The fact that black women are less prone to psychiatric disorders may also explain why they are less likely to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), the most severe form of PMS.

Black women are also less likely to suffer from premenstrual symptoms overall, according to a study published in Psychological Medicine earlier this year. The premenstrual experience of more than 1,600 black women was compared with that of more than 900 white women (this group included Latinas), and black women’s risk of PMDD was less than half that of Caucasians. PMDD is defined as five or more severe PMS-like symptoms such as anxiety, mood disorders, bloating, cramps, and aches and pains.

Typically, women who experience sex- and race-based discrimination are more likely to have PMDD, but when it comes to black women, it appears we have a health advantage over this condition. Good news for us.

Do you experience strong premenstrual symptoms each month? Have you ever been diagnosed with PMDD?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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