Understanding PMDD Through Shalene Gupta’s "The Cycle": A Journey of Pain, Power, and Personal Discovery
July 25, 2024
By Joy Batra
Trigger Warning: Suicide, Self-harm
In the fall of 2021, I stumbled into a writing class led by Shalene Gupta—a decision that would not only cultivate my passion for writing but also lead to an enlightening friendship. Our days were filled with words, coffee, and shared aspirations in various Boston cafes. Shalene’s quiet charisma and unyielding determination inspired me to dream bigger. She is an embodiment of success—co-authoring a book with a Harvard Business School professor, writing for notable platforms like Fast Company, The Atlantic, and Time, and most recently collaborating with Oprah on Instagram. So, it came as a shock when I first encountered the raw honesty of her newest book, The Cycle, which unveils her struggle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
What is PMDD?
My initial introduction to PMDD came in 2013 from a friend whose diagnosis made me equate the condition to merely a significantly worse case of PMS. Fast forward to 2024; I discovered the deep, often terrifying realities of PMDD through Shalene’s experience. This severe form of premenstrual syndrome affects a significant number of people, with a staggering 70% of those diagnosed experiencing suicidal thoughts and 30% having attempted suicide. The disorder comprises over 150 known symptoms that manifest in the week leading to menstruation and generally dissipate subsequent to it. Its primary symptoms—intense mood swings, crippling depression, anxiety, and rage—can tear through relationships, demolish careers, and tragically, lead to fatalities.
A Personal Lens: The Journey Within
The Cycle approaches PMDD from two distinct perspectives, with the first focusing on Shalene’s deeply personal journey. She takes readers through some of the darkest moments of her life with astonishing vulnerability. For instance, the book opens with a harrowing scene in which Shalene harms herself with a butcher’s knife. This vivid portrayal is coupled with the confusion she felt—having an admirable career, a loving boyfriend, and supportive family—but spiraling into a whirlwind of depression as her period approached.
These relatable episodes resonate painfully, reflecting the silent battles so many face. Her account of explosive arguments with loved ones due to her PMDD made me realize how much those affected by this disorder strive to maintain normalcy in their relationships. Ultimately, through receiving a diagnosis and necessary treatment for PMDD, Shalene guides her loved ones toward a healthier understanding of her condition, simultaneously fostering a spirit of self-compassion.
A Sociopolitical Lens: Breaking the Stigma
Beyond personal accounts, The Cycle delves into the sociopolitical ramifications of PMDD. Mental health and menstruation remain ensnared in a web of stigma, particularly within Western societies and the South Asian community. Shalene powerfully reveals how societal perceptions have delayed the recognition of PMDD as a legitimate medical disorder, often relegating it to whispers and misconceptions.
“The Cycle isn’t just about the menstrual cycle but also about the sociopolitical cycles that surround PMDD: the never-ending loop of social stigma against menstruation that means menstrual disorders go untreated,” she writes. This multitiered narrative analysis is backed by rigorous research, including interviews with healthcare providers, researchers, and those living with PMDD. It transcends the boundaries of academic theory, breaking down complex concepts into digestible insights peppered with lightheartedness.
A Call to Action: Society’s Role
Reading The Cycle was not just a literary experience; it was an emotional odyssey. Once I closed the book—having devoured its wisdom in one sitting—I found myself contemplating broader issues regarding female health and PMDD’s place in society. It nudged me to reflect on my own relationships and how I could be a more compassionate partner.
Shalene’s beautifully crafted narrative pushes readers to empathize, challenge long-held societal norms, and actively support those grappling with PMDD. Her journey of discovering love—for herself and her partner—demanded that we, too, reconsider the kinds of love we extend to those around us, especially in moments of deep vulnerability.
Conclusion: A Richly Rewarding Read
The Cycle is, above all else, an engaging read loaded with emotion, education, and nuanced exploration of societal issues tied to women’s health. Shalene Gupta’s prose is clear yet poignant, offering a significant contribution to the literature surrounding menstrual health while inspiring a collective call to destigmatize these critical discussions.
To purchase your copy of The Cycle, you can find it here. For more insights and updates, follow Shalene Gupta on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Joy Batra is the founder of Quartz Consulting, a freelance consulting firm that has advised start-ups, venture capital firms, and Fortune 500 companies, among others. You can read more of her work here.
