Content warning

This episode includes discussion of suicidal thoughts. In particular, there is a brief section between 6:50 and 7:10 that listeners may wish to approach with care. Please listen in a way that feels safe and supportive for you.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, is a severe form of PMS that causes significant emotional and physical symptoms during the 1-2 weeks before menstruation. Symptoms include severe mood swings, anxiety, and depression, which can negatively impact daily life, work, and relationships. Physical symptoms like bloating, headaches, and fatigue are also common.

In this episode, PDA Society speaks with Kirstie McStay, Community Manager at Spectrum Gaming, about PMDD, exploring how cyclical hormonal changes can affect mood, wellbeing and daily functioning. 

The conversation looks at how PMDD can impact relationships, work and self-perception, particularly when symptoms shift dramatically across the month. It also highlights the importance of being believed, tracking patterns, and recognising that what can look like a sudden change in behaviour or mood may be connected to hormonal cycles and a very real health condition.

Key Themes

• What PMDD is and how it differs from PMS
• Emotional and physical symptoms that can affect daily life
• Tracking cyclical patterns and noticing early warning signs
• The importance of being believed and supported

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub.
You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

• PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/
• PDA Society Training: www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/
• PDA Society Support Service: www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Guest’s links:

• Spectrum Gaming on trauma: www.spectrumgaming.net/resources/categories/understanding-trauma
• Spectrum Gaming on PMDD: www.spectrumgaming.net/post/supporting-autistic-young-people-with-pmdd
• Kirstie’s PMDD webinar resources: padlet.com/spectrumgaming/pmdd