Podcast Summary: Storytime with Kayla Jade
Episode: My Struggles with PMDD
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: MIK Made (Kayla Jade)
Guest: Dr. Kerry, Women's Health Specialist
Introduction to PMDD
In this insightful episode of Storytime with Kayla Jade, host Kayla Jade delves deep into her personal experiences with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) alongside her best friend, Eden. Recognizing the increasing relevance of PMDD discussions on platforms like TikTok, Kayla brings in Dr. Kerry, a specialist in women's health, to shed light on this often misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition.
Understanding PMDD
What is PMDD?
Dr. Kerry opens the conversation by defining PMDD:
“PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. And it's basically really severe PMS or premenstrual syndrome.”
[01:08]
She emphasizes that while hormonal fluctuations affect every cell in the body, only a subset of women experience these changes as intensely as those with PMDD.
Prevalence and Symptoms
Dr. Kerry explains the prevalence and severity of PMDD:
“For probably about 90% of women and girls do get some kind of PMS... nearly 20% of women and girls get symptoms that are pretty severe.”
[01:28]
She highlights that PMDD symptoms are not just physical but significantly impact psychological well-being, leading to severe mood disturbances such as:
-
Uncontrollable Rage:
“One of the big symptoms would be uncontrollable rage... making you want to kill someone’s face.”
[02:22] -
Depression and Suicidal Thoughts:
“About a third of people, PMDD sufferers do have, you know, quite significant thoughts of self-harm and taking their own life.”
[04:57]
Dr. Kerry also notes that PMDD can sometimes escalate to monthly psychosis in extreme cases, posing serious risks to those affected and their families.
Personal Experiences with PMDD
Kayla Jade shares her struggles:
“Especially within the last couple of years, it’s just like the week before my period, I am just a completely different person... as soon as the period comes, it’s like, I’m back to normal now.”
[03:44]
Similarly, Eden relates her experiences, noting physical manifestations like eczema worsening with diet changes:
“I get like, eczema on my hands and if I’m eating poorly, that just goes straight up immediately.”
[09:18]
Diagnosis and Awareness
Self-Diagnosis via Social Media
Kayla mentions discovering PMDD through TikTok, reflecting a growing trend of individuals seeking information and support online:
“I was, you know, telling people my symptoms and stuff and they were like, oh, you might have this.”
[05:23]
Professional Diagnosis
Dr. Kerry outlines the diagnostic process:
“If you want to do an official diagnosis, then you need to record it on a symptom checker... over two consecutive months to see if you’re getting that pattern.”
[05:23]
She emphasizes that PMDD was only officially recognized about 12 years ago, highlighting the historical neglect in women's health research.
Causes and Risk Factors
Dr. Kerry discusses various factors contributing to PMDD:
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ADHD:
“Women who have ADHD are much more likely to get PMDD... because your sex hormones are really important in your brain.”
[07:24] -
Genetic Vulnerability and Trauma:
“Some people who are genetically vulnerable... or have a history of trauma.”
[07:24] -
Hypermobility and Allergic Sensitivities:
“There's an overlap with hypermobility... and sensitive allergic systems like mast cell activation.”
[07:24]
Treatment Options
Hormonal Therapies
Dr. Kerry explains hormonal treatments as a primary approach:
“You can use hormones to try and treat PMDD... some people use birth control to maintain a steady hormone level.”
[07:07]
She elaborates on various hormonal interventions:
- Birth Control Pills:
“You don't ovulate, so you don't get the changing hormone levels.”
[11:36]
- Natural Progesterone and Testosterone:
“You can give people a bit of progesterone in the second half of their cycle... sometimes testosterone can work.”
[13:27]
Dr. Kerry shares a success story:
“One girl said she stopped feeling suicidal six hours after she put the right patch on.”
[15:30]
Antidepressants and Antihistamines
“You can even use antidepressants just for the second half of your cycle... they may work as antihistamines.”
[14:48]
Lifestyle Modifications
Emphasizing non-pharmaceutical interventions, Dr. Kerry advocates for:
- Diet and Gut Health:
“Lots of fiber, real food, no alcohol... supporting your gut health is really important.”
[07:19]
- Exercise and Sleep:
“Exercise, lifting weights, doing yoga, really regulating your body... having plenty of sleep.”
[10:17]
- Mental Health Support:
“Using a psychologist to manage rage... or trauma work and counseling.”
[17:14]
- Social Connections:
“Staying socially connected, hanging out with your friends, really important.”
[10:17]
Natural Remedies
Dr. Kerry highlights supplements and natural approaches:
“Magnesium, zinc, all of your nice herbs and spices... things that are really gentle.”
[18:49]
Intersection with Other Conditions
Endometriosis and PMDD
Kayla discusses her experience with endometriosis and its overlap with PMDD:
“I have a bit of endometriosis... it helps me not get the pain and things.”
[13:10]
Dr. Kerry explains the interconnectedness:
“Endometriosis would often coexist with PMDD... managing it entirely with diet and weight training.”
[13:27]
Gender Disparities in Medical Research
Dr. Kerry passionately addresses the gender bias in medical research and treatment:
“Most of the drugs that we use in medicine have only been tested in men... women have been abandoned for centuries.”
[20:00]
She advocates for greater hormonal health equity:
“We're not asking for much... We need some sexual health equity.”
[21:07]
Community and Advocacy
Kayla encourages listeners to engage with supportive communities and advocate for better treatment options:
“Connect to people, other PMDD sufferers... sign my petition to get testosterone onto the PBS so that it's affordable for Australian women.”
[21:09]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a powerful message on the importance of recognizing and treating PMDD effectively. Dr. Kerry and Kayla emphasize the need for increased awareness, better medical education on women's health, and the incorporation of both medical and lifestyle interventions to support those struggling with PMDD.
“It's an opportunity to transform your whole health, which is exciting.”
[18:52]
Overall, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding PMDD, offering valuable insights into its symptoms, diagnosis, and multifaceted treatment approaches. It underscores the significance of addressing women's health issues with the seriousness and dedication they deserve.
Notable Quotes:
-
Dr. Kerry on PMDD Severity:
“One of the big symptoms would be uncontrollable rage... making you want to kill someone’s face.”
[02:22] -
Kayla Jade on Period Relief:
“As soon as the period comes, it’s like, I’m back to normal now.”
[03:44] -
Dr. Kerry on Hormonal Sensitivity:
“Your brain receptors have been wired a bit sensitively...”?
[10:41] -
Dr. Kerry on Medical Neglect:
“Most of the drugs that we use in medicine have only been tested in men... women have been abandoned for centuries.”
[20:00]
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand PMDD, its profound impact on daily life, and the various avenues available for management and support.