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The Cycle: Confronting the Pain of Periods and PMDD
A groundbreaking exploration of a debilitating disorder that’s underdiagnosed and misunderstood.
Most days, Shalene Gupta was the person she’d always aspired to be. She was hardworking, excelled at work, and had a long-term boyfriend who she desperately loved.
Then, every month like clockwork, it all came crashing down in fits of rage and inconsolable sorrow. Work became meaningless, and she struggled to get through the day. The lows were subterranean.
After years of struggling to get an answer from doctors, Shalene learned she was one of millions who live with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. The physical and mental effects of this disorder are undeniable, but for decades some doctors didn’t even consider PMDD a real condition. How could so many people be suffering at the hands of a chronic condition that doesn’t even exist?
The Cycle uncovers a hidden epidemic, delivering the definitive portrait of a widespread chronic illness most people haven’t even heard of. From a historical overview of feminist debates, to on-the-ground interviews and a searing critique of menstrual stigma, Shalene Gupta lays out how disregard for this disorder has left too many people scrambling for appropriate healthcare. Deeply researched, movingly intimate, and refreshingly hopeful, this book is essential reading for any curious reader, especially those navigating a world ill-equipped to support their health.
Most days, Shalene Gupta was the person she’d always aspired to be. She was hardworking, excelled at work, and had a long-term boyfriend who she desperately loved.
Then, every month like clockwork, it all came crashing down in fits of rage and inconsolable sorrow. Work became meaningless, and she struggled to get through the day. The lows were subterranean.
After years of struggling to get an answer from doctors, Shalene learned she was one of millions who live with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. The physical and mental effects of this disorder are undeniable, but for decades some doctors didn’t even consider PMDD a real condition. How could so many people be suffering at the hands of a chronic condition that doesn’t even exist?
The Cycle uncovers a hidden epidemic, delivering the definitive portrait of a widespread chronic illness most people haven’t even heard of. From a historical overview of feminist debates, to on-the-ground interviews and a searing critique of menstrual stigma, Shalene Gupta lays out how disregard for this disorder has left too many people scrambling for appropriate healthcare. Deeply researched, movingly intimate, and refreshingly hopeful, this book is essential reading for any curious reader, especially those navigating a world ill-equipped to support their health.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2024
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September 22, 2023
ARC gifted from the publisher (thanks!)
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This hits close to home for me so even more excited to dive in :)
---
The balance of deciding how much to share versus the desire to help others. This is a topic with a complicated history and some people still believe the wrong things or don't know much about it.
I remember in school learning about pms and they talked about some stuff but not what it would actually feel like the first time you got it. I thought I had a stomach ache all day and didn't realize till I got up from seat in class with foot under me on the seat and saw... well I'm sure you know and have some version of the same tale.
I went to the nurses office and she helped me out than a family friend who happened to be at the school took me home after.
I was self conscious about my period and how I felt when I was on it for a long time, even trying to hide the evidence at home from my dad and brother when I was on it (though of course they knew). I stopped caring as much in my mid twenties.
Funny story, I got a male manager to get away from me so I could go back to work without him bugging me about getting done quicker by talking about how my period was making me feel and he quickly left.
One month in 2015, I was hit by cramps so bad it woke me up out of a dead sleep and I was so dizzy and nauseous I could barely get down the steps to the living room to lay on the couch..Midol, Aleve, Tylenol, pamperin, and even aspirin either helped for not long or not at all. I did find thermacare for pms and that was a godsend but after awhile it helped about 80% but it allowed me to function till the cramps went away for the most part but the cramp pain still managed to sing its song.
I would have to either call off work or leave early because I was feeling so lousy.
At first it was horrible cramps every month than every other month, every two months.. it just varied and I would pray that it wouldn't so bad every time.
I felt scattered brained, couldn't concentrate, my sleep was interrupted..I felt increased anxiety and what I now know was depression symptoms (more times my thoughts would scare me).. dizzy, more angry, crying more easily... I didn't tell many people because I was afraid I would either scare them or I wouldn't be believed.
I just thought this was how it was when you got older pms just got worse. When I talked to my mom and friends though, they said their experience wasn't like that and they didn't understand what I was going through fully.
Never thought about going to the doctor for it.. didn't think it was something you did ya know? Just dealt with it.
People would tell me to do different things and I told them I tried that already.
