Every month, women experience physical and mental fluctuations. There is a lack of awareness of women’s hormonal health issues, leading some to suffer unnecessarily. Once women enter their early to mid-twenties, they often experience a second form of puberty. The changes that occur during this phenomenon are physical and emotional.
The symptoms include weight gain, acne, irregular menstrual cycles and mood swings. “Second puberty” and perimenopause are often not included in conversations about women’s healthcare. This gap leaves the half of our population that has a uterus blindsided by their bodies.
We must promote education to aid women’s treatment for debilitating mental health symptoms caused by their menstrual cycle.
PMDD Impacts College Students
Parallel to second puberty are changes to women’s menstrual cycles. In their twenties, some women experience intense changes in their menstrual cycle. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This condition begins impacting women once they enter childbearing age.
The age range for the onset of symptoms means college students are particularly susceptible to experiencing PMDD. Symptoms are debilitating and quickly impact women’s relationships, school and work.
PMDD sparks an internal battle between a woman, her body and her mind. It is a cyclical fight that creates tension with loved ones, a disinterest in hobbies, difficulty completing tasks, fatigue and suicidal thoughts.
Women are battling themselves while the solutions are dangling silently in front of them. Many of those suffering from PMDD are unaware of the condition they have. This is due to a lack of education and awareness surrounding this topic.
Bring the Conversation to the U
The University of Utah must spread awareness for PMDD awareness month. Mental health and women’s hormone awareness is crucial. Women deserve to know that the possibility of feeling better is available. Campus flyers and social media posts promoting resources are great for spreading information about PMDD.
The most crucial step in helping women treat PMDD is awareness. Johns Hopkins said those who have “less access to education about management and treatment of PMDD” are at increased risk.
Women suffer for far too long because many do not know their symptoms are abnormal from PMS. Many may even be unaware that their symptoms are connected to menstruation since symptoms may occur two weeks before they menstruate. The conversation about PMDD must occur to spread awareness and treat more women.
Bringing PMDD awareness to our students gives them the tools to advocate for themselves. This conversation is necessary since many medical professionals do not have the knowledge to diagnose or treat PMDD.
In an interview for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr. Len Kliman, a PMDD specialist, said, “PMDD … is not part of the usual curriculum. People often don’t know a lot about it or the correct approach to it.”
When discussing the approach to diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Kliman said, “A number of GPs who, quite understandably because they aren’t cognizant with the best treatment, will tell the patient to either just live with it, get used to it or basically throw it back on the patient.”
Students with uteruses must have the education to advocate for themselves and find appropriate treatment, since many medical professionals will disregard them. The ultimate goal for PMDD treatment for students is to have resources on campus.
The U’s Counseling and Healthcare Services must offer support for young women experiencing symptoms of PMDD. Implementing convenient healthcare and support groups for students struggling with PMDD is essential for their success at school.
End the Stigma Surrounding Menstruation
PMDD must be at the forefront of women’s mental health issues. Women and their menstrual cycles are stigmatized and difficult to discuss.
Stereotypes surrounding periods include women being dramatic, unstable and moody. It is challenging to seek help for symptoms of PMDD without fear of being disregarded. The stigma around menstruation mislabels women and creates challenges for the public to hear their voices.
PMDD is a serious mental health concern and leaves many feeling isolated. Healthcare professionals must take PMDD seriously. As a whole, we must open up the conversation about women’s reproductive and hormonal healthcare. Doing so will allow more women to know the difference between regular PMS symptoms and severe symptoms caused by PMDD. Most importantly, having this conversation lets more women get the treatment they need.
Women’s Hormonal Healthcare Matters
Women’s healthcare faces disparities in funding, research and underdiagnosis of common diseases. We must discuss issues facing women’s healthcare more extensively than just PMDD specifically. This includes educating healthcare professionals on women’s issues and setting standards to avoid misdiagnoses and disregarded symptoms.
Spreading awareness for PMDD awareness month is necessary. It’s one step forward in advocating for better standards in women’s healthcare.
