Menstruation and Mental Health: with Anuhya Korrapati

Across the globe, women experience a range of discomfort, right before the periods- breast and abdominal pain, low energy, heightened anxiety, depression, cravings and more. In varying intensity, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common experiences associated with menstruation. However, nearly 5%- 8% of menstruating people have symptoms which are much more painful, and disruptive of a normal life. This is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which, unlike PMS, has now been categorised as a mental illness in DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States). 

Anuhya Korrapati, a health researcher and founder of BeyondBlood, talks about the mental health aspects of menstruation, the lack of research in hormonal health, and its impacts on women's experiences.

In this webinar, we discuss:

• What exactly are PMS and PMDD, and why we need to understand more about premenstrual health

• The current research around PMS and PMDD

• Key differences between PMS and PMDD

• Understanding and mapping symptoms in order to get diagnosis

• Talking to your gynecologist and/or therapist about pre menstrual health

• Navigating work and relationships

• Methods for conscious self-care, and managing difficult symptoms of PMDD at home. 

Our attempt is to provide updated evidence-based information on women's health along with actionable solutions. For more questions write to us at community@thea.care