I just assumed I had to toughen up and get through it day by day. I scheduled plans around my cycle so I wouldn't be having it and feeling lousy with my friends or family.
My bleeding got so heavy sometimes I'd get up a couple times or more in the middle of the night to change pads.. I bled through my clothes and sheets very often.
I'd go through a 36 pack of pads in one week. Overnight pads were the only thing I used at one point and even the super heavy ones weren't enough after awhile.
I would feel super angry and anxious before my period came...that's how I knew it was coming soon.
I would also feel tired the whole time.. it was worse the first two days and only somewhat better for the other three.
When my period ended, it was like a curtain was lifted and I felt better immediately after the last day.
I grew to be scared of it coming every month. :(
I'd never heard the term pmdd till later on but never thought of looking it up (not sure why) to see what it was all about.
My sister mentioned getting birth control to help lessen my period. The first one made the later days a bit better but overall it wasn't helpful for the heaviness.
That's when the thought of a hysterectomy popped into my head. I talked to my mom and a few friends who had it done and they patiently answered my questions. It felt like the right fit for me.
The surgeon who met with me was so nice and understanding. She didn't push me to do anything I didn't want. She suggested burning the thick lining and taking my fibroid out and cleaning everything in there but I was so traumatized by my period that having it anymore sent me into a panic. I told her what all I tried and all the things that didn't work and I wanted it all out of me.
She agreed to do the surgery and I was so relieved.
Long story short: the surgery went great and I feel so much better, lighter and not like my body was attacking me every month. They took a 2lb fibroid out of me, and I found out I had some endometriosis too. No abnormal cells thankfully.
---
This is a wonderful book.. researched excellently and informative without reading like a textbook. No corner left unexplored, nothing left hidden.
I wanted to hug the author and tell her I empathized and understood.
My heart goes out to her and anyone else going through this. Pmdd and PME should be thoroughly researched more than it is (endometriosis as well, but digressing).
I was prescribed fluxeotine (sp?) for my anxiety and depression but didn't realize it was considered a treatment for pmdd too, it never helped me with mine.
It warms my heart that there's resources out there now and some treatments but still a long way to go to educate people and remove the stigma.
"Period leave" was something I had no idea existed (this should definitely be everywhere). My friends and I would talk about how we wished there was leave for when we felt like crap and would rather be home with a heating pad and some chocolate.
It's sad it's under-used in the countries that do have it, but also sadly understandable, given certain attitudes toward this bodily function.
Disclosure to employers... not sure if I would have tried to bring it up (my old job wouldn't have cared anyway). Accommodations should be granted though, it would show Compassion and Empathy for sure.
The history with pmdd as I said before is complicated and some still don't believe it exists or women just need to "shut up and deal with it" or we hear some version of "well, I get bad cramps,etc too" ..or you can get accused of making it up and blowing it out of proportion.
The rocky road is getting a bit smoother, but there's still some bumps and potholes to navigate.
I will definitely telling people about this book, male and female. The more that know and can understand/help spread the word, the better.
Additional musings:
A former coworker and I called the pain in our heads pms migraines (I didn't know pms was a separate thing for a long while, thought it was just a nickname for our periods).
Magnesium helped some with the cramps and migraines that time of the month but didn't really touch my other symptoms.
I remember once asking a female doctor when I was at a urgentcare type place for something else about what to do for bad cramps,she had an awkward expression on her face, said a heating pad, then left. 😳
---
This hits close to home for me so even more excited to dive in :)
---
The balance of deciding how much to share versus the desire to help others. This is a topic with a complicated history and some people still believe the wrong things or don't know much about it.
I remember in school learning about pms and they talked about some stuff but not what it would actually feel like the first time you got it. I thought I had a stomach ache all day and didn't realize till I got up from seat in class with foot under me on the seat and saw... well I'm sure you know and have some version of the same tale.
I went to the nurses office and she helped me out than a family friend who happened to be at the school took me home after.
I was self conscious about my period and how I felt when I was on it for a long time, even trying to hide the evidence at home from my dad and brother when I was on it (though of course they knew). I stopped caring as much in my mid twenties.
Funny story, I got a male manager to get away from me so I could go back to work without him bugging me about getting done quicker by talking about how my period was making me feel and he quickly left.
