BOSTON, MA -- On April 15th, buildings, bridges, and landmarks around the world will light up teal in support of Premenstrual Disorders Awareness Month. Landmarks include:

• Bank of America Plaza, Dallas, TX, USA

• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge, VA, USA

• Mid-Hudson Bridge, NY, USA

• Brant Street Pier, Burlington, ON, Canada

• Big Banana, NSW, Australia

• Hamilton Signature Sign, ON, Canada

• Bridgend County Borough Council, Wales, UK

• Niagara Falls, Canada.

• and more to come!

“For so long premenstrual disorders were kept in the dark because of stigma, lack of education, and little awareness, and so many of us suffered for it. As awareness of premenstrual disorders grows, these light-ups are a powerful symbol of hope for our community,” said Sandi MacDonald, Co-Founder & Executive Director, International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD).

Premenstrual Disorders Awareness Month is an annual celebration hosted by the IAPMD that aims to raise awareness and support for premenstrual disorders. The theme for 2023 is ‘Spark Change.’ #SparkChangePMD 

“It all starts with awareness. A spark. When we join together we can do so much! I think the PMD community is the best example of this in action. We are not alone anymore, and that is our greatest power!” Sandi continued. 

Premenstrual Disorders (PMDs) are complex conditions at the intersection of mental and menstrual health (women’s health). The core premenstrual disorders, which include Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) of underlying conditions, are linked to hypersensitivity to normal hormone changes across the menstrual cycle. They can cause or contribute to significant emotional and physical symptoms in the weeks leading up to and even during a woman/AFAB individual’s period. 

Approximately 1 in 20 women/AFAB individuals have PMDD (that’s 60 million worldwide!), and likely more experience PME, yet many struggle to receive a diagnosis or find treatment because of a lack of awareness. Studies also show that an estimated 34% of sufferers attempt suicide in their lifetimes, demanding an even greater need for more awareness and support for people with premenstrual disorders.

For comment, contact Sandi MacDonald, IAPMD Co-founder & Executive Director at media@iapmd.org. We have patients, researchers, and family members of patients available and eager to share their experience and expertise.