PMDD for me is planning my life around it. I won't travel, schedule anything fun or social, for those 10 days. 10 days. 10 days of my life, bowing down to that nameless "thing" that holds me hostage. That "thing" that turns me into my evil twin. She's mean. She's impatient. She's anxious. She's exhausted. She has to force herself to work. And when she can't work, nobody seems to understand why. Sometimes she cries at work in front of coworkers. And driving home she thinks about her road rage, that just a few days ago was non-existent. She's always disliked rudeness, but even forcing a fake smile to a cashier at the store is impossible right now. She thinks about all the opportunities she's missed out on. She gets anxiety about a vaccine she needs because she knows it might make her feel sick. More missed time at work, more missed time for life. When it's ovulation time, everything is wonderful! She's happy again, she doesn't worry so much. She looks forward to seeing friends and enjoying herself. She enjoys laughing with her partner. She can tackle daily responsibilities. She can exercise again. She knows the "evil twin" is right around the corner. But birth control isn't an option for her. And having no health insurance eliminates any surgeries she would gladly get. Her biggest wish is that PMDD would be accepted and understood. 

MEET ALEXANDRA

Hi! I am a 34-year-old female. I’ve been dealing with PMDD for about 7 or 8 years. I haven’t been diagnosed with it, because my doctor doesn’t seem to acknowledge it. I have been diagnosed with mental health issues. I want to raise awareness, and overcome my shame of PMDD. 

You can follow Alexandra on Instagram @misslexintex