What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
June 19, 2023
Women who experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) suffer from a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that occurs about a week or two before their period begins.
Although the hormonal shifts of both PMDD and PMS can cause negative effects on physical and mental health, those with PMDD experience much more serious, crippling symptoms that can disrupt daily life and affect women’s relationships with others and with themselves.
What are the symptoms of PMDD?
PMDD and PMS are similar in terms of the typical symptoms that follow a woman’s menstrual cycle, including: bloating, tenderness of the breast, muscle and joint pains, changes in eating or sleeping habits and fatigue.
The symptoms that differentiate PMDD from PMS are:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Anxiety or tension
- Irritability or anger
- Mood swings or frequent crying
- Lack of interest in normal activities or interactions with others
- Feeling out of control
- Emotional sensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
There is no exact cause for PMDD. Researchers believe that hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle can be a factor, as well as changes in levels of serotonin. Women who may be more sensitive to changes in serotonin levels may be more likely to experience PMDD.
Depression, anxiety are common underlying mental health disorders in both PMS and PMDD. The hormonal changes that are part of a menstrual cycle may worsen the symptoms experienced with these mood disorders.
How is PMDD diagnosed?
Medical history, physical and pelvic examinations are typically the only major diagnostic tests associated with PMDD. Due to its association with severe mental health symptoms, your health care provider might suggest a mental health evaluation as well.
Generally, in order for PMDD to be diagnosed, your health care provider will instruct you to keep a calendar or journal of your symptoms, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Health Services Office of Women’s Health.
Five or more PMDD symptoms, along with at least one mood-related symptom, must be present in order for PMDD to be diagnosed.
What should I do if I am diagnosed with PMDD?
There are many treatment options available for those with PMDD. According to psychiatrist, Arunesh Mishra, M.D., serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can work in combating PMDD symptoms almost immediately.
SSRIs approved by the FDA to treat PMDD include:
- Sertraline
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
“Taking hormonal birth control pills with drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol has also been approved as a way to treat PMDD. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin are helpful in treating physical symptoms such as cramping, headaches and breast tenderness,” says Dr. Mishra.
Non-medical treatments can be beneficial for managing PMDD as well. Regular exercise and stress management are proven to decrease the negative effects of PMDD symptoms and help to improve overall mood:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Healthy changes in eating habits
- Cutting down on salt and sugar intake
- Increases in protein and complex carbohydrates in diet
- Consuming less caffeine and alcohol
Although these non-medical treatments can help to improve symptoms, PMDD is a serious disorder that can cause extreme emotional distress and negatively impact one’s life.
Women who are experiencing PMDD will face increased severity of symptoms over time until they reach menopause. If you are experiencing PMDD symptoms, it is important to consult a health care provider right away to discuss treatment options.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Our source: Arunesh Mishra, M.D
- To make an appointment with a health care provider near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- U.S. Department of Health and Health Services Office of Women’s Health
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
