Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/antiwork/comments/1vqvyro/my_pmdd_disappeared_when_i_had_2_weeks_off_work/

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The original was posted on /r/antiwork by /u/FoSheepish on 2026-08-17 15:44:23+00:00.

Hey all,

I (almost 40F) was recently diagnosed with PMDD because for the past 6 months or so, I would go into uncontrollable crying rages, have cramps that made it hurt to stand up, bad breast pain, and extreme exhaustion for at least a week every month. Doc wanted me to take SSRIS but I'm not a pill person so I was trying to manage by coordinating with my fiance so that all I had to do that week was work and not worry about our dogs, plants, housework, hobbies, etc. It helped somewhat but I was still struggling.

Then came the break. I taught at a summer camp this summer and then had 2 weeks off before going back to school (I'm a teacher). Teachers were supposed to go back today but due to flooding in the building we got the day off. Received the news yesterday and slept in.

Much to my surprise, I started my period this morning. I had no cramps. My abs were sore from working out every day these past 2 weeks, but no debilitating cramps like usual. Usually I work out on weekends only, maybe a weekday here and there, because I'm too exhausted from work. My breasts were a bit tender this past week but nothing like what I usually feel. They're usually too sore for me to work out even when I wear high impact sports bras (and my breasts aren't big to begin with).

I told my fiancé and he was flabbergasted. No sobbing, no short temper, nothing. We even had energetic sex yesterday, which would never happen the day before my period due to the pain.

I had seen on my calendar that it was coming up but figured the symptoms would hit soon. Instead, I just got my period like it was nothing.

It's because I've been able to go to bed and wake up when I wanted to, work out every day, take our dogs on long walks, and not have work stress. Camp had ended and school hadn't started so my mind was clear. I accomplished a lot during this time as well- cooking, cleaning, taking care of our pets and plants, enjoying my hobbies, spending time with family and friends.

Our bodies were not designed to work 40+ hours a week on a strict schedule. I didn't have a disease. I didn't need SSRIs. I needed rest.

Edited to add: when I said I'm "not a pill person", I just mean that typically the side effects medication have give me in the past have outweighed the benefits. Wasn't meant to be a medication shaming post - Apologies if it came off that way!