If you ever thought “what is PMDD?” You are not alone. Chances are you asking this question because you felt that your premenstrual symptoms are only more than normal mood or cramps. For some, the days of their period can bring a serious, life-threatening change in mood, energy and overall well-being. More than PMS, it can be a premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that affects about 5-8% of menstrual people.
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What is PMDD, and how is it different from PMS?
PMDD is often incorrect or simplified as serious PMS, but there are significant differences. While premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause bloating, mild mood changes, and. General discomfort, PMDD is more intense.
For those of us with PMDD, emotional symptoms can be completely weak – think of severe depression, anxiety, anger and even suicidal ideas that raise almost immediately after menstruation. These emotional changes can feel uncontrollable, even the most regular functions feel impossible.
Beyond the change in mood, PMDD can also bring important physical symptoms. Many people experience fatigue, joint pain, severe headache, swelling and digestive issues. Some describe it that their body and mind are completely kidnapped for one to two weeks every month.
What is the most difficult element of PMDD? For many people, the biggest challenge is the estimated disruptive cycle of PMDD yet. Just as you start feeling yourself again, similarly symptoms return to full strength. If your major symptoms interfere with your ability to work in work, school, or relationships, it is worth considering whether PMDD may be the reason for this.
Read more: Our menstrual collection
Symptoms of PMDD
Many people are experiencing acute mood and depression before their period, “What is PMDD, and can it be the cause of these harsh changes?” Symptoms of PMDD usually appear one or two weeks before your period starts and go within a few days of bleeding. Common symptoms include:
Emotional symptoms:
- Serious mood
- Episode
- Anxiety or terror attack
- Anger
- Self-realization of rejection or sensitivity
Physical and cognitive symptoms:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
- Sleep disturbance including insomnia or excessive sleep
- Swelling, joint pain, or headache
- A feeling of being completely out of control
Symptoms of PMDD usually appear one or two weeks before your period starts and go within a few days of the onset of menstruation. For many people, these symptoms can be life-changing, even basic self-care may feel impossible.
What is the reason for PMDD?
The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood – it is no surprise to know how medical research ignores the circumstances that mainly affect women/AFAB individuals – but researchers believe that it is due to unusual sensitivity to hormonal ups and downs during the menstrual cycle.
In particular, PMDD does not cause imbalance in hormone levels, but from your brain reaction to normal changes in estrogen and progesterone. For people with PMDD, these hormonal shifts can trigger dysfunction in the serotonin system, which plays an important role in mood regulation.
PMDD is also more common among those who have:
If any of it seems familiar, then you are not imagining it. PMDD is a painful real medical condition.
Diagnosis of PMDD
Unfortunately, PMDD is often dismissed by doctors who make a mistake for “just PMS” or general mood. Many of us know very well that it likes to be ignored as a “emotional woman”! The best way to advocate for yourself is to track your symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles.
A doctor – often diagnosis of a gynecologist, psychiatrist, or primary care provider – PMDD if your symptoms are in the luteal phase (before your period or before two), end up within a few days of menstruation, and are serious to intervene in work, schools or relationships.
Many people struggle for years before diagnosing, so if you feel that you have PMDD, keep insisting on the answer.
How is PMDD treated?
There is no one size-fit-all approach to treat PMDD. The work that one does for a person cannot work for another, and many people require a combination of treatment to see improvement. For those who are PMDD and how to treat it, how to treat it, a combination of medical and natural approaches can be the best way.
Lifestyle adjustment
The management of PMDD begins with understanding the rhythm of your body. You can be surprised by the difference that can make some short lifestyle changes, eg:
Track your cycle
Keeping a menstrual cycle tracker can help you guess when the symptoms will appear and plan accordingly. Apps such as vibrant cycles can be helpful, but even a simple magazine works.
Prioritize
PMDD often causes severe tiredness, so it is necessary to get enough sleep. A consistent sleeping sleep is sticking to the schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and practicing resting techniques.
Balance nourishment
Some people with PMDD discovers that stabilizing blood sugar levels helps reduce mood swings. Eating regular food with protein, healthy fats and complex carbs can prevent symptoms deteriorating. Reducing caffeine, alcohol and processed sugar can also help.
Movement and exercise
While intense workouts can be heavy, gentle activities such as dancing in walking, stretching, yoga, or even your living room can release endorphins and improve mood.
Drug option
For those who require more support, the drug can be a game changer!
Selective serotonin reeptake inhibitor (SSRI)
SSRIS such as fluoxetine (prozac), serrtry (zoloft), and paroxeten (paxil). One of the most effective treatments for PMDD. Some people take them continuously, while others take them only during luteal.
Hormonal birth control
Some people with PMDD get relief from birth control pills that suppress ovulation. However, the results are different – some people feel better, while other experiences are poor. Progestin-Celebration Birth control can sometimes increase PMDD.
Gnrh agonist
In severe cases, drugs such as Lupron can completely prevent ovulation, inducting temporary menopause. It is usually used as the last remedy due to significant side effects.
Complementary and optional approach
Relief with some:
Magnesium vitamin B6
Magnesium can help with mood regulation and muscle pain, while B6 supports serotonin production. Some people report significant improvements with these supplements.
Chastberry
This herbal supplement has been studied for the ability to reduce PMDD symptoms by affecting dopamine and prolactin levels. This can work for some, but the results may take several months to become noticeable.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people develop strategies for mood swings, infiltration ideas and emotional deformity. Dualistic behavior therapy (DBT) can also be beneficial for emotional regulation.
PMDD Help Group
An online or joining in-purson support group can have a major impact on life with PMDD. Knowing that other people really understand what you are experiencing – because they are there, can also create a big difference.
As usual, be sure to talk to your medical team before starting new supplements or herbal options.
How is PMDD life?
PMDD may be disappointed, tedious and incredibly different. If you suspect that you have PMDD, rely on your body, track your symptoms, and advocate for yourself.
To navigate the old circumstances, neurodynavars, or mental health challenges for those of us, PMDD can add another layer of difficulty. But to know what is happening and finding the right tools to manage it can create a world of difference.
If you have ever asked yourself, “What is PMDD and how can I manage it?” A doctor, a physician, or even access to an assistant friend. PMDD is real, and therefore your experience. You are worth supporting, treatment, and the place required to make you an ideal life on your terms.