Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe disorder than PMS or premenstrual syndrome in general. Although PMS and PMDD both show physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD can cause symptoms that are so extreme that you can't do your normal activities or your relationship with the people closest to you is disturbed.

How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

PMDD is less common in women who are still menstruating. If PMS can be found in about 31 percent of women, PMDD only occurs in 5 to 8 percent of women who are still menstruating.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Some of the common symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are:

Feelings of weakness and fatigue that are extraordinary
Change mood to the extreme until there is packaging or depression
Can't concentrate
Heart palpitations (heart beats hard or fast)
Paranoia (when you usually don't have a paranoid personality disorder)
Negative self-image
Difficult to coordinate
Easy to forget
Bloating, stomach pain, and increased appetite
Headache
Muscle spasms, numbness, or tingling that is extraordinary
Skin problems such as acne, eczema, and other disorders are getting worse
Hot flashes (overheating)
Dizzy
Fainting (loss of consciousness)
Can not sleep
Fluid retention, the breast feels softer and more sensitive
Urinating infrequently (or urinating but only a little)
Vision and eye problems
Respiratory problems such as allergies or infections
Menstrual pain
Loss of sexual desire

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Call your doctor if any of these symptoms interfere with your daily activities, health, or work. Everyone's body works in different ways. It is better to consult a doctor for a solution to your situation.

Cause

What causes premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Experts do not yet understand exactly why PMDD can occur. However, the strongest suspicion is that the body reacts abnormally to hormonal changes in a woman's menstrual cycle.

A number of studies have shown a link between PMDD and low levels of serotonin, a substance in the brain responsible for transmitting nerve signals. Serotonin-dependent brain cells also function to control mood, concentration, sleep, and pain.

Due to hormonal changes, the body may be deficient in serotonin, leading to PMDD symptoms eventually.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Some of the risk factors for a woman to get PMDD include:

Family history of PMS or PMDD
Have a history of depression, postpartum depression (postpartum), and disorders mood others (whether that happens to yourself or in a family member)

Risk factors such as smoking and low levels of education can also trigger it.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) diagnosed?

Because PMDD can cause symptoms similar to other health conditions, it is very likely that your doctor will undergo a medical examination, ask for your medical record, and perform a series of certain tests to make sure you do not have another disease.

Your doctor may also use a symptom scheme to determine if the symptoms you are complaining about appear at a certain point in your menstrual cycle.

It usually takes about two menstrual cycles (roughly two weeks, depending on each woman's menstrual cycle) before a doctor can confirm a diagnosis of PMDD.

Generally, PMDD symptoms are felt a week before the start of the first day of menstruation and will get better on their own a few days after menstruation begins and after menstruation is finished.

What are my treatment options for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Common strategies for dealing with PMS are often used to help patients with PMDD.

Some of the common treatments are:

Antidepressant drugs (types selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI)
Hormonal drugs (eg birth control pills)
Diet changes
Regular exercise
Manage stress
Take vitamin supplements
Anti-inflammatory drugs

Some over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help with symptoms of headaches, back pain, and stomach cramps. Diuretic drugs can also treat symptoms of fluid retention or flatulence.

Seeing a therapist can also help you determine self-control strategies for PMDD. You may be advised to do relaxation, meditation, yoga, and more. However, until now there is no research evidence that these things can reduce or prove their efficacy for PMDD.