New to PMDD. What should I expect in my luteal phase?

Chances are you probably have already had a lot of luteal symptoms and didn’t know it. When I was finally diagnosed it was like a light had been switched on and I suddenly realized the chaos was PMDD. Everyone is different. I have a lot more depressive symptoms than anything, but I can get really anxious too. Without knowing your history, I’d say expect there to be up and downs, expect a lot of emotional stuff that feels very real. It can often come out of no where but you don’t realize it till the luteal phase is over. The best way I can explain it is that during my luteal phase I feel like I’ve just been pretending and the PMDD me is the “real” me. Then piles on the shame and anger, etc. Be patient with yourself, you’re learning. And as you learn, you’ll be able to be kinder to yourself more and more. Mine has never gone away, but with time and therapy I’ve learned coping mechanisms to get through it.