One month in 2015, I was hit by cramps so bad it woke me up out of a dead sleep and I was so dizzy and nauseous I could barely get down the steps to the living room to lay on the couch..Midol, Aleve, Tylenol, pamperin, and even aspirin either helped for not long or not at all. I did find thermacare for pms and that was a godsend but after awhile it helped about 80% but it allowed me to function till the cramps went away for the most part but the cramp pain still managed to sing its song.
I would have to either call off work or leave early because I was feeling so lousy.
At first it was horrible cramps every month than every other month, every two months.. it just varied and I would pray that it wouldn't so bad every time.
I felt scattered brained, couldn't concentrate, my sleep was interrupted..I felt increased anxiety and what I now know was depression symptoms (more times my thoughts would scare me).. dizzy, more angry, crying more easily... I didn't tell many people because I was afraid I would either scare them or I wouldn't be believed.
I just thought this was how it was when you got older pms just got worse. When I talked to my mom and friends though, they said their experience wasn't like that and they didn't understand what I was going through fully.
Never thought about going to the doctor for it.. didn't think it was something you did ya know? Just dealt with it.
People would tell me to do different things and I told them I tried that already.
I just assumed I had to toughen up and get through it day by day. I scheduled plans around my cycle so I wouldn't be having it and feeling lousy with my friends or family.
My bleeding got so heavy sometimes I'd get up a couple times or more in the middle of the night to change pads.. I bled through my clothes and sheets very often.
I'd go through a 36 pack of pads in one week. Overnight pads were the only thing I used at one point and even the super heavy ones weren't enough after awhile.
I would feel super angry and anxious before my period came...that's how I knew it was coming soon.
I would also feel tired the whole time.. it was worse the first two days and only somewhat better for the other three.
When my period ended, it was like a curtain was lifted and I felt better immediately after the last day.
I grew to be scared of it coming every month. :(
I'd never heard the term pmdd till later on but never thought of looking it up (not sure why) to see what it was all about.
My sister mentioned getting birth control to help lessen my period. The first one made the later days a bit better but overall it wasn't helpful for the heaviness.
That's when the thought of a hysterectomy popped into my head. I talked to my mom and a few friends who had it done and they patiently answered my questions. It felt like the right fit for me.
The surgeon who met with me was so nice and understanding. She didn't push me to do anything I didn't want. She suggested burning the thick lining and taking my fibroid out and cleaning everything in there but I was so traumatized by my period that having it anymore sent me into a panic. I told her what all I tried and all the things that didn't work and I wanted it all out of me.
She agreed to do the surgery and I was so relieved.
Long story short: the surgery went great and I feel so much better, lighter and not like my body was attacking me every month. They took a 2lb fibroid out of me, and I found out I had some endometriosis too. No abnormal cells thankfully.
---
This is a wonderful book.. researched excellently and informative without reading like a textbook. No corner left unexplored, nothing left hidden.
I wanted to hug the author and tell her I empathized and understood.
My heart goes out to her and anyone else going through this. Pmdd and PME should be thoroughly researched more than it is (endometriosis as well, but digressing).
I was prescribed fluxeotine (sp?) for my anxiety and depression but didn't realize it was considered a treatment for pmdd too, it never helped me with mine.
It warms my heart that there's resources out there now and some treatments but still a long way to go to educate people and remove the stigma.
"Period leave" was something I had no idea existed (this should definitely be everywhere). My friends and I would talk about how we wished there was leave for when we felt like crap and would rather be home with a heating pad and some chocolate.
It's sad it's under-used in the countries that do have it, but also sadly understandable, given certain attitudes toward this bodily function.
Disclosure to employers... not sure if I would have tried to bring it up (my old job wouldn't have cared anyway). Accommodations should be granted though, it would show Compassion and Empathy for sure.
The history with pmdd as I said before is complicated and some still don't believe it exists or women just need to "shut up and deal with it" or we hear some version of "well, I get bad cramps,etc too" ..or you can get accused of making it up and blowing it out of proportion.
The rocky road is getting a bit smoother, but there's still some bumps and potholes to navigate.
I will definitely telling people about this book, male and female. The more that know and can understand/help spread the word, the better.
Additional musings:
A former coworker and I called the pain in our heads pms migraines (I didn't know pms was a separate thing for a long while, thought it was just a nickname for our periods).
Magnesium helped some with the cramps and migraines that time of the month but didn't really touch my other symptoms.
