperate for

answers—trying endless detoxes, protocols, and remedies, believing I just needed to "fix"

myself. But healing isn’t about punishing our bodies; it’s about understanding them.

I truly believe in our ability to heal—physically, emotionally, and energetically. I’m a huge advocate of Louise Hay’s work and, more recently, Dr. Joe Dispenza’s research on the mind-

body connection. I’ve begun applying these principles to PMDD, recognizing how our thoughts, emotions, and energy play a role in well-being. While PMDD is a very real and

deeply challenging condition, I also believe in the power of transformation, self-awareness,

and finding tools that work for you.

If you or someone you know is struggling with extreme hormonal imbalances, please know

that support is available. At KTOPIA, we are committed to creating a space for education,

connection, and healing.

PMDD is not just "bad PMS"—it is a serious medical condition that demands recognition,

research, and proper treatment. The first step toward change is awareness, and by sharing our experiences, we can help more women find the answers and support they deserve.