Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a considerably milder version of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women who are of childbearing age may be impacted. It’s a serious, long-lasting medical problem that need attention and care. In some cases, medications and lifestyle modifications might help manage symptoms.
How Prevalent Is This Illness?
Up to 10% of women or people who were designated female at birth (AFAB) who were of reproductive age suffer with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Up to 5% of pregnant women get PMDD. In addition to premenstrual dysphoric disorder, many women also experience anxiety or despair.
PMDD Symptoms Are:
PMDD symptoms differ from person to person. They typically start to show up a week or two before menstruation and disappear a few days during your period. You may experience: in addition to PMS symptoms like cramping and bloating:
- Angry or irritable mood.
- Feeling tight, anxious, or on edge.
- Panic attacks and anxiety.
- Depression and thoughts of suicide.
- Difficulties focusing.
- Low energy and weariness.
- Changes in appetite, binge eating, or food cravings.
- Headaches.
- Insomnia.
- Mood changes.
Some individuals experience PMDD symptoms right up to menopause.
The signs of PMDD can resemble those of other illnesses or ailments, including as depression, anxiety disorders, or thyroid difficulties. For a diagnosis, always consult a healthcare professional.
What Results In PMDD?
PMDD’s precise cause is unknown. It can be a strange response to the regular hormone fluctuations brought on by the menstrual cycle. A serotonin shortage may result from hormonal changes. Serotonin is a chemical that occurs naturally in the brain and intestines. It can impact mood and produce physical symptoms by constricting blood vessels.
What Are The PMDD Risk Factors?
Although any woman can develop PMDD, the following women may be more vulnerable:
Women who have a history of PMDD or PMS.
Women who have experienced depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders personally or via their families.
Smoking cigarettes and having a low level of education are other risk factors.
How Are PMDDS Identified?
There are very few diagnostic procedures besides a thorough medical history, physical examination, and pelvic examination. Your healthcare physician might want you to be assessed for mental health issues because you have mental health symptoms. In addition, your doctor might instruct you to document your symptoms in a journal or diary for a few months.
How are PMDDs handled?
PMDD is a severe, ongoing illness that requires medical attention. The severity of premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms may be lessened or relieved by several of the following therapy modalities:
- Increased protein and carbohydrate intake, while reducing sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol
- routine exercise
- stress reduction
- vitamin supplements, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6
- antibiotics and painkillers
- Inhibitors of selective serotonin reuptake (SSRI)
- tablets for contraception
Some women experience symptoms that worsen with time and persist beyond menopause. A lady can require prolonged treatment as a result. Over the course of treatment, medication dosage may alter.
Can PMDD be treated naturally?
There are some non-medication methods for treating PMDD symptoms. You could attempt meditation or yoga, for instance, or find other techniques to lift your spirits. Changing a few components of your diet could also help. You might also benefit from using resources or support groups. Make sure to discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor.
Can I avoid PMDD?
It may be less probable for PMS to develop into PMDD if preexisting depression or anxiety are treated. However, PMDD might be brought on by the way your hormones function, and you might not be able to stop it. In that situation, treatment may provide comfort.
What Can I Anticipate If I Have This Illness?
Most PMDD sufferers find alleviation from their symptoms and an improvement in their ability to fully enjoy life with treatment. It may also be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional or join a support group. After menopause, most people don’t experience any symptoms.
What Inquiries Should I Make To My Doctor?
Ask your doctor the following questions if you have PMDD:
- What causes my PMDD?
- What medical procedure is best for me?
- What negative consequences do treatments have?
- Do I need to alter my birth control?
- What alterations to my way of life may I make to manage symptoms?
- Am I at a high risk of suicide or severe depression?
- What should I do if I’m suicidal or feel extremely depressed?
- Should I keep an eye out for complications?
What Distinguishes PMS and PMDD from One Another?
Both PMDD and PMS occur in a week or two prior to the start of your period, when your hormone levels are at their lowest. Both of them result in bodily ailments such as bloating, headaches, and cramps. But PMDD also results in severe symptoms that could affect your mood.
What Characteristics Do PMDD Episodes Have?
PMDD symptoms often disappear within the first two days of your menstruation and begin 10 to 14 days before to it. This implies that a person with PMDD may experience its symptoms for more than two weeks during each menstrual cycle. It’s crucial that you adhere to your doctor’s treatment advice throughout this period. Take particular care of yourself, and ask for help from close ones.
Is PMDD Regarded As A Mental Condition?
As a “depressive disorder,” PMDD is a mental health illness recognized by the DSM-5. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is a tool for making mental health diagnoses.
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