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Neha Bhasin took to her social media to talk about her battle with PMDD. She talked about how the disorder impacted her mind and body.
PMDD is more severe than PMS.
Popular singer Neha Bhasin recently took to her social media and talked about her battle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The singer shared a heartfelt note where she opened up about her struggle and how the disorder led to changes in her body and mind. This disorder often goes undiagnosed and is confused with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), but it is more severe.
Taking to her Instagram, Bhasin shared a carousel post where she poured her heart out and talked about her ongoing battle with PMDD. She mentioned how the disorder impacted her mentally and physically. She wrote, “I put on 10 kgs for the 1st time in my life. And I already suffer from body dysmorphia. And I was healing from an on-and-off eating disorder. Anti-depressants made sure I put on more weight. I was caught by paps on the road, in cafes, on my way to the gym when I loathed at the very sight of how I looked. I was only body shamed, constantly, brutally shamed.”
Take a look at the post here.
Bhasin continued, “I would sit in the dark all alone for 10 hours a day during my episodes. I am now getting better. I have help and I have bad days but I am learning to cope and hope.” Her post has sparked a discussion on what PMDD is and how it impacts women.
What Is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a chronic health condition that affects a woman’s mood and physical health in the two weeks before her menstrual period. It can significantly interfere with daily life and can cause extreme mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns, along with physical symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and headaches.
Experts believe that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle particularly changes in estrogen and progesterone level are a cause of PMDD. The exact cause is not fully understood by doctors yet.
How Is PMDD different from PMS?
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr. Vinutha G, senior consultant obstetrics and gynaecology and women’s health expert at Athreya Hospital said, “PMS affects up to 75% of menstruating individuals to some extent, as noted in a review published in The Lancet. Symptoms are typically mild to moderate and include physical complaints like bloating, and breast tenderness, and mild mood changes such as irritability or sadness. These symptoms are temporary and generally do not interfere significantly with daily functioning.”
How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors can ask individuals to keep track of their symptoms and also take a look at their mental and physical health.
Effective Ways To Manage PMDD
Lifestyle changes such as changes to diet, the addition of health supplements, and stress management can help up to a certain extent. Apart from this, doctors can also prescribe medication, hormonal therapies, and/or counselling to help manage PMDD effectively.
