In honor of Women's Day, we are going to take a look at PMDD. What is PMDD? ...So glad that you asked! Many women are persevering through the strife of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and they don't even know it. Most females experience and are familiar with PMS, Pre Menstrual Syndrome. So, let's talk about the difference between PMS and PMDD, and then we can dive deeper into the various aspects of PMDD.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before your period. It is sometimes referred to as 'severe PMS'. PMDD occurs during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle.
PMDD is different. It causes emotional and physical symptoms like PMS, but women with PMDD find their symptoms draining. Your PMDD symptoms could interfere with your daily life, including work, school, social life, and relationships.
PMDD Symptoms: The symptoms of PMDD usually show up the week before you start your period and last until a few days after it begins. Most of the time they’re severe and exhausting, and they can keep you from daily activities. Symptoms of PMDD include:
Mood swings
Depression or feelings of hopelessness
Intense anger and conflict with other people
Tension, anxiety, and irritability
No interest in your usual activities
Trouble concentrating
Fatigue
Appetite changes
Feeling out of control
Sleep problems
Cramps and bloating
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Joint or muscle pain
Hot flashes
PMDD Causes and Risk Factors:
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Most think it may be an abnormal reaction to hormone changes related to your menstrual cycle.
PMDD affects up to 5% of women of childbearing age. Many women with PMDD may also have anxiety or depression. Studies have shown a link between PMDD and low levels of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps transmit nerve signals. Certain brain cells that use serotonin also control mood, attention, sleep, and pain. Hormonal changes may cause a decrease in serotonin, leading to PMDD symptoms.
PMDD Diagnosis: If you have any of the classic PMDD symptoms, see your doctor. They’ll go over your medical history with you and give you a thorough exam. The doctor will do some tests to find out how you’re feeling emotionally and mentally. Before they diagnose you with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the doctor will make certain that emotional problems, such as depression or panic disorder, aren’t causing your symptoms. They’ll also rule out other medical or gynecological conditions, like endometriosis, fibroids, menopause, and hormone problems. Your doctor may diagnose you with PMDD if:
You have at least five of the symptoms listed above.
They start 7-10 days before you get your period.
They go away shortly after you start bleeding.
If you’re dealing with these issues daily and they don’t get better when your period starts, it’s unlikely that PMDD is to blame.
PMDD Treatment: Many of the same things you do to manage PMS can ease your PMDD symptoms. Common treatments include:
Antidepressants
Hormone therapy (like birth control pills)
Changes in what you eat
Regular exercise
Stress management
Vitamin supplements
Anti-inflammatory medicines
Some over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may ease symptoms like headache, breast tenderness, backache, and cramping. Diuretics, also called “water pills,” can help with fluid retention and bloating.
For some women, 1,200 milligrams a day of dietary and supplemental calcium may help with symptoms. Vitamin B6, magnesium and L-tryptophan also may work, but ask your doctor for advice before taking any supplements.Some studies suggest that chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is good for PMDD, but there isn’t enough research to be sure. The FDA doesn't control herbal supplements, so talk with your doctor before trying one.
Talking to a therapist may also help you find new ways to manage PMDD. Relaxation therapy, meditation, reflexology, and spending time in nature might also provide you relief, but they haven’t been widely studied, either.
A few other things to consider when you are feeling highly sensitive during this time is to communicate your needs and feelings to those around you, who may be directly impacted. Take time to slow down and self-soothe. Take a warm bath, or a long shower. Immerse yourself in your favorite essential oils. Take yourself out to lunch or make your favorite dish at home.
Make sure you are eating a balanced diet and getting all of your nutrients. Keep a daily journal to release your emotions and process any difficult thoughts that may be bogging you down. Knowledge is power, so knowing more about what you may be dealing with will empower you to make the necessary shifts to improve your life!
HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY!