The PMDD Phenomenon : Breakthrough Treatments for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Extreme Premenstrual Syndrome

by Diana L. Dell, Carol Svec

The first book to clearly explain this new disorder and offer treatment options Afflicting an estimated 3 million women in the United States, PMDD is an extreme form of PMS in which the physical and psychological symptoms are often so severe that they strain social, familial, and work relationships to the breaking point. Despite the rapidly growing body of scientific research into its causes and cures, PMDD continues to be a bone of contention among medical professionals, and many women who suffer from it are still told that it's all in their heads. The first consumer book written on this condition and authored by a nationally respected expert on the treatment of this condition, The PMDD

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Health

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2002

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though a little of this book is outdated, most of it actually isn't. This book is a valuable source of information for anyone suffering from PMDD, or, anyone who has a loved one that is suffering from it. When I say suffering, I don't say it lightly. It is one of the most misunderstood disorders that I, and many, many other women have been unfortunate enough to develop and contend with. This disorder, especially in the UK, has been swept under the carpet. I think we've all made and heard the jokes, that when a woman is a little more moody and snappy than normal, it is blamed on PMT. PMDD is SO much more than a little more moodiness each month. It is something that major and life debilitating, that women mark it on the calendar. My life revolves around it. It is like I'm a Jekyll and Hyde. There is no other real way I can describe it. I'm not going to bore people with the symptoms, as I'll be here all night, and, I'm certainly not looking for sympathy either. I just want some clarification that people will open their minds, and realise that PMDD is real.

What surprised me about this book, is that we're told that this disorder has been noted throughout history, but obviously as it is a physical/mental disorder that affects a female, doctors back then, just branded us all as psychotic. I suppose really, I shouldn't have been surprised, as women have always had to fight to be heard, and many women are still fighting. Medically, the stigma with the menstrual cycle and mental illness still very much exists. It has been painstakingly difficult for me to be understood by medical professionals here, and sometimes, I felt that disheartened, that I thought I was fighting a losing battle. Overall, four years after first reporting my problems to the GP, being sent away with concoctions of painkillers and being told to relax and light some damn candles, I was finally referred to gynaecology.

As I read through this book, I came across some testimonials from some women that have this disorder. One lady, nearly mimicked all of my difficulties and symptoms completely, and it was then I realised, that I had a tear rolling down my cheek. It makes a huge impact on someone when they know that they are not alone.

I would definitely recommend this book, and I feel a little lighter now that I've read it.

[Juliana S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely wild how old this book is (2002) and how much of it was NOT basic information for me. People 👏 who 👏 menstruate 👏 are 👏 not 👏taught 👏enough 👏about 👏their👏 bodies!

Aside from being outdated (very binary, not inclusive of gender expansive friends) it was filled with lots of good info and food for thought.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being over 20 years outdated, I found this book quite informative. I knew quite a bit about the disorder already, and yet I found myself constantly highlighting new information. I would love to read something more up to date, and yet unfortunately research into women's health (especially regarding periods) is incredibly slow, so I'm not actually sure how much new insight has been gathered in the last two decades. My only gripe with this book is that it is incredibly American-centered. It largely disregards the rest of the world and focuses exclusively on the US in terms of how the healthcare system works and what it advises readers to do and how/where so seek help and information. Being from Denmark this info was rather useless to me. Overall though, an informative read that I definitely recommend for people suffering from PMDD and their loved ones.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely informative

Very informative. I highly recommend this book if you struggle with PMS, PMDD or PME. This book gave me a clearer understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options available.

[Ines Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

He utilizado este libro para mi trabajo de fin de curso del instituto, que trata sobre el SPM y el TDPM. Me ha servido muchísimo, creo que está muy bien explicado y que es muy completo. Ha sido, además, realmente interesante.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book for understanding PMDD and the role of serotonin in the brain and in the menstrual cycle. Recommended!

[Jenlbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This explained so much to me.

[Lindsey Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this is an informative read. I appreciate how it intertwined evidence based practice and personal insights.

I was diagnosed last year with PMDD by my OBGYN after habit tracking and cycle syncing for 6 months in 2024. I am in my late 30’s and noticed an influx of negative thinking patterns and extreme mood shifts, specifically anger and rage. Any minor stressor that I typically deal with in a healthy way seemed like a mountain to climb during my luteal phase. I have a history of self sabotaging behavior. Diana helped me understand that going backwards is not an option during those handful of scary hormonal days. My brain might try to convince me otherwise. I learned I specifically need to buckle down and talk back to my inner negative dialogue; just like my therapist recommends. I already incorporate yoga, walking, journaling, therapy, hormone supportive supplements, leaning on my support system, art therapy, calming hobbies and a 80/20 healthy diet…..but I felt I was still lacking an understanding of PMDD before reading this book. I am a nurse who loves neurology 🧠. Therefore, the research, evidence based practice and neuro biochemistry presented in this book was a game changer in understanding my female brain and body. I may have known most of the data already but it’s different applying it to patients versus myself.

