PMDD: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Explained

PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a severe form of PMS that can affect up to 8% of women. With frequent mood swings, irritability, and even depression, it's no wonder that PMDD can take its toll on relationships, work performance, and overall health. This article provides an overview of the symptoms, causes, and treatment of PMDD to help you better understand this condition.

What is PMDD?

PMDD, a severe manifestation of PMS, affects approximately 1/20 women. It’s characterized by frequent mood swings, irritability, and even depression related to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. PMDD can interfere with relationships, work performance, and general wellbeing. A diagnosis usually requires episodes of PMDD focused symptoms for at least two months before an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Symptoms 

PMDD can cause both emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly interfere with one’s life. PMDD symptoms may include: 

• Mood swings (e.g. sudden sadness or tearfulness, sensitivity to rejection)
• Irritability, anger, or increased inner conflicts
• Depressive mood, feelings of hopelessness, feeling worthless or guilty
• Anxiety, tension, or feelings of being keyed up or tense
• Decreased interest in usual activities (e.g. work, school, friends, hobbies)
• Difficulty concentrating, focusing, or thinking; brain fog
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Changes in appetite, cravings for food, overeating or binge-eating
• Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control.
• Physical symptoms such as sore breasts or swelling, joint or muscle pain, bloating, headaches, etc.

If you find yourself relating to this, it's crucial to bring it up with a doctor. 

Causes of PMDD

PMDD is a neuro-endocrine illness characterized by the brain's heightened sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. It is believed that women with PMDD have normal levels of estrogen and progesterone, but their brains react excessively to the natural changes in these hormone levels.

Treatment 

Living with PMDD can be incredibly challenging, and it can feel like there is little hope for relief. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are options available to help manage your symptoms. The lack of scientific research on PMDD may be discouraging, but know that there is a growing community of support and resources to help you. With the right support and treatment, many women with PMDD have found significant improvement in their quality of life. You deserve to live with comfort and ease, and it is possible with the right resources and care.

The treatment of PMDD may include a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy. Some of the most common treatments for PMDD include:

• Hormonal birth control: This can regulate hormonal levels and alleviate PMDD symptoms.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These are commonly prescribed for their ability to regulate mood and have been shown to be effective in managing PMDD symptoms.
• Lifestyle changes: This may include reducing stress through exercise and relaxation techniques, improving sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy can help women with PMDD by addressing negative thought patterns and improving coping mechanisms.

In rare cases, premature menopause or surgical options such as hysterectomy may be considered if other treatments are not effective.

It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs and circumstances, as each individual may respond differently to different treatments.

Summary

PMDD affects 1/20 women and is a severe form of PMS. The primary symptoms are emotional and physical changes such as irritability, depression, anxiety, tension, fatigue, changes in appetite. To treat the disorder, lifestyle changes such as exercising and getting enough sleep are important. Psychological therapies and medications prescribed by a doctor may also be beneficial. By understanding the facts about PMDD it can help you to find more effective ways to manage the disorder and find support.