I remember once asking a female doctor when I was at a urgentcare type place for something else about what to do for bad cramps,she had an awkward expression on her face, said a heating pad, then left. 😳
March 12, 2024
im gonna need a minute 🧍♀️
March 14, 2024
Validating. Frustrating. Nothing super profound, but well-researched and nicely written.
May 15, 2024
I thought The Cycle was very validating and well written; definitely a great resource! My only critique is that I wish this book explored PMDD through a trauma-informed lens.
August 24, 2023
5 glowing stars!
This book is IMPORTANT! I have never seen a book about menstrual cycles or PMDD before and I AM HERE FOR IT! It is shocking how much we do not know about women's health. It is so important for women's experiences to be talked about, validated, and supported. Shalene Gupta's book does this so eloquently.
Drawing from her own experiences with emotional turmoil and difficulties in everyday functioning each month, Gupta paints a clear picture of what it's like to experience PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). She identifies the struggles between mental health/psychiatry professionals and feminists, as the diagnosis is believed to put a strong stigma on women. Women are not crazy! There are legitimate biological factors at play. We can no longer ignore the lack of funding and treatment options for women's issues. Hormones are WILD and everyone should gain more knowledge and understanding in what kind of havoc they can wreak on mental health.
I enjoyed reading about Gupta's own experiences in relationships, as well as hearing from those she interviewed for her book. She is so vulnerable in what she shares and I appreciated it so much. There is a wealth of knowledge and resources in this book that I think will positively impact so many. Gupta also explores a lesser known diagnosis of PME (premenstrual exacerbation), which I believe will again be super validating to women. I plan to share this book with all the women I know.
This book is IMPORTANT! I have never seen a book about menstrual cycles or PMDD before and I AM HERE FOR IT! It is shocking how much we do not know about women's health. It is so important for women's experiences to be talked about, validated, and supported. Shalene Gupta's book does this so eloquently.
Drawing from her own experiences with emotional turmoil and difficulties in everyday functioning each month, Gupta paints a clear picture of what it's like to experience PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). She identifies the struggles between mental health/psychiatry professionals and feminists, as the diagnosis is believed to put a strong stigma on women. Women are not crazy! There are legitimate biological factors at play. We can no longer ignore the lack of funding and treatment options for women's issues. Hormones are WILD and everyone should gain more knowledge and understanding in what kind of havoc they can wreak on mental health.
I enjoyed reading about Gupta's own experiences in relationships, as well as hearing from those she interviewed for her book. She is so vulnerable in what she shares and I appreciated it so much. There is a wealth of knowledge and resources in this book that I think will positively impact so many. Gupta also explores a lesser known diagnosis of PME (premenstrual exacerbation), which I believe will again be super validating to women. I plan to share this book with all the women I know.
March 28, 2024
I've only been diagnosed with PMDD for 3 years or so, but it's been impacting my life for a long time. This book made me feel seen, and inspired hope that PMDD doesn't mean I have to be a bad person (that fear runs deep no matter how much I improve at managing my symptoms). Walking away from this with a deeper understanding of myself and how to show up for myself and for my partner and friends better.
Also recommend if you love someone with PMDD to understand better what's going on.
Also recommend if you love someone with PMDD to understand better what's going on.
March 26, 2024
3.75 - a good intro / layperson’s book to PMDD from a psych and VERY light biology perspective, but not that “deep” on the scientific understanding of PMDD. The author focuses on her own symptoms of rage and in relationships as a central pillar and explores the arc of women’s menstrual health in medicine / science / research. affirming to have some more background on PMDD - i was diagnosed in 2020 - but nothing was surprising or particularly impactful.
February 27, 2024
Honestly, I'm not much of a nonfiction reader, but the topic of late-diagnosis in women is of particular interest to me right now and OMG I'm so glad I did. There is so much to love about this book so I made a list:
1. From the very first sentence Shalene grips you. "It is 3:00 AM in the early spring of 2020 and I am carving starts into my leg with a butcher's knife." I mean, come on. This is as real and honest and vulnerable as it gets. I meant to just skim a few pages when the book arrived but I ended up knee deep because I couldn't put it down.
2. The cycle metaphor. I didn't realize when I first read the title that it had so many layered meanings, and when I read Shalene's explanation in the intro I just teared up with the power and creativity of it.
3. I loved how Shalene described each interviewee. I felt like I didn't just know about their illness, but them as whole, complex people. She did such a beautiful job telling their stories.