This book encouraged me to keep pushing forward in my hormone health journey. It’s not my fault. And I deserve to keep trying any non self sabotaging measures to feel safe and secure in my body during my cycle leading up to my menstruation.


Thank you for this supportive read! I wish all women struggling with PMS, PMDD and PME love and light as you navigate your beautiful body. 🩷

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a lot of valuable information if you want to know what PMDD is, or if someone you know is suffering from it and you want to understand it. I really like how she states that it’s not your fault and a lot of symptoms are out of your control. I also appreciate that she doesn’t recommend dieting or depriving yourself from thing you crave (cause who did that ever make less irritable?) However, if you are someone with PMDD searching for something to help your symptoms, this book is a waste of your time. I don’t appreciate the way she talks about complementary/natural practices. I would have preferred she stated she didn’t have the education to understand the efficacy but instead uses her position to state that they probably won’t help and push pharmaceuticals as the best option.

[nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily accessible. I appreciated the chart, which was easily replicated in Google Docs, and the breakdown of treatment options. Most helpful to me was the visual breakdown of how PMS, PME, and PMDD present when charted. Ultimately, not the quick fix I was hoping for, but for where I was personally in the wake of last summer, it was the right read to help me calibrate what topics to focus on next in my quest for answers. I did keep expecting to finish that last chapter but since I finally put it on a shelf instead of letting it hang off my nightstand for like half a year figured it was time to mark it read.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So informative! Full of facts and science but presented in a readable, easy to understand way.

Broken into two parts: Understanding Premenstrual Disorders and Treating Premenstrual Disorders.

Covers all types of treatments. I really like that for medications they list the names, typical dosage, research results, who should not take it, and common side effects.

Highly recommended for anyone curious about PMDD and those recently diagnosed or know someone with it.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This evidence-based book gave me some great insight into my PMS symptoms and made me realize that I may not even have PMDD--I think my underlying anxiety issues are simply made worse by PMS. It's changed my attitude about SSRIs, too, and I will soon discuss them with my doctor as a possible tactic to make PMS hell week more manageable.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really insightful and useful book for anyone dealing with PMDD, PMS or PME. Mine is covered with tags which I refer back to finding scientific studies on which treatments are best proven and it's written to be engaging and accessible for those with the conditions, while still being full of firm scientific backing.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very insightful book. It was particularly helpful in providing stories from women who suffer from PMDD, so I could see that what I go through is something a lot of women experience, and that it isn't my fault. I recommend anyone who has been diagnosed with PMDD, or who thinks they may have PMDD to read this.

[Kaceylynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and presented in a way that’s easily understood by someone without a medical background.

My only issue with it is the assumption of heteronormativity throughout. It isn’t always “women” that have PMDD, anyone that is AFAB could have it. Did appreciate the inclusion of a story from someone in a lesbian relationship.

[Veronica Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

How frustrating that the most informative book available on PMDD is over twenty years old. It served as a critical guidepost despite its age, pointing the reader in a direction for research and the inevitable self-advocacy. I assert it is a must-read for any who believes they suffer from the disorder, at least until another book takes its place in the field.

[Mare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the information on complementary and alternative medicines needs updating. Otherwise this book was very informative and one of only a few that is out there on this topic!

[Sophie Jessup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally outstanding! I am forever grateful to this book to enlightening me as to why I have been suffering all these years 🙏

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful

[Lily Heron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehh.... ._______. well, since zoloft made me feel like I was dead, I guess it's up to exercise and a rictus smile to fix everything. we live in hope (y)

[Sylwia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the parts normalizing clients; however, did not learn anything new or helpful regarding treatment. I'm a therapist, for context.

[Dee Rodriguez Giarla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of information that is great for someone seeking diagnosis or early stages of trying to figure out what is going on with them!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting neutered ✌️😘

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly had to do a double take when I saw the book was released in 2002, so ahead of its time

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this about a year ago and it was SO helpful in understanding what's been going on with me the last couple of years. PMDD is very personal and affects individuals differently but it was great to read a wide range of case stories, symptoms, and various treatments. The most helpful thing for me was the chart in the back to track your symptoms every day. It allowed me to step back and really see what I was going through,when it happened, and find a treatment that works for me. If you have a lot of ups and downs or feel your PMS is worsening, this is a very good book to read.

[Rebekahsw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an important one to read if you suffer from PMDD- or suspect you might. Written by two female doctors it is medically sound, but written for lay people. They definitely lean towards medication (anti-depressants)for treatment, but offer a balanced look at all kinds of approaches to dealing with PMDD- holistic, therapies, supplements,etc.

[Anne Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a little older and seems to reference 2001 quite a bit...so some of the information is outdated - such as, when they suggested taking Yasmin, which many doctors now are saying not to take...
In general, it's a pretty good book to learn about the disorder.