@tea-cake-andalittlebitofgay 's comment on PMS/PMDD; i absolutely didn't know the difference:
"PMS is typically mood swings (irritability/sensitivity), sometimes mild pain and discomfort, food cravings, mild bloating, etcâŚ
if, before your period, you: are suddenly suicidal when youâre not normally; have intense, uncontrollable mood swings that impact your relationships; experience severe pain, especially joint or breast pain; and/or feel incredibly fatigued and brainfogged in a way that is abnormal for youâŚ. that is likely PMDD and you should talk to a doctor!! those are not normal and you shouldnât have to put up with them.
there are so many options for treatment to help you live your best life. menstrual cycles can and should feel like a normal part of life (an inconvenience at worst, and a source of comfort at best if youâre able to care for yourself sufficiently) â not like something you need to suffer through.
much love to anyone who is finding this out now. itâs easy to normalize your own suffering when youâve never been told it didnât have to exist. â¤ď¸"