4. It's so darkly funny. There is nothing better than talking about suicide or cutting or throwing a desk and then making a joke about it. How else we would survive it all?
5. Just the way Shalene's story is interwoven into her research is so smart and not at all boring. This work is so important and she's made it accessible to the people who really need it.
Whether you suffer from PMDD or simply have a uterus and want validation in how the medical system treats us, do yourself a favor and buy this book. You'll be better equipped to deal with the system and I promise you'll feel less alone.
1. From the very first sentence Shalene grips you. "It is 3:00 AM in the early spring of 2020 and I am carving starts into my leg with a butcher's knife." I mean, come on. This is as real and honest and vulnerable as it gets. I meant to just skim a few pages when the book arrived but I ended up knee deep because I couldn't put it down.
2. The cycle metaphor. I didn't realize when I first read the title that it had so many layered meanings, and when I read Shalene's explanation in the intro I just teared up with the power and creativity of it.
3. I loved how Shalene described each interviewee. I felt like I didn't just know about their illness, but them as whole, complex people. She did such a beautiful job telling their stories.
4. It's so darkly funny. There is nothing better than talking about suicide or cutting or throwing a desk and then making a joke about it. How else we would survive it all?
5. Just the way Shalene's story is interwoven into her research is so smart and not at all boring. This work is so important and she's made it accessible to the people who really need it.
Whether you suffer from PMDD or simply have a uterus and want validation in how the medical system treats us, do yourself a favor and buy this book. You'll be better equipped to deal with the system and I promise you'll feel less alone.
July 27, 2023
This was an amazing book! I have PMDD myself and I have been looking for more info and a book that could guide me through this journey and make me feel like I am not so alone. I love that the author is so candid about her diagnosis and what led her there, going so far as to be very honest about things that might feel shameful or hard to talk about. She doesn't leave a stone unturned, talking about the stigma around it, the diagnosis process, treatment options and the history behind the disorder as well as societal responses to women and things that are pertinent to their bodies. I think a lot of people will read this and find that they can really resonate with what the author is saying, and will feel validated and like they are not the only person experiencing this. You will not feel like you are crazy anymore! Additionally, this wil help people experiencing these symptoms work up the courage to speak with their healthcare provider about this and hopefully get the help they need. It's a book I felt is life changing and highly recommend it.
May 30, 2024
I found the facts that surrounded the history of periods to be eye-opening, and I appreciate her opening us about her own experiences, but I feel that she focused too much around rage rather than all the other symptoms that come with PMDD. Everyone suffers differently but I think she focused too much on the symptoms she has. I feel that she put a dark cloud over the topic of PMDD and was telling us not to be open and talk about it due to sexism. Sexism was a big topic in this book which I feel did not have to be mentioned as much as it did as it makes us feel that we can’t talk about our suffering when really we should shout from the roof tops, feel empowered and make it normal to talk about periods and menopause. We need to look at the positives like how amazingly strong women are to go through this every month and still see light at the end of the tunnel.
March 14, 2024
I inhaled this book in 1.5 days. It's so important, for people with PMDD, for people who know someone with PMDD, for the world at large. I could cry, partly because I'm menstruating amid the quarterly placebo pills I take to break up my Yaz treatment, but largely because of the weight of it all. I look forward to this book being one day out of date, because that means PMDD research and awareness has come a long way. Then, maybe Gupta can write a follow up. 😊
March 30, 2024
This book is about 70% personal anecdotes and stories from the author, 20% research and discourse, and 10% superficial suggestions on what society as a whole needs to do to support people with PMDD. I don’t think that people who have PMDD or PME or even severe PMS would find this book helpful as it doesn’t offer any suggestions on improving one’s life beyond “go to therapy” and “dream about social change”.
March 17, 2024
The Cycle: Confronting the Pain of Periods & PMDD by Shalene Gupta is joining the short list of books that I wish I had years ago but that I’m glad that I have now. The title is pretty self-explanatory to many like me who have been diagnosed with PMDD, but I think this book is just as valuable to those without PMDD as to those with disorder.
