Table of contents:
- Tips for dealing with PMDD symptoms
- 1. Adjust your diet
- 2. Take supplements
- 3. Taking antidepressant drugs
- 4. Taking drugs that affect the menstrual cycle
- 5. Alternative ways
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder are premenstrual symptoms (PMS) that are more severe and make the sufferer unable to carry out normal activities. PMDD is difficult to avoid because the triggers come from hormones in the body, but you can treat this condition both naturally and medically.
Tips for dealing with PMDD symptoms
PMDD symptoms vary widely, ranging from physical complaints such as increased heart rate to psychological feelings of anxiety and depression. So, the treatment given needs to be tailored to your condition.
Here are some general steps you can take:
1. Adjust your diet
What you eat and drink affects the appearance of PMS and PMDD symptoms. Therefore, women who are prone to PMDD usually need to adjust their diet as a natural way of dealing with this condition.
Limit consumption of caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Increase the consumption of foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Both of these nutrients can increase tryptophan. Tryptophan is a serotonin-forming compound that provides a feeling of happiness.
2. Take supplements
Several studies have been conducted to determine the effect of supplements on PMDD. As a result, supplements of vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and a number of herbal supplements are considered to have the potential to relieve PMDD and its symptoms.
How supplements treat PMDD is not well understood. However, PMDD symptoms were shown to reduce after the study participants took the supplement. Make sure you consult your doctor before using any supplements.
3. Taking antidepressant drugs
In some women, hormonal changes during menstruation can decrease the amount of the hormone serotonin. The low serotonin hormone causes anxiety, decreased mood, depression, and allegedly to be one of the triggers for PMDD symptoms.
Antidepressant drugs from the SSRIs class can relieve PMDD by preventing the re-absorption of serotonin in the brain. This medication keeps your serotonin levels high so that your PMS symptoms don't get worse and become PMDD.
4. Taking drugs that affect the menstrual cycle
Another way you can treat PMDD is to take medications that affect the menstrual cycle. These drugs include:
- Oral birth control pills contain drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.
- Hormones that trigger the release of gonadotropin hormones, such as leuprolide, nafarelin, and goserelin.
- Medicines to prevent ovulation (release of an egg), such as danazol.
Keep in mind that these medicines can cause side effects resembling menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, fatigue, changes mood, and hot flush. Talk to your doctor before you use these drugs.
5. Alternative ways
Apart from changing your diet and taking medications and supplements, you can also use alternative ways to treat PMDD. Here are some alternative methods that can be selected:
- Doing activities that relax the body before menstruation. For example meditation, yoga, listening to music, or taking a warm bath.
- Use aromatherapy in the shower and before bed.
- Exercise lightly for 30 minutes 3 times a week.
- Get enough sleep.
- Undergo acupuncture.
PMS symptoms are common, but PMDD is a medical condition that can last for years. This condition can also get worse if not treated properly.
Try to consult a doctor if the various methods you do are not effective enough to treat PMDD. Some women are prone to PMDD because they have certain medical conditions. Consultation with a doctor will help you find the cause.
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