Look, I understand why it’s unpopular to consider PMS a reality for many people… and I also am just as versed in the history as you are. It’s true that there are so many symptoms attributed to that time of the month, so may that it could be attributable to everybody alive, even men.

But perhaps you should learn more about what happens to your body hormonally during your cycle… because guess what? Your hormones change! And guess what! Hormones affect your body and mind a great deal…meaning they affect your emotions too. Think we’ve got the world of hormones under our belt? Think again. We’ve only just begun to understand all the hormones circulating our bodies, where they are produced and absorbed, and how the affect people’s bodies differently.

By the way, commentators- PMS is PRE- before, not during. Though it’s interesting that some people feel crappy during their period, there’s a whole other flux of hormones that comes on at cycle day one. You’re talking about a whole other animal.

Also commentators- if you’re talking about the Pill then you’re opinions about PMS in relation to your “period” isn’t valid. You don’t actually have a period when you’re on the pill. Yes I know, you bleed every month just like a period, you get cramps every month just like a period, you experience that mythical syndrome that doesn’t exist unless you’ve got a full blown mental disorder…. but actually folks- that’s breakthrough bleeding.

Anyway, as an obvious sufferer of PMS and as someone who knows her cycle as best she can… There are months when I don’t chart my cycle, and it never fails that my craziest day is cycle day 21. Usually it’s my lover or a glance at my calendar several days later that clues me in. That’s just me, but it’s during the luteal phase, ie. post-ovulation, the time when most people complain of PMS symptoms.

So, instead of being a politico and contributing to the boxing match of 3rd wave feminists… why not try exploring anatomy more and offering support to women who actually experience feeling dumpy before they menstruate. Because I’m pretty sure that globally it’s more than 5% (all you have to do is ask), and I’m pretty sure we’re not dealing with a world of women in need of psychotropics

What women need is support, not to be told that they’re delusional or in need of drugs.

Sincerely,

a woman on day 26

LOVE!

What you’re referring to is a belief from I believe the 17th or 18th century, though it persisted until well into Victorian times. I know that it’s common practice to call anything considered ignorant or superstitious Medeival, but they did not have a monopoly on stupid– they believed some stupid things back then, just like people believed some stupid things in later centuries, just like we believe some things that in a hundred years are going to look stupid to our descendants.

I was surprised a couple years ago to find out that in past times, and today in most of the countries of the world, there was/is no such thing as PMS. Most women in Africa or Asia don’t claim to experience it, in surveys. I’m glad someone’s spreading awareness about it– I’m against fighting ignorance in every way.