For context, PMDD is the abbreviation for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which basically means that those with this disorder experience severe levels of what might be considered more common PMS symptoms. For me, it’s extreme depression right before every period & cramps so bad that I used to have to call out of work or stay home from school. Not terrible overall, but incredibly disruptive when it’s happening 12 times a year every year since I was 12 years old. But there’s really not enough known about PMDD & The Cycle aims to clear away at least some of the fog through historical context, what few medical/scientific studies exist, & various personal anecdotes from her own life & from many others. This is why I picked up the book - it was purely personal interest because most days I don’t feel like I know enough about the disorder & how it might impact myself & my life.
While I can’t relate to every experience shared in The Cycle, there were so many validating moments that I often had to pause my reading to process & cry. In Gupta’s own words, “…what is unnamed is frequently unknown.” And being able to name an experience, to be able to finally describe what it is that you’re experiencing is so incredibly liberating. While I received my diagnosis a few years ago, I still had many “OMG” moments while reading this book. I feel seen & validated. So often I feel lost in my diagnoses of PMDD & ADHD that I question what part is actually me & what part of me is just a fluctuation of hormones or brain chemicals.
Like with much in the medical world when it comes to disorders primarily associated with women, there isn’t a lot known about it. But Gupta shares comprehensive information based on what is available currently. And Gupta’s vulnerability lets the reader be vulnerable themselves & that’s a true gift. While the book doesn’t necessarily provide answers (because some answers just don’t exist yet), it does provide a sense of self-understanding & comfort.
Thank you to NetGalley & Flatiron Books for providing a digital advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own.
For context, PMDD is the abbreviation for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which basically means that those with this disorder experience severe levels of what might be considered more common PMS symptoms. For me, it’s extreme depression right before every period & cramps so bad that I used to have to call out of work or stay home from school. Not terrible overall, but incredibly disruptive when it’s happening 12 times a year every year since I was 12 years old. But there’s really not enough known about PMDD & The Cycle aims to clear away at least some of the fog through historical context, what few medical/scientific studies exist, & various personal anecdotes from her own life & from many others. This is why I picked up the book - it was purely personal interest because most days I don’t feel like I know enough about the disorder & how it might impact myself & my life.
While I can’t relate to every experience shared in The Cycle, there were so many validating moments that I often had to pause my reading to process & cry. In Gupta’s own words, “…what is unnamed is frequently unknown.” And being able to name an experience, to be able to finally describe what it is that you’re experiencing is so incredibly liberating. While I received my diagnosis a few years ago, I still had many “OMG” moments while reading this book. I feel seen & validated. So often I feel lost in my diagnoses of PMDD & ADHD that I question what part is actually me & what part of me is just a fluctuation of hormones or brain chemicals.
Like with much in the medical world when it comes to disorders primarily associated with women, there isn’t a lot known about it. But Gupta shares comprehensive information based on what is available currently. And Gupta’s vulnerability lets the reader be vulnerable themselves & that’s a true gift. While the book doesn’t necessarily provide answers (because some answers just don’t exist yet), it does provide a sense of self-understanding & comfort.
Thank you to NetGalley & Flatiron Books for providing a digital advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2024
“it is 3:00 AM in the early spring of 2020 and I am carving stars into my leg with a butcher's knife”
holy shit. this sentence drew me in immediately; what an incredible way to start a book. an amazing psychological, historical, and (light) scientific breakdown of PMS & PMDD. so validating as someone with pmdd that i cried a couple times not out of self-pity but out of pure liberation when i learned that other people experience this too (and that it’s okay to accept it!! and to treat it. and valid to have trouble with either of those steps cuz cmonnnn women’s hormones AND mental health?? it’s an epic collaboration of health-related stigmas). i want to say this book is for everyone, but i’m sure there are more informative reads out there for people who aren’t afab and want to learn more about periods outside of pms/pmdd. i still hugely recommend it for anyone who’s had a period though, bc it’s packed with a ton of interesting facts and narratives. the section about the historical battle between feminism and psychiatry, especially in the context of this condition, was sooooo interesting. and most importantly a good (and literally evidence-based) reminder to be kind to your body and mind <3
holy shit. this sentence drew me in immediately; what an incredible way to start a book. an amazing psychological, historical, and (light) scientific breakdown of PMS & PMDD. so validating as someone with pmdd that i cried a couple times not out of self-pity but out of pure liberation when i learned that other people experience this too (and that it’s okay to accept it!! and to treat it. and valid to have trouble with either of those steps cuz cmonnnn women’s hormones AND mental health?? it’s an epic collaboration of health-related stigmas). i want to say this book is for everyone, but i’m sure there are more informative reads out there for people who aren’t afab and want to learn more about periods outside of pms/pmdd. i still hugely recommend it for anyone who’s had a period though, bc it’s packed with a ton of interesting facts and narratives. the section about the historical battle between feminism and psychiatry, especially in the context of this condition, was sooooo interesting. and most importantly a good (and literally evidence-based) reminder to be kind to your body and mind <3
March 26, 2024
3.5. Appreciated the author’s vulnerability in writing personal stories about her PMDD, as well as the research she did on the disorder. More needs to be written about this.
