When it comes to women’s health, there are lots of conditions that are downplayed. More specifically, when those issues affect Black women, there’s even less conversation. PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, is one of the most serious, painful conditions affecting thousands of Black women. Sadly, though, as real as PMDD is to those affected by it, some doctors and the medical industry at large have yet to take it seriously.
What Is PMDD?
PMDD is a serious premenstrual syndrome that can cause earth shattering emotional and physical symptoms. According to Harvard Health Publishing the disorder is a combination of physical symptoms and debilitating mood disturbances. Findings published in the Journal of Affective Disorders show that the condition affects around 1.6 percent of women and girls. That’s around 31 million people globally.
However, although PMDD diagnoses appear in a seemingly small number of women and girls, the study notes that 3.2% had provisional diagnoses, meaning clinicians suspected the condition but had not measured symptoms over a sustained period to confirm it.
“These are real problems, and if we don’t all recognize them as such, it will continue to be under-diagnosed. People will continue to have these issues for decades,” Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins, an OBGYN, told 21Ninety.
What Does a PMDD Episode Look Like?
The experiences of PMDD can vary depending on the person, but they usually always occur a week or so before menstruation. People with PMDD may experience a range of symptoms, from emotional factors like crying episodes and feelings of self-harm to physical issues such as fatigue and muscle aches. Julia Meyarzum was actually unaware she was experiencing PMDD. Doctors misdiagnosed her with bipolar disorder for years before she finally received a PMDD diagnosis at 22.
“A lot of the symptoms do look similar to bipolar two symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability and over critical, intrusive thoughts. For me, typically anywhere between seven to 14 days before my cycle is a switch. You can feel yourself change, which is why a lot of people might misdiagnose it for bipolar disorder,” Meyarzum told 21Ninety.
Strangely enough, most women feel as though their PMDD symptoms almost completely vanish the moment their period arrives. Unless they’re receiving treatment and or a diagnosis, most women experiencing PMDD endure this cycle once a month.
Why Do Some Doctors Downplay PMDD?
With all of the videos, posts, and vulnerable messages of women on social media connecting over their experience with PMDD, it’s disheartening to know some doctors don’t believe the condition is real. According to Dr. Perkins, this is due to many factors, including systemic racism, sexism in the medical industry, and a lack of understanding of mental health symptoms.
“Sometimes it’s so much easier for practitioners and providers to see a cut, blood and fix the issue. But, when it comes to things that affect our behavior, mood, or things that are subjective, it becomes a bit more difficult. Because now, you {doctors} need to appreciate what that person is telling you and take it at face value,” she shared.
Additionally, Dr. Perkins credited the lack of discussion around PMDD in the medical industry to the unfair research practices. Many studies on PMDD have claimed less Black women experience the condition.
“Research is not studying the Black community as well as they are in the white community. When they do incorporate Blacks, oftentimes we find that is not to the same degree. For example, if you have 200 participants in a study, and only two or three Black people are part of it out of 197 white people, that’s not enough,” the OBGYN described.
What Is the Best Medication for PMDD?
Most experts consider PMDD a chronic condition, so it doesn’t have an official cure. However, there are many avenues for treatment, including medication. The most common medications to lessen the symptoms of PMDD include antidepressants like fluoxetine, to birth control.
On the other hand, some Black women with PMDD take holistic approaches to relieving their symptoms. This includes changes in their diet.
“I took a holistic approach to symptom management. So I did a whole bunch of food changes. I cut out caffeine, hard liquor, and 90% dairy. Food is something we don’t talk about enough that affects women. Especially in the Black community, because we aren’t educated on what foods we should be eating,” Kalene Copeland, a fitness coach with PMDD, told 21Ninety.
What Doctor to See for PMDD?
A variety of healthcare professionals can help treat and manage PMDD. The list includes a gynecologist, primary care physician, psychiatrist and endocrinologist.
No matter what doctor you go to, Dr. Perkins wants all patients to keep one thing in mind.
“Advocate for yourself by finding a provider that will treat you like your mother, your father, or someone you know who loves you dearly would treat you. You want that kind of attention from your provider. When you find a provider, you want to make sure that they are listening to you,” she said.
In most cases, you may need to see a combination of healthcare providers to diagnose and treat PMDD.
“What happens to us is that we go to doctors and we say, ‘okay, XYZ is wrong.’ They brush it off and sweep it under the rug. The next thing you know, it’s another Black woman who’s lost her life. It’s important to push until you figure out what’s wrong with you,” Meyarzum shared.
Advocating for yourself comes in many forms. This can include getting a second opinion, doing your own research, and asking healthcare providers questions about symptoms and testing.