Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a symptom of more extreme menstruation

Almost all women have experienced PMS or premenstrual syndrome. This condition is generally characterized by mood swings, lower abdominal cramps, slightly swollen breasts, and weakness. However, if your PMS symptoms are so severe that you can't move at all, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD.

Are you suspicious that your condition is not just PMS and could be PMDD? Stay tuned for complete information below, let's go.

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle can indeed cause physical and emotional symptoms. But PMDD is not just an ordinary PMS. PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a disorder with a more extreme and more severe set of menstrual symptoms than PMS.

These symptoms can appear a week or two weeks before the first day of menstruation and last up to several days after menstruation.

What is the difference between PMDD and PMS?

In fact, the main difference between PMDD and PMS is the severity of the symptoms. People who experience PMS are usually still able to do activities even though they have certain complaints. Meanwhile, people with PMDD are often unable to move like people who are sick.

In addition, cases of PMDD usually require medical attention, while PMS does not. In certain cases, women who have this disorder are even more likely to become depressed and even attempt suicide. In fact, later when her menstruation is complete, her condition will improve on its own.

Recognize the various symptoms of PMDD

Although PMDD is a more extreme disorder than the symptoms of PMS in general. PMDD can interfere with daily productivity and even relationships with those closest to them. Here are the symptoms of PMDD that you should know.

Mood so easily sad and changeable
Feeling depressed (moody and hopeless)
Irritable and irritable
Anxious, restless, and tense even though there are no obvious triggers
Not enthusiastic about activities
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling exhausted
Your appetite changes, you usually want to eat more
Cannot control emotions
Insomnia
Abdominal cramps and bloating
Swollen and sore breasts
Headache
Joint pain in various parts of the body

Causes of PMDD

Experts do not yet know the exact cause why women can experience it premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, most of these changes in extreme psychological and physical symptoms are attributed to abnormal reactions to hormonal changes.

Reporting from WebMD, several studies have observed that women who have this disorder generally have low levels of the hormone serotonin. In the body, the hormone serotonin controls mood, emotions, sleep patterns, and body aches. Hormone levels can indeed become imbalanced before or during menstruation.

However, it is not yet understood in detail why the hormone serotonin in certain people can drop dramatically during menstruation.

How is the diagnosis of PMDD determined?

Before your doctor diagnoses you with PMDD, generally your doctor will confirm that you do not have a mental disorder such as depression or panic disorder. You also need to make sure you don't have other medical conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, menopause, and other hormonal problems.

Generally, a new diagnosis will be made under the following conditions.

You are confirmed to have symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, if you have at least the five symptoms described above.
PMDD symptoms you feel from 7 to 10 days before you menstruate.
PMDD symptoms that are felt begin to disappear after menstrual blood comes out.

How to deal with PMDD?

1. Taking certain types of antidepressant drugs

To treat and relieve PMDD symptoms, you can take antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline. This medication can reduce symptoms such as emotional symptoms, fatigue, food cravings and problems with sleep patterns. You can reduce PMDD symptoms by taking antidepressant drugs during ovulation and in the early days of your period.

2. Taking birth control pills and supplements

Some doctors generally recommend that you take the oral contraceptive pill for a short time to reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms in some women. However, there are also those who are recommended to consume 1,200 milligrams of food and additional calcium every day to reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms.

Taking vitamin B-6, magnesium and L-tryptophan can also help you relieve PMDD pain and fatigue. However, talk to your doctor first before taking any supplements.

3. Lifestyle changes

In addition to taking medication, your doctor will also recommend that you exercise regularly to reduce premenstrual symptoms. Also avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, and quit smoking immediately. Also try to get enough sleep.

You can also practice using relaxation techniques, meditation, and yoga to manage stress and emotions when PMDD hits.