Our Mission

PMDD Awareness 

Our mission with "Irritable Clothing" is to spread awareness for PMDD. As someone with PMDD, it is very important to me that not just the people who could possibly have PMDD are well informed of this disorder, but also the people around those with PMDD.

 

What does PMDD stand for?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

What is PMDD? 

PMDD is a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome also known as PMS. It is a hormone-related condition that affects one's body, mood, and daily life.

What are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms include: 

  • Severe mood swings
  • Irritability, or anger.
  • Depression
  • Hopelessness, or suicidal thought
  • Anxiety or feeling “on edge”
  • Fatigue, low energy, or sleep problems
  • Physical changes such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, or muscle/joint pain
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things

Diagnosis is based on tracking symptoms across at least two cycles.

Symptoms can feel overwhelming, often disrupting work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. PMDD is officially recognised in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11 as a medical and psychiatric condition.

When does this occur?

It often occurs during the women's Luteal Phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle / two weeks before a women's period) and can last anywhere from 7-14 days. 

It can feel like the whole world is caving in on you one day, and life is amazing and completely fine the next. No one specific thing, build up / lead up happens - it's just one extreme to the next. The only constant is that it is every month - two weeks on, two weeks off. 

Why does PMDD happen?

The exact reasoning isn't fully understood. For me it began after the removal of a a large cyst where resulted in the removal of my left ovary.

Current research suggests:

  • Sensitivity to normal hormone changes (oestrogen and progesterone).
  • Links to serotonin and other brain chemicals.
  • Genetic and environmental factors.
  • Common overlap with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

Some words from Megan (owner of Irritable Clothing)

Studies show that PMDD affects 3-8% of those whom menstruate. This could be your partner, friend, co-worker, your classmate - anyone within your circle could be struggling with this disorder and most likely dealing with feeling very misunderstood and as though people don't know their true selves. Because, two weeks is a long time and at times, it can feel as if that's just who we are. I'm here to assure you - It is not.

I believe that it is very important that we, as a collective, are as knowledgable and understanding of this disorder as much as we can be. When PMDD is not understood it can be understandably quite confusing and overwhelming to an onlooker - which in turn can be very alienating and frustrating for the person struggling with PMDD. That is why it is so important that we have the understanding and compassion to be able to help those whom are struggling with this disorder.

However, as someone with PMDD it is imperative that we also recognise when we are experiencing PMDD symptoms and take responsibility for our actions. We can do this through management and by giving ourselves grace. PMDD is something that you have, not who you are - however, that is no reason to not take action and do what you can to help mange these symptoms. It is not easy by all means, but it is possible. It is still one of the hardest things for me to manage, and probably will forever be. However, because of my acceptance and accountability I am now able to recognise when I am not capable of managing the disorder on my own and I will go to my loved ones for help or to communicate my need for space to those around me. It is all about communication, mutual understanding and giving yourself the love and grace that you need. I think communication is so important within this disorder, because the way you feel can be very very intense and at times very hard to control your behaviour. That's why it is so important to recognise what's going on, communicate and remove yourself - however remember to give yourself the love and kindness you deserve. Oh, and dark chocolate! It is an amazing pain relief as it contains anti-Inflammatories, and magnesium.Dark chocolate also triggers the brain to release "happy chemicals" such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

That is why we're called Irritable, to take back the power from those who would use that word against us while  also showing our strength. 

NZ Crisis Helplines:

Lifeline: 0800 543 354

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865

Need to Talk: Text or call 1737 anytime

Please check out https://www.pmddaotearoa.org.nz as they have some amazing information about PMDD.

 

If you or anyone you know is struggling please use the above resources. It doesn't make you weaker, it in fact shows your strength to move forward and do what is best for yourself. Thank you for taking your time to read this blog post.

Noho ora mai rā

-Megs

Sources:

Information gathered from - https://www.pmddaotearoa.org.nz