Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD is a more severe form of PMS that impacts mood, thinking and behaviour, and physical health. Affecting 5-8% of women of reproductive age, it has symptoms severe enough to interfere with normal functioning, work, and relationships.
Although both PMDD and PMS are caused by hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, the difference is in the significant mood changes.
If diagnosed early and premenstrual dysphoric disorder treatments are performed on time, it can boost the