Are you aware of PMDD?
As a menstruating person, this was unfortunately not a topic I knew much about, but after seeing Dimple, a mental health pharamcist share some posts online about her lived experience, I wanted to speak with her about this condition to raise awareness.
In this candid conversation, we both agree that periods and anything to do with them were not widely shared in South Asian households, so what happens when someone is experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, irritability and suicidal ideation every month?
Dimple explains what PMDD is, how it differs from PMS, and what steps you can take to get a diagnosis. We also discuss the impact it has on her daily life, including adjustments that support her at work and how she has to plan around her PMDD with her husband.
I’m grateful to Dimple for sharing her experience, as we know periods and women’s suffering in general are not always taken seriously by the South Asian community or even doctors, as Dimple experienced.
By understanding PMDD and raising awareness, we can break stigma, support each other, and promote better health for women. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help—you deserve understanding and relief. Below are some resources you may wish to look into, as mentioned on the episode.
Resources
International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD
Hope: A Guide to PMDD for Partners & Caregivers
Follow Dimple Khatiri on Socials
Instagram - thepmddpharmacist
Chapters
00:00 Understanding PMDD: A Deep Dive
04:08 Personal Journey: From Dismissal to Diagnosis
06:43 Life After Diagnosis: Acceptance and Empowerment
08:54 Building Community: Finding Support
12:03 Navigating Relationships: Family and Work Dynamics
14:50 Breaking Stigmas: Cultural Conversations
19:10 Myths and Misconceptions: PMDD vs PMS
22:07 Next Steps: Seeking Help and Support
