Hi, it's me, Lara, the girl with all the Vagina Problems . A few weeks ago I asked people to share their stories of what it’s really like living with PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

For those of you who don't know — PMDD, according to the Gia Allemand Foundation, is a hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising several days before the menstrual cycle and lasting until the period actually begins. The NIH and Mayo Clinic define PMDD as a disabling, severe form/extension of PMS.

While some of the symptoms of PMS and PMDD may overlap, PMDD is a diagnosable psychiatric disorder and PMS is not.

Some common symptoms of PMDD can include:

* Feelings of extreme sadness or despair

* Feelings of tension or anxiety

* Panic attacks and/or mood swings

* Lasting irritability or anger that affects other people

* Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships

* Trouble thinking or focusing

* Tiredness or low-energy

* Trouble sleeping

* Feeling out of control

* Physical symptoms — such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain