DEFINITION
PMDD is a condition during which a woman suffers emotional and physical symptoms weeks before her monthly period.
- The premenstrual dysphoric disorder affects a minute number of women about 3-8% during their years of menstruation.
- This symptom is characterized by depression, tension, anxiety, and irritability.
- These symptoms often affect their daily lives, including work, school, and relationships.
- In several cases, the symptoms stop when or after the menstrual period begins.
CAUSES
- A known cause is yet to be found.
- Most researchers, however, think that an abnormal reaction to hormonal changes that occur during a woman menstrual cycle may play a role.
- The hormonal changes may also lead to a low level of serotonin in the brain, the serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in depression, appetite, sleep etc and is crucial in maintaining a sense of wellbeing.
Other causes include:
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Being overweight
- Thyroid disorder
- A mother with a history of the disorder
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Many women with this condition have:
Emotional Symptoms
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Anger
- Irritability
- Tension
- Less interest in activities you normally enjoy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Crying
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- Sleeping problems
- Joint and Muscle pain
- A headache
- Changes in appetite such as overeating
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Cramps
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS
Your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis if:
- You experience at least 7 of the symptoms above.
- The symptoms start two weeks before your period and lead when or after you start.
- If the symptoms are daily experiences with no improvement when you begin your period, PMDD is ruled out.
- If you have any of the symptoms, your healthcare provider may need to check your medical history and carry out some thorough examination and probably carry out a psychological evaluation to check your emotional and mental state.
TREATMENT
Treatment may help in relieving symptoms. Several methods used include:
- Antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) which has been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The Four SSRI approved are Fluoxetine (available as Prozac or Sarafem), Escitalopram Oxalate (Lexapro), Sertraline (Zoloft), and Paroxetine (Paxil). SSRIs only needs to be taken during PMDD symptoms. This method has recorded a great level of alleviation of symptoms.
- Another treatment used is an injection of a drug that creates a temporary, drug-induced menopause-like
- Psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy is a great way of treating PMB. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an approach that evaluates dysfunctional emotions and how that can be improved. Through this therapy, patients are able to address issues, thoughts as well as behavioral patterns that worsen anxiety and depression.
- In cases where medication has failed, a permanent solution of removing the ovaries through a surgical procedure may be allowed. This produces an immediate and permanent cure.
- Other treatment may include:
- Changes in diet
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Taking vitamin supplements
- Taking some other nutritional supplements like ginkgo that has been shown to reduce symptoms