May is mental health awareness month and National Women’s Health Month.
My mood changes. Bloating. Breast tenderness. The Terrible Trilogy can only mean one thing. Winter (sorry, periods) is coming.
About 3 out of 4 people who menstruate experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms up to two weeks before their actual period begins. (Note: If math is math, that means women have about 7 days a week. month PMS or Aunt Flo are free. Remind yourself that women are amazing.)
PMS is common, but for some women, the emotional and physical symptoms can be so extreme that they seriously impact their ability to function. This severe version of PMS is actually a mood disorder called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Read: 7 PMS tips from experts >>
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a chronic condition that causes extreme emotional and physical symptoms that begin one to two weeks before menstruation and end a few days after the menstrual cycle begins.
PMDD symptoms
The physical and emotional symptoms of PMDD are extreme. It can be so severe that it affects your ability to function at home, at work, and in your personal relationships.
PMDD symptoms include:
- Feelings of sadness, despair, worthlessness
- unrest
- mood swings
- Increased self-critical thinking and/or sensitivity
- increased irritability or anger
- Increased conflict with family, colleagues, and friends
- loss of interest in daily activities
- concentration problems
- fatigue
- Changes in eating patterns (binge eating, overeating, or cravings for certain foods)
- Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping too much
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- breast tenderness
- headache
- myalgia
- weight gain
- bloating
What Causes PMDD?
Research into the causes of PMDD is ongoing, but it may be related to the drop in hormone levels that occurs after ovulation.
Serotonin, a natural brain chemical that regulates mood, may also play a role. Serotonin levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and some people may be more sensitive to changes.
PMDD vs. PMS
PMDD is like PMS on steroids. The differences are as follows: PMS symptoms are generally mild to moderate and do not usually interfere with daily activities. PMDD causes intense mental and physical changes that affect how you live your daily life and interact with others.
PMDD is a disease that must be diagnosed and treated by a health care provider.
Risk factors for PMDD
PMDD affects about 5 out of 100 people who menstruate.
You are at risk for PMDD if you:
- Have a family history of PMS or PMDD
- Have a personal or family history of mood disorders, depression, or postpartum depression
How do I get diagnosed with PMDD?
PMDD is defined as the presence of five or more symptoms, including those related to mood.
In addition to reviewing your health history and physical examination, your health care provider (HCP) will typically ask you to track your symptoms in a diary or journal over a period of time before making a diagnosis.
PMDD treatment
There are several medications and lifestyle changes that can help manage the wide range of symptoms associated with PMDD.
Treatment for PMDD may include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
- Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
Reducing sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol may also help reduce some symptoms of PMDD.
Read: Why hormonal contraception is important for women’s health >>
PMDD is a chronic disease
For many people with PMDD, symptoms worsen over time and persist until menopause. Therefore, it is important to talk to your health care provider (HCP) if you think you may have PMDD. There are treatment options that may help.
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