My Monster

"I'm too young for this!" I cried out to my gynecologist six months ago.

"No, dear, you are not," she explained tenderly, "and you will continue to experience these sensations for many years, going away only after you reach menopause." 

PMDD, short for PreMenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

( This cut contains graphic discussion about menses-related maladies... )