One of the most severe types of premenstrual syndromes is called “premenstrual dysphoric disorder” Changing one’s way of life and, in some cases, using medicine might help alleviate this ailment. Premenstrual syndrome affects 20 to 40% of women, depending on the source (PMS). Some 3 to 8% of these people have symptoms that make it difficult for them to go about their everyday lives normally. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is the cause of this (PMDD).
The symptoms of PMDD are more severe and incapacitating than those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD is characterised by a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that interfere with day-to-day activities and put the mental health of the sufferer in danger. PMDD is a chronic illness that calls for medical attention when it manifests itself. Lifestyle changes and prescription medicine are two options for treatment.
To better understand this terrible ailment that affects so many individuals, this article analyses its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis, as well as its treatment choices.
Signs, Symptoms and Causes of PMDD
The signs and symptoms of PMDD are debilitating and necessitate medical attention. PMDD is a rarer condition with more severe symptoms than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The second half of the menstrual cycle is when the majority of women have the most severe symptoms. PMDD symptoms might linger all the way through menopause.
Symptoms:
PMDD symptoms such as high levels of stress and emotional turmoil can have an impact on one’s ability to function at work and in personal relationships.
When it comes to the signs and symptoms of PMDD, they are similar to those of PMS, but they are much more serious.
Prior to menstruation, symptoms are common and usually disappear within a few days of the start of menstruation. As a result of the symptoms of PMDD, many sufferers are unable to perform at their highest level of ability. Disruption of routines at home and at work can be a result of the condition.
PMDD symptoms can range from the common to the rare:
- Extremely depleted
- Anxiety and irritability are two of the most common symptoms.
- Tears and a high level of emotional sensitivity making it difficult to concentrate
- Paranoia and difficulties in coordinating one’s self-image
- Forgetfulness
- Bloating, nausea, and a general feeling of unwellness in the gut
- Headaches
- Spasms of the muscles in the back, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- A flurry of scalding heat
- Dizziness, fainting, sleeplessness
- Eye complaints as well as vision changes
- Symptoms of allergies and infections of the lungs
- Painstaking menstruation
- Depleted sexual appetite
- Increased sensitivity to injury
- Breast tenderness, decreased urine production, swollen hands feet and ankles as well as weight gain.
Another possible side effect is an increase in cold sores and other skin conditions like acne. Most of these symptoms are related to Trusted Source anxiety, which is a common symptom.
PMS and PMDD have yet to be definitively linked to a specific cause. PMDD may have its roots in the brain’s aberrant response to a woman’s natural menstrual cycle hormone fluctuations. The neurotransmitter serotonin may be depleted as a result. An increased risk of PMDD can be found in women with a personal or familial history of postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder.
Diagnosis of PMDD
It is common for health care practitioners to conduct a physical exam and get a medical history in order to rule out other illnesses when diagnosing patients with PMDD. It is also utilized in the diagnostic process to see whether there is any association between the symptom list and the menstrual cycle. According to DSM-V guidelines issued by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the symptoms of PMDD must be present for at least two consecutive menstrual cycles before the diagnosis of PMDD may be made.
According to the recommendations, symptoms should include:
- A week before menstruation begins
- Disappear once it begins and then
- Obstruct normal daily routines throughout the first few days of flow
At least five of the following symptoms must be present for a patient to be diagnosed with PMDD:
- Negative emotions such as despair or despondency
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Feelings of agitation or hyperawareness
- Arousal of vengeance or irritation
- Indifference toward normal activities, which may be coupled with social disengagement
- Trouble concentrating
- Weariness
- Changes in appetite
- Insomnia
- Breast soreness or swelling, headaches, aches and pains in joints and muscles, bloating, and weight gain .
Treatments for PMDD
Drugs can be divided into two categories:
- Ovulation-related and
- Central nervous system-related forms.
There is evidence that cognitive therapy (CT) can help persons who suffer from PMS. Patients with PMDD may benefit from CT in conjunction with medication. Premenstrual symptoms can be alleviated with the use of a variety of supplements, however there are no studies to confirm their efficacy or long-term safety. The clinical treatments are explained below.
SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs for short, are a category of antidepressant medication. They are the only kind of antidepressant that has been demonstrated to work for PMDD, and as a result, they are typically the first treatment option that is suggested for PMDD.
According to the findings of a few studies, the effectiveness of SSRI treatment for the symptoms of PMDD may differ from that of the medication’s use to treat other mental health conditions, such as depression. It is possible that your physician will suggest that you take SSRIs on a daily basis for the entirety of the month or only during your luteal phase. Normally, it is advised that you should not start taking SSRIs suddenly and that you do not stop taking them abruptly either. However, studies have shown that for some people with PMDD, taking SSRIs during just the luteal phase can be useful, and withdrawal symptoms are not as severe.
If your primary care physician has prescribed you SSRIs, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with them in two months to discuss how well the medication is working for you. If they aren’t, your physician may suggest trying a different medication or making a change to the dosage of the antidepressants you’re taking. For further information about SSRIs, have a look at the sections in this section devoted to antidepressants.
Combined oral contraceptives
Although oral contraceptives, more commonly referred to as “the pill,” may alleviate some of the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by regulating or eliminating menstrual cycles, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of the pill as a treatment for PMDD is inconsistent. While some people find that it helps to minimise the severity of their symptoms, others find that it actually makes their symptoms worse. The pill is not recommended for use by women who are attempting to conceive because it can lead to unwanted side effects.
Oral contraceptives are available in a variety of formulations, each with its own unique hormone profile. It’s possible that certain hormone combinations won’t work as well for you as they might for someone else. As PMDD symptoms tend to be worse during ovulation, it is possible that medications that stop ovulation will be more effective in treating PMDD symptoms.
Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines
Headaches, joint and muscle pains are some of the physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and your doctor may recommend that you use painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) to help you manage these symptoms.
Even though you might be able to purchase medicines over-the-counter without a prescription from your primary care physician, you should still consult with either your primary care physician or your pharmacist before doing so to ensure that they are appropriate for your needs.
GnRH analogue shots
The symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can be alleviated to some degree with the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, which induce a period of temporary menopause in the body. In most cases, they are administered through injection.
However, one should only seriously consider using this treatment if none of the other treatments have been successful. They can produce unwanted side effects like as a decrease in bone density, which puts you at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis (a condition in which your bones become weak and break more easily).
Because of this, treatment is typically restricted to a period of six months and is recommended to be paired with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which alleviates the symptoms of menopause and minimises the loss of bone density. If your doctor has prescribed GnRH analogues as a long-term treatment option, you should see him or her once a year for a checkup during which your bone mineral density will be evaluated.
Alternate treatments
Alternative treatments for PMS and PMDD that have been tested and found to be effective include the following:
- Qi therapy
- Yoga
- Guided imagery
- Acupuncture that uses light to stimulate the acupuncture points
- Exercise and a healthy diet are the keys to a long and healthy life
Changes to the diet include:
- Lessening one’s consumption of sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol
- Eating a higher amount of protein and complex carbs
A positive attitude toward menstruation, exercise, and stress management strategies may be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms.
Final words
Reducing stress in the days preceding up to menstruation by doing things like reading, watching a movie, going for a stroll, or taking a bath to reduce tension. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of PMDD, contact your doctor immediately. It is best to get treatment for PMDD as soon as possible because the symptoms can linger for a long time.