Finally, PMDD science from a feminist perspective

Written By Emily Blout

Rubtsova Chan and C.J. Clark wrote the first qualitative study of PMDD from a feminist perspective.

Some interesting findings:

  • It takes an average of 20 years for women to be accurately diagnosed and treated for PMDD.

  • Almost all 32 participants experienced suicidal ideation as a part of their monthly PMDD symptoms.

  • Most participants were misdiagnosed with bipolar or borderline personality disorder.

  • Menstrual stigma limited women from discussing their symptoms.

  • Women’s suffering was diminished or not taken seriously unless their symptoms impacted their fertility.

 Chan K, Rubtsova AA, Clark CJ. Exploring diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the U.S. healthcare system: a qualitative investigation. BMC Womens Health. 2023 May 17;23(1):272. doi: 10.1186/s12905-023-02334-y. PMID: 37198676; PMCID: PMC10193729.

Emily Blout
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