👋 Tell us about yourself! What is your name, age, location, & occupation?

My name is Emily, I'm 28 years old and a Creative Producer based out of California. I'm passionate about women’s health, wellness, civil issues, and writing music!

How did you discover that you had PMDD? What symptoms, situations & resources led you to this diagnosis? 

My road to PMDD was an odd one. From having zero PMS symptoms for the first 6 years of my period, around 18 I started experiencing what would later be misdiagnosed as type II bipolar, paired with my correctly diagnosed PTSD, OCD, and ADHD.

Because of my other alphabetic diagnosis, it made the misdiagnosis make sense. It would always have the same effect on my body, social life, and mental health 5 days before my period, like clock work. It wasn't until I started logging my symptoms on Aavia, and I was able to visually see the pattern. I had remembered reading something vague about PMDD by an influencer (@saritawalsch) and it kind of just lived in the back of my brain. When I took my Aavia chart to my therapist, she agree'd that this was worth looking into while simultaneously feeling bummed that this isn't something she was prepared to look into as a mental health professional.

With her doing her own research alongside her colleagues at her practice, she met with me and diagnosed me with PMDD, and thus began the journey.

What are 3 things you want other people with PMDD or similar symptoms to know?

1. As big of an advocate I am for "feeling the feels" and making space for them, PMDD emotions are a different beast. Mastering the art of writing that text in notes and saving it till morning, shelving the big feels, dancing it out or watching a feel good movie goes the LONGEST way.

2. Because emotions are SO high, I would truly, with all your might, avoid making big life decisions or writing people off / creating vows during those 5'ish days, and wait till you start your period.

3. Symptoms mirror both Bipolar Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. So if you've ever been diagnosed with either of these and have been prescribed SRI's but they're not quite working; it may be because the disorder is not connected to brain activity but is hormonally based; where as SRI's actually harm your hormonal health and create instability.

At Aavia, we know that lifestyle modifications can help manage and reduce symptoms. What has been the most effective for you in managing PCOS & Endo?

SO! Studies have shown that your PMS symptoms reveal stress and trauma held in the body after they've been experienced. So whatever you're going through right now will reflect in your PMS.

Through out my entire cycle, I really try to set myself up by cycle syncing my diet, movement and social life; and no matter where I'm at in my cycle but ESPECIALLY those 5 days before your period starts, I really fight to:

• Lower my screen time

• Move with intention

• Having my community AWARE so they can support me

• Protect my energy (socially, mentally, spiritually, emotionally)

• Get LOADS of sunshine

• Get at least 9 hours of sleep (the new updated study for women)

• Eat organic, leafy greens

• Be mindful of alcohol and caffeine intake.

During PMDD, I view my body as more vulnerable to substances, events, and triggers (because it is). <3

What are your luteal phase must-haves/do’s to feel better?

• Sunshine walks (because ain’t no way I'm running hehe)

• Matcha instead of Espresso

• At least one night dedicated to self care, being off screen, and winding down by candle light.

• Texting my friends and letting them know I've entered luteal and that “support this cycle looks like: ______.” (Sometimes I need more space and flexibility with commitment/hang outs, a movie night, space to process emotions safely without judgement, lots of patience and kindness, cute little check in texts.)

Where can our members find you?

IG: @emregal

TikTok: @emthesaint