Every month, there’s a week that feels like a nightmare I didn’t sign up for. Two days ago, I cried after reading the news about Diogo Jota’s death (actually, I’m not a fan of Liverpool). That night, I cried again because I felt so tired of my life. 

Suddenly, I want to lie in my bed and cry into my pillow. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) hits, and suddenly, I’m not myself.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) encompasses clinically significant somatic and psychological manifestations during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, leading to substantial distress and impairment in functional capacity. These symptoms disappear within a few days of the onset of menstruation.

For the longest time, I pretended it was no big deal. I thought if I just stayed “professional,” ignored the hormones, and acted like every other day, I could beat it. I saw admitting to PMS struggles as a weakness, something to hide, and never share.

But here’s the truth: Hiding it doesn’t help anyone. It just keeps the stigma alive. So let’s say it out loud: PMS week can be fucking awful. It’s like being trapped in a storm inside your own body, while everyone expects you to keep smiling and working as if nothing’s wrong. 

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So, ladies, why don’t we discuss this topic, starting with why PMS feels so damn terrible? Why does PMS Feel Like a Dumpster Fire? Here’s my opinion. 

1. Your brain vs. your hormones
You logically know your hormones are messing things up, but that doesn’t stop the sadness, anger, or anxiety. Hormonal drops (like serotonin) change how your brain processes emotions. Suddenly, tiny problems feel huge.

2. The double burden

Society still expects you to keep performing like nothing’s happening. But PMS makes even the simplest tasks feel heavier. It’s exhausting, and yes, it’s okay to be angry about that.

3. The helplessness

You can’t snap your fingers and fix your hormones. That lack of control is maddening and it’s why sometimes, all you can do is scream, cry, or curse the universe.

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You are not alone, Ladies!

When PMS week hits, it can feel like you’re the only one failing at life. But trust me: you’re not. So many women are silently screaming into pillows, battling the same rage, guilt, and exhaustion. You’re still here, still trying, and that makes you stronger than you think, even if today’s win is just making it to the couch.

For some women, the week of their period can be unbearable. It’s okay to feel frustrated with the hormonal fluctuations we experience! The question is: why does it feel so challenging? Let’s explore that further. For me, it’s because:

1. The pressure to perform
Many of us see ourselves as capable, reliable, and always in control. PMS doesn’t just make us moody; it makes us feel like we’re losing that competence, which is terrifying, especially when people count on us.

2. The overthinking trap

Hormonal changes make your brain cling to negative thoughts. Something small becomes proof that you’re terrible or failing. But remember: your PMS brain is lying.

3. The productivity guilt
We’ve been taught that our worth comes from how much we get done. So when PMS slows us down, it feels like we’re failing at life, but you’re not. You’re fighting an invisible battle, and that takes strength too.

Dear ladies, it’s okay to scream into the void. You’re allowed to feel angry that your body and mind seem to be working against you. But remember, this feeling is only temporary. We won’t feel this way forever. We need to find a way to get through this challenging week.

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Then, how to survive PMS week? 

1. Lower Your Standards

“PMS days are not for ‘productivity.’ They’re for survival. Some days, surviving is enough. Ask yourself, “What’s the bare minimum I can do today?” Maybe it’s replying to one urgent email or studying for 20 minutes. Permit yourself to half-ass it.

2. Name & Shame Your PMS Brain

“When your inner voice whispers, ‘You’re a failure,’ hit back with: ‘Nice try, Hormone Monster. I see you.’ Write down the crazy thoughts, then add: ‘PMS or Reality?’ (Example: ‘My boss hates me’ → ‘PMS. She praised me yesterday.’)”

3. Let the tears come 

Crying isn’t a weakness; it’s your body’s way of releasing stress. If you need to cry in the bathroom, do it. Tears carry stress hormones out of your body. PMS week is hard, and it’s okay to hate it. You’re not weak, you’re a warrior navigating a biological minefield. And remember: This will pass. 

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So, Ladies, most importantly: be kind to yourself. It’s okay to hate this part of being a woman. It’s OK to feel powerless sometimes. You’re not failing,  you’re dealing with something unfair your body throws at you every month. And showing up anyway, even imperfectly, is badass.

Middle fingers up to the hormone gods. You’re allowed to hate this. And you’re still strong as hell.

(Editor: Nurul Nur Azizah)