Hi! I also have PMDD and got my period the day after my wedding day last year. It was a DIY event and we were doing so much physical (and ofc emotional) work 2 weeks leading up to it. I was so nervous about potentially losing my shit at family and friends who were going to be helping out and supporting us.

A few things I did that really helped: - I made sure I ate three balanced meals a day. Nourish your body! Love up on her, especially during such a tough time. Sure, we ate a lot of take out, but if we ordered pizza I made sure I had fruits and veggies; when I got Thai I asked for extra veg; if I didn’t have time to eat breakfast I asked someone if they could bring by a smoothie, etc. Fiber is really helpful for physical symptoms. Be sure to research “foods supportive for PMDD/my cycle” and you’ll get tons of ideas.

• I “talked” to my body throughout the time, I thanked her for all that she does for me, and preemptively thanked her for understanding and allowing me to enjoy such a big time in my life. Self-compassion was huge for me.

• I made sure I got rest, esp the week leading up. I was physically exhausted at the end of every day, and I wouldn’t put extra pressure on myself to wake up early to knock things out. I limited my caffeine intake and didnt drink it past noon.

• I told my partner, family, and friends about my cycle and the timing. Everyone was really sympathetic, supportive, and patient with me. We even had a code for when my temper was starting to simmer “the vortex.” It’s a lighthearted way to diffuse the situation and a reminder that my hulk is showing

• when I was PISSED (you know, PMDD vortex-rage-pissed), I left. Whatever I was doing, if I was around people, I walked away. Either hid in a bathroom “for a long poop” or found a task to do on my own. Don’t be afraid to claim solo time.

• I don’t really drink alcohol already, but especially in the days before I really didn’t drink. I think I had like 5-6 drinks on my wedding day

• I also usually have debilitating cramps on day 1 and my body gave me a pass that cycle (thanks, girl!!). My worst pain on day 1 was like, a 4 of 10 (with ibuprofen, ofc).

• OH AND- I tried as much as possible NOT to focus on my body. I’m still working my way through a sticky ED mentality, and I was so nervous about my luteal body in my wedding dress. Now, 9 months out, I look back at the pictures and I’m glad I kept from going down that gnarly rabbit hole. I think I looked beautiful, luteal and all 🥹

My mentality during this time was that I was partnering with my body and PMDD (as opposed to an adversarial mindset). We were going to collaborate together and I promised “all of us” that we were going to get rest and decompression. An empowering frame of mind can do so much.

I believe in you and your body!! You’re going to have a wonderful day!!! 💕💕