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More than 90 % of women report symptoms such as cramps, fatigue and mood in the weeks between ovulation and menstruation. This combination of symptoms may be known as pre -menstruation syndrome (PMS), and you may have heard even about his more severe cousin, pre -menstrual disorder (PMDD).
For many, the PMS symptoms are uncomfortable and annoying. But if the monthly symptoms include serious emotional and personal difficulties, it may be the PMDD.
So what is the difference between these conditions, and how do you know if you have PMS, PMDD or another health condition? Here, we answer these and other questions. Read on to learn about PMS symptoms versus PMDD, risk factors and how the doctor can help you find comfort.
PMDD is a more acute shape than PMS
The PMS and PMDD causes symptoms that appear about 1-2 weeks before menstruation and go away after 2-3 days of menstruation. The PMS symptoms can be physical, emotional or behavioral and range from light to severe, which is why it may be difficult to determine from PMDD.
Although PMDD often includes many of the same symptoms, it is characterized by one or more serious mood changes. The researchers estimate that PMDD affects about 5.5 % of women of childbearing age and people who have been appointed female at birth.
PMS symptoms can be physical or mental
PMS can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms and their intensity may change from month to month.
Physical PMS symptoms
PMS’s physical symptoms can include:
- young love
- Specific changes, such as desire
- Swelling
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Constipation or diarrhea
- cramps
- exhaustion
- Headache
- Increased fluid retention (which leads to weight gain or hand swelling and foot)
- Joint pain or muscles
Emotional or behavioral PMS symptoms
PMS mental symptoms can include:
- anxiety
- Concentration issues
- depression
- Irritation
- Sexual desire changes
- Sleeping issues
PMDD symptoms include severe emotional changes
In addition to the PMS symptoms, PMDD includes one or more of the following:
- Feeling of exhaustion, outside the scope of control or the brink of the abyss
- Increase the sensitivity of conflict and rejection
- Constant irritation
- Severe depression (feelings of despair, lack of value, guilt, or despair)
- Severe mood swings
PMS and PMDD causes are completely incomprehensible
PMS and PMDD have been linked to hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, but it does not seem to be the result of hormone imbalance. These natural and periodic hormonal changes cause chemical changes in the brain, and many experts believe that the PMS and PMDD are producing allergies to these changes. For example, studies have found that people with PMS or PMDD symptoms often have a noticeable decrease in serotonin levels during the menstrual period.
In addition, studies have shown a relationship between PMS and PMDD symptoms, and some risk factors, such as:
- Consuming a lot of sugar or caffeine
- Treated, fatty or fried foods
- Alcohol
- Current mental health conditions
- Family history of pre -menstruation issues
- Not exercising
- Sleep quality is poor
- pressure
The PMS and PMDD are diagnosed based on symptoms
The PMS or PMDD diagnosis mainly depends on symptoms. In both PMS and PMDD, symptoms appear specifically during the audio stage (the second half of the menstrual cycle when your body prepares for a period or pregnancy). For this reason, the doctor may ask you to follow pre -menstruation symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles. For the PMDD diagnosis, you must have at least five PMS symptoms, with at least one of the “basic” emotional symptoms mentioned above.
If your symptoms occur outside the yellow stage as well, it may be the result of another health condition. Thyroid conditions, endometriosis and chronic fatigue syndrome are all examples of cases that can cause PMS. Current mental health conditions can also be exacerbated during the yellow stage, leading to symptoms that mimic PMDD. This is known as pre -menstruation exacerbation (PME).
The PMS and PMDD treatment can include medications, lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements
There are a number of treatments that can help relieve PMS or PMDD symptoms. In general, a mixture of treatments is the most effective.
Adjust your lifestyle to improve PMS or PMDD
Exercise regularly and maintaining good sleep can help reduce pre -menstruation symptoms. In addition, it can help spend time on activities that help you relax, such as yoga, meditation or massage.
What foods and nutritional supplements should be eaten for PMS or PMDD
Since pre -menstruation symptoms were associated with fatty or very manufactured foods, sugar, alcohol and caffeine, it may help reduce or avoid these things. Focus on eating a lot of complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains, brown rice, beans and lentils), because this can enhance the levels of tryptophan, which helps to create serotonin.
Calcium and magnesium may also help reduce menstrual symptoms. You can get these nutrients from foods such as yogurt, green leafy vegetables, beans or lentils. If you are not able to get enough of these nutrients from the foods you eat, you can think about eating nutritional supplements.
The only herbal supplements that have been proven to help in pre -menstruation symptoms are vehicle extract. Dietary supplements are not organized by the American Food and Drug Administration, so talk to your doctor before you start taking one.
PMS or PMDD symptoms with medications
The identification of hormonal offspring can help relieve the physical symptoms of PMS or PMDD, such as cramps and back pain, but it does not always improve mental or emotional symptoms. Antidepressants or anti -anxiety medications can help in these symptoms. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend taking these medications during your session, or just before an audio stage.
Additional medications may be useful to relieve specific symptoms. Examples include non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (non -steroidal anti -inflammatory) of pain, or diuretics to reduce fluid retention.
Obtaining mental health support
Even when you know the cause of your symptoms, the PMDD can be overwhelming. It has been shown that cognitive behavioral therapy helps in PMDD by providing strategies to identify and manage devastating ideas and feelings. The doctor or doctor in the field of primary care can start with mental health support and refer you to a mental and behavioral health professional if necessary.
Are you looking for help with pre -menstruation symptoms? Talk to an expert.
Uncomfortable pre -menstruation symptoms are common, but if physical or mental symptoms disrupt your life, then talk to the doctor. A primary care doctor or a woman’s health expert can help exclude other possible causes, recommend treatments and refer you to specialists if necessary.
