It took Courtney Mae Lim, a freelancer in the arts and disabilities sector, six years and several consultations with three different medical professionals to finally know the cause of her excruciating menstrual cycles.
Since the age of 16, her periods have been marked by debilitating cramps. In addition to the pain, Courtney experiences muscle soreness, backaches, stomach aches, diarrhoea, and mouth ulcers. Her appetite fluctuates between non-existent and voracious, and she often battles drowsiness and exhaustion.
These are symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a chronic medical condition that affects the health of up to 8 per cent (144 million) of menstruating women globally.
“PMDD is the most severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and is known
