The Christina Bohn Foundation was created
to advocate for women suffering from
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).
Through increased awareness and
education, we hope women will receive an
accurate and more timely diagnosis.
We also hope our efforts will prevent deaths
by suicide related to having PMDD.
Our Mission
To advocate for increased awareness and education about premenstrual disorders so healthcare professionals and the public will recognize PMDD and PME much earlier in the diagnostic process.
Our Vision
Our hope is for PMDD and PME to become as commonly known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is known throughout the world.
In loving memory of Christina Elizabeth Bohn, whose spirit lives on and guides us in this important work to raise awareness of PMDD.
What is PMDD?
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with mental, emotional, and physical symptoms arising during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle each month.
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PMDD affects about 1 in 20 women between puberty and menopause. While symptoms are triggered by changing hormones, PMDD is not a hormone imbalance, rather it is an extreme sensitivity to fluctuating hormone levels across the menstrual cycle.
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Diagnosis is made through daily symptom tracking for two menstrual cycles.
PMDD Symptoms*
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A diagnosis of PMDD requires the presence of at least five of the following symptoms, one of which must be a "core emotional symptom​". These symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. A diagnosis of PMDD should not be made in anyone who is currently using hormonal contraceptives of any type.​
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Mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, sensitivity to rejection
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Irritability, anger, rage, interpersonal conflicts, or relationship issues
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Depression, feelings of hopelessness, feeling worthless or guilty; suicidal thoughts
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Anxiety, tension, or feelings of being keyed up or on edge
Core
PMDD Symptoms
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Decreased interest in your life
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Difficulty concentrating, focusing, or thinking; brain fog
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Tiredness or low-energy
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Changes in appetite, food cravings, or overeating
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Hypersomnia or insomnia
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Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
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Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, bloating or weight gain
* International Association For Premenstrual Disorders
Read more about PMDD and other premenstrual disorders at iapmd.org.