Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that includes intense anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame. It affects more than 5% of women, and most don't know they have it. On this episode of Being Well, I was joined by my wonderful partner @elizabeth.ferreira to explore what #pmdd is, how to self-diagnose, effective practices for managing PMDD, and how to create a happy, healthy, fulfilling relationship alongside it.

As a note, during this conversation we focused on psychological and lifestyle change-based interventions for PMDD. Not everyone has a life that allows them to make these changes, and in addition to these practices many people need significant medical intervention to feel relief. Treatment options range from oral contraceptives and SSRIs to chemical menopause or even a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy.

Some of these interventions come with significant side effects, and this podcast episode is no replacement for consulting with a physician. To learn more about medical options, check out the links below:

The International Association for Pre-Menstrual Disorders: https://iapmd.org/treatment-options
IAPMD Facebook Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iapmd/

More from Elizabeth:
Elizabeth's new podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-therapists-a-witch/id1630572423
Check out Elizabeth's channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqhMZNBr7cVbVTH46weuItg

Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 What’s PMDD?
4:50 Diagnostic criteria for PMDD.
8:50 Challenges of awareness around “invisible” problems.
10:25 The experience of a PMDD episode.
15:40 Practices that help PMDD.
27:45 Externalizing PMDD.
30:30 Therapy and PMDD.
33:30 Accepting your needs.
40:30 Dealing with shame and isolation.
46:00 Continuing to meet the challenge.
51:30 Partnering someone with PMDD.

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Who Am I: I'm Forrest, the co-author of Resilient (https://amzn.to/3iXLerD) and host of the Being Well Podcast (https://apple.co/38ufGG0). I'm making videos focused on simplifying psychology, mental health, and personal growth.

About the Being Well Podcast: Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson explore the practical science of lasting well-being with the help of world-class guest experts, and teach you how to build reliable inner strengths, overcome your challenges, and get the most out of life.

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