Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), described as a “crippling form of PMS” (premenstrual syndrome), is having a moment. It’s been the topic of new memoirs, podcasts and scientific research – and even has its own awareness month.
Official sources estimate that 5.5% of reproductive-age people with menstrual cycles have this relatively “new” disorder, writes Australian novelist Laura Elizabeth Woollett (whose books have been listed for the Stella Prize and Prime Minister’s Literary Awards), in her memoir on the topic. This compares to up to 95% who have “ordinary” PMS.
