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ADVOCACY SCRIPTS

“I want to talk about the possibility of PMDD. My symptoms start in the luteal phase, about 1–2 weeks before my period, and they resolve within a few days of bleeding. This happens consistently every cycle.”
“The symptoms are severe enough to disrupt my daily functioning — including work, relationships, and mental health.”
“This is different from PMS. It’s cyclical, time-limited, and very intense. I’ve tracked symptoms across multiple cycles to confirm this pattern.”
“I would like to discuss PMDD as a clinical diagnosis and explore treatment options, such as SSRIs, hormonal treatments, or other management strategies.”

“I need you to understand that what I’m experiencing is not just ‘bad PMS.’ The severity puts my safety and daily life at risk.”
“I know my body and my cycle. The symptoms are disabling, and I need you to take them seriously.”
“I’m here to advocate for myself. I want my chart to reflect ‘PMDD’ so that my symptoms are documented correctly.”
“If this isn’t your area, I’d like a referral to a gynecologist, psychiatrist, or another provider who has experience with PMDD.”

“I’ve been researching PMDD and I’d like to work with you on managing it.”
“Here are the symptoms I’ve tracked by cycle: [insert highlights like mood swings, suicidal thoughts, physical pain]. Can we review these together?”
“What are your thoughts on treatment options like SSRIs, birth control, or lifestyle/nutritional approaches?”
“I’d really value ongoing support and check-ins while I figure out what works best.”

Bring a symptom tracker (apps like Me v PMDD, or a paper log).
Use medical language: “luteal phase,” “cyclical,” “functional impairment.”
Stay focused: don’t downplay your symptoms with “it’s probably nothing.”
Ask for documentation: “Can you please note in my chart that we discussed PMDD today?”

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