Traveling is supposed to be an adventure—a chance to break away from the daily grind, explore new places, and create lasting memories. For most people, it’s a time of excitement and spontaneity. But for those of us who have lived with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), travel can feel like an overwhelming task, filled with dread and anxiety.

I remember what it was like to prepare for a trip while also having to prepare for my luteal phase. It wasn’t just about packing clothes and making sure I had my passport; it was about anticipating how my body and mind would betray me. PMDD would strip away any joy or excitement I might have had about the journey, replacing it with fear—fear of an emotional breakdown, fear of exhaustion, and fear that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the trip at all.

Traveling with PMDD: Fear as My Companion

When PMDD controlled my life, I felt like my cycle was a ticking time bomb. There was no escaping it. Every month, I dreaded the two weeks leading up to my period, the infamous luteal phase, when my symptoms would take over. The emotional rollercoaster, the brain fog, the physical pain—it was like carrying an invisible weight that no one else could see but me.

Traveling during this phase was one of my biggest nightmares. I had no control over when my symptoms would hit, and this lack of predictability made it nearly impossible to plan anything. Would I be irritable and snappy, unable to enjoy the company of my travel companions? Would I feel drained of energy and need to retreat to my hotel room instead of exploring? Would I have a panic attack in the middle of a crowded airport? These were the fears that followed me every time I thought about taking a trip.

I would meticulously calculate my travel dates, praying that my luteal phase wouldn’t overlap with the vacation. But it seemed like no matter how carefully I planned, PMDD always found a way to ruin things. There were times I canceled trips last minute because I knew I just couldn’t face the world in the state I was in. And when I did manage to travel, I’d pack an emergency “PMDD survival kit”—pain relievers, herbal supplements, calming essential oils, heating pads, and whatever else I thought might help me survive the luteal storm.

Even if I did make it through a trip, I always returned feeling more exhausted than rejuvenated. The emotional and physical toll of traveling with PMDD was simply too much.

The Shift: Finding Healing and Freedom

Things changed for me when I began to explore holistic healing and, ultimately, discovered Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). Through RTT, I was able to address the root causes of my PMDD—digging into the subconscious mind and uncovering the emotional and psychological patterns that were fueling my disorder. For the first time in years, I felt like I had control over my body, my mind, and my cycle.

The process wasn’t easy, but it was life-changing. Slowly but surely, I began to experience what life could be like without PMDD controlling every aspect of it. And when it came to travel, the difference was astonishing.

Traveling in Freedom: No Longer Held Back by PMDD

Once I reached a point of healing, where PMDD no longer dictated my every move, my relationship with travel completely transformed. Suddenly, I could book a trip without consulting my cycle first. I could say yes to spontaneous weekend getaways, without the fear of my luteal phase ruining everything.

Traveling became what it was always meant to be—an experience of freedom, joy, and discovery. No longer did I need to pack an emergency survival kit or mentally prepare for emotional breakdowns. I could enjoy the sights, the food, the culture, and the company of the people I traveled with. I was present in the moment, something I hadn’t been able to do when PMDD was running the show.

One of the most profound changes was the release of fear. Before healing, fear had been my constant travel companion. Fear of feeling out of control, fear of ruining the trip for everyone else, fear of missing out on experiences because I simply didn’t have the energy. But now, that fear is gone. In its place is excitement and curiosity. I can explore without the weight of PMDD dragging me down.

The Emotional and Physical Transformation

Beyond the external changes—being able to enjoy my trips—there was a profound internal shift that occurred as well. The emotional burden of living with PMDD is often just as heavy, if not heavier, than the physical symptoms. When I was free from PMDD, I realized how much I had been carrying. The anxiety, the depression, the irritability—it had all been holding me back from living life fully, and that included traveling.

Healing allowed me to travel not just in the physical sense but emotionally as well. It gave me the freedom to reconnect with myself and others in a way I hadn’t been able to before. Whether it’s a solo retreat or a family vacation, I now travel with a sense of peace and calm, knowing that my body is working with me, not against me.

External Resources for PMDD Healing

If you’re someone who struggles with PMDD and the impact it has on your ability to travel—or live life fully—I want to share a resource that helped me on my journey to healing. Beyond Rapid Transformational Therapy, I found valuable insights from The Women’s Health Network. They offer educational content on natural hormone balance and practical tips for managing PMDD. Their article on managing PMDD through lifestyle changes was particularly helpful as I explored different healing modalities.

Embracing Freedom

Traveling with PMDD was a fearful and isolating experience, but I want you to know that it doesn’t have to be this way forever. Healing is possible, and when you find it, the freedom that comes with it will transform every aspect of your life—including how you travel.

If you’re ready to embark on your own journey of healing, know that there is hope. The road may not be easy, but the freedom you’ll find on the other side is worth every step.