Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that affects some women in the days leading up to or surrounding their period. It is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with more intense and debilitating symptoms. PMDD is a chronic condition that can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life. In this article, our experts at New Age Women’s Health will discuss the symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of PMDD.
What Is PMDD?
PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and is a condition that causes severe and debilitating symptoms in the days leading up to or lasts beyond a woman’s period. These symptoms can interfere with a woman’s daily life, work, and relationships. PMDD is a severe form of PMS and is classified as a psychiatric disorder.
How Common Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?
PMDD is estimated to affect 2-10% of women of reproductive age. It is more common in women in their late 20s and early 30s, but it can occur in women of any age who have regular menstrual cycles.
Common Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms
The symptoms of PMDD typically occur in the two weeks leading up to a woman’s period and usually subside within a few days of the period starting. The premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms can vary from woman to woman but can include:
- Mood swings, such as feeling irritable, angry, or depressed
- Anxiety or tension
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Appetite changes or food cravings
- Bloating, abdominal pain, or headache
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Joint or muscle pain
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Decreased interest in daily activities or relationships
The severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some women experiencing such severe symptoms that they are unable to carry out their daily activities.
What Causes Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?
The exact cause of PMDD is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. Women with PMDD are more sensitive to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. Specifically, the hormone progesterone appears to play a role in PMDD, with women who have PMDD having a higher sensitivity to progesterone.
What Are the Risk Factors for PMDD?
There are several risk factors for PMDD, including:
- A family history of PMS or PMDD
- A history of depression or anxiety
- A history of trauma or abuse
- A history of substance abuse
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a thyroid disorder or other medical conditions
What Are the Potential Complications of PMDD?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing her to miss work, school, or other activities. The mood changes associated with PMDD can also lead to problems in relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. In some cases, the mood changes can be severe enough to lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
How Is PMDD Diagnosed?
PMDD is diagnosed based on a woman’s symptoms, medical history, and menstrual cycle history. To be diagnosed with PMDD, a woman must have at least five of the symptoms listed above, with at least one being mood-related. A doctor may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other medical conditions.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Treatment Options
PMDD can be treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms and improve a woman’s quality of life. Medications that may be used to treat PMDD include:
- Antidepressants: These medications can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety and tension. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used antidepressants for PMDD. In certain cases, they are taken only during certain weeks of the month and not daily.
- Birth control pills: These can help regulate hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which may help relieve PMDD symptoms.
- Diuretics: These medications can help reduce bloating and fluid retention associated with PMDD.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These meds can help relieve cramps, headaches, and other physical symptoms of PMDD.
Lifestyle changes that may help relieve PMDD symptoms include:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Regular exercise, which can help reduce stress and improve mood
- Getting enough sleep
- Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can worsen PMDD symptoms
In some cases, a doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy that can help women with PMDD manage their symptoms.
Can You Prevent PMDD?
There is no sure way to prevent PMDD, but some lifestyle changes may help reduce the severity of symptoms. These include:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Getting enough sleep
- Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
What’s the Difference Between PMS and PMDD?
PMS is a common condition that affects up to 90% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by physical and emotional symptoms that happen before a woman starts her period. PMS symptoms can include mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue.
PMDD is a more severe form of PMS that affects a smaller percentage of women. It is characterized by more intense and debilitating symptoms, such as extreme mood swings, anxiety, and depression. PMDD symptoms can significantly interfere with a woman’s daily life, work, and relationships.
The Bottom Line
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life. The exact cause of PMDD is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. PMDD can be diagnosed based on a woman’s symptoms, medical history, and menstrual cycle history. Treatment for PMDD may include medication, lifestyle changes, and talk therapy.
If you experience severe symptoms of PMDD that interfere with your daily life, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. It is necessary to seek medical attention if you experience suicidal thoughts or feelings, as this is a severe complication of PMDD that requires immediate attention. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you are struggling with PMDD, as effective treatments are available to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