May 10, 2024
A validating read that made some dense research and health and educational material incredibly accessible.
July 7, 2024
As someone recently diagnosed with PMDD this book was an incredible resource. I tore through it in 2 days and have pages of notes. It's both funny and informative.
Gupta shows both compassion and skill in writing about different sides of the contentious issues associated with this topic, including the case against including PMDD in the DSM; the complex moral questions around loving someone who behaves poorly because of a medical issue; and the perspective of people who choose not to make use of "medication" and instead choose "natural supplements" (or healing crystals 🙄).
Even as someone whose PMDD presents very differently from Gupta's and most of the people she interviews, I found a lot of validation in her discussion about how little we still know about menstrual disorders, and how arbitrary and difficult the current categories are. And I took away a lot of information about what's going on in my body, far beyond anything any doctor has offered me.
An invaluable resource
Gupta shows both compassion and skill in writing about different sides of the contentious issues associated with this topic, including the case against including PMDD in the DSM; the complex moral questions around loving someone who behaves poorly because of a medical issue; and the perspective of people who choose not to make use of "medication" and instead choose "natural supplements" (or healing crystals 🙄).
Even as someone whose PMDD presents very differently from Gupta's and most of the people she interviews, I found a lot of validation in her discussion about how little we still know about menstrual disorders, and how arbitrary and difficult the current categories are. And I took away a lot of information about what's going on in my body, far beyond anything any doctor has offered me.
An invaluable resource
March 13, 2024
I rarely feel as simultaneously seen, affirmed, validated, despondent, enraged, and hopeful as this book made me feel. A necessary read that’s well researched and formatted, addressing a major health issue for some AFAB people that’s frequently dismissed or overlooked even by the most experienced medical experts.
May 14, 2024
Learning more of my diagnosis and I feel seen. I cried because things I never thought were related are and its like getting all the answers I've needed. Talks about memory loss, hair loss, melt downs, brain fog and being able to mask at work but having overwhelming feelings at home. Talk about history of the stigma against periods.
March 15, 2024
I was Instantly attracted by this book when I learned about the topic, although I have read several books published in the recent years about women’s reproductive system health. The book is written in a very honest and empathetic way, but there are more personal experiences/ stories than the knowledge . It’s kind of underwhelming for me.
May 3, 2024
This book validated me so much!!! PMDD is real and hard and life-altering. One thing that is consistently left out of the conversation though is how working class woman are supposed to deal with this disorder.
Want to read
December 13, 2023Can't wait to read this
March 28, 2024
A lot of new info for me in this. #1 fan of de-stigmatizing menstruation, if you wanna know. I dunno if I have PMDD, but I have SOMETHING and it sucks.
April 19, 2024
Very interesting and validating. I’ve known about my own PMDD for years, so there wasn’t much here that I was unaware of, but it’s nice to see literature on this disorder
March 22, 2024
A long-needed book that I’m sure affects more people than we know, especially as it’s frequently a comorbidity with other conditions. A good primer for those just learning about PMDD for the first time, or have been looking for language to advocate for their own treatment (plus tons of research and citations!)
many thanks to flatiron books and netgalley for the advance reader copy.
many thanks to flatiron books and netgalley for the advance reader copy.
August 19, 2024
Very informative!!
July 19, 2024
The personal reflections and numerous accounts of others are an honest look into PMDD and the book is overall informative for anyone looking to learn more.
March 25, 2024
An eye-opening examination, part nonfiction and part memoir, of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Like many people who experience menstrual periods, I am very familiar with the hormonal ups and downs of PMS. However, PMDD is a more extreme type of PMS that can cause severe mental health symptoms. Gupta's careful combination of research and personal experience sheds a much-needed light on this disorder and its effects. An intriguing read for those who live with PMDD and for everyone else who needs to understand it.
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