Neha Bhasin Opens Up About Battling PMDD: Insights, Struggles, and Empowerment You Can't Miss!

Neha Bhasin shared her experience with PMDD on social media, discussing its effects on her mental and physical well-being. She opened up about the challenges faced while managing the disorder, aiming to raise awareness and support for those affected.

P24 News Media

November 26, 2024

1 minute

Neha Bhasin Opens Up About Battling PMDD: Insights, Struggles, and Empowerment You Can't Miss!

India

Recently, renowned singer Neha Bhasin opened up about her personal experience with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on social media, shedding light on her challenging journey.

Through a poignant series of posts, she expressed her feelings regarding the profound effects this disorder has had on both her mental and physical well-being. Often overshadowed by Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), PMDD manifests in a more severe and debilitating manner, yet it frequently goes unrecognized. In her Instagram post, Bhasin candidly discussed the toll that PMDD has taken on her life, revealing how it caused significant changes in her body. She lamented, “For the first time, I gained 10 kgs.

Coupled with my ongoing struggle with body dysmorphia and recovering from a fluctuating eating disorder, this weight gain has been particularly challenging. The use of anti-depressants also contributed to my weight issues.

During this time, I faced the harsh glare of public scrutiny as paparazzi captured my appearance while I was simply going about my day, leading to feelings of self-loathing.” She further expressed her pain of being cruelly body shamed, stating that it intensified her emotional turmoil. Reflecting on her darkest moments, Bhasin shared, “There were times when I found myself sitting alone in the dark for long stretches, consumed by despair.

Fortunately, I am on a path to recovery now. I have access to support, and while I still encounter difficult days, I am gradually learning how to manage my condition and remain hopeful.” Her post has ignited a vital conversation regarding PMDD, raising awareness about its effects on women. PMDD is a serious health condition that disrupts a woman's mood and physical state during the two weeks leading up to her menstrual cycle. The symptoms can severely affect everyday activities, manifesting as profound mood fluctuations, irritability, anxiety, depression, and alterations in appetite and sleep.

Additionally, physical symptoms such as exhaustion, joint pain, and headaches may be present. Experts suggest that hormonal shifts, particularly variations in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, may contribute to the onset of PMDD, although the precise causes remain unclear. Distinguishing PMDD from PMS is crucial, as highlighted by Dr. Vinutha G, a senior consultant in obstetrics, gynecology, and women's health at Athreya Hospital. According to her, PMS affects approximately 75% of menstruating individuals to varying degrees, as supported by a review in The Lancet.

The symptoms associated with PMS are generally mild to moderate and can include physical discomfort like bloating and breast tenderness, alongside moderate mood alterations like irritability or sadness.

These symptoms are transient and typically do not disrupt daily life to a great extent.

The process of diagnosing PMDD often involves healthcare providers advising individuals to monitor their symptoms closely, alongside evaluating their mental and physical health history. For those navigating the challenges of PMDD, there are effective ways to manage the condition. Implementing lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, supplementing with essential nutrients, and actively managing stress levels can provide considerable relief.

Moreover, healthcare practitioners may recommend medications, hormonal treatments, and counseling as part of a comprehensive approach to effectively oversee PMDD. Bhasin's openness about her struggles has not only fostered greater understanding but has also emphasized the importance of seeking support and managing mental health conditions in a society that often overlooks such issues.