The Cycle

Confronting the Pain of Periods and PMDD

By: Shalene Gupta

Narrated by: Shalene Gupta

A groundbreaking exploration of a debilitating disorder that’s underdiagnosed and misunderstood.

Most days, Shalene Gupta was the person she’d always aspired to be. She was hardworking, excelled at work, and had a long-term boyfriend who she desperately loved.

Then, every month like clockwork, it all came crashing down in fits of rage and inconsolable sorrow. Work became meaningless, and she struggled to get through the day. The lows were subterranean.

After years of struggling to get an answer from doctors, Shalene learned she was one of millions who live with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. The physical and mental effects of this disorder are undeniable, but for decades some doctors didn’t even consider PMDD a real condition. How could so many people be suffering at the hands of a chronic condition that doesn’t even exist?

The Cycle uncovers a hidden epidemic, delivering the definitive portrait of a widespread chronic illness most people haven’t even heard of. From a historical overview of feminist debates, to on-the-ground interviews and a searing critique of menstrual stigma, Shalene Gupta lays out how disregard for this disorder has left too many people scrambling for appropriate healthcare. Deeply researched, movingly intimate, and refreshingly hopeful, this book is essential reading for any curious reader, especially those navigating a world ill-equipped to support their health.

Validation for PMDD

I discovered this book after an extremely difficult episode of PMDD. I was diagnosed 20 years ago in my early 30s and after reading this book I now know how fortunate I was to have had a midwife who recognized PMDD and gently suggested fluoxetine. Fast forward to present day and I’m perimenopausal and have had some PMDD symptoms return and most recently had a very severe episode. This book was validating and I felt very seen. I have already recommended it to other people and will continue to do so. I’m in the process of navigating perimenopause and PMDD and this book is a great resource. I also recommend reading it if you love someone who has PMDD or PME and want to understand it more.

Thank you

Thank you for writing this and bringing awareness to life with PMDD. It was a great resource to send to my loved ones to help them understand my struggles.

Relatable and informative

I love how raw and real she is about her experience with pmdd. It makes me feel less alone

society needs this book!

Clarifying and enlightening. This book explains the most common confusions of PMS/PMDD. Boldly tells stories of shameful behaviors, yet explains that you're not a bad person, you just have PMDD. I am sure this book will help PMDD gain awareness and research.

So happy this book exists. I couldn't put it down.

I feel seen.

Thank you for writing this book. It has helped me accept some things and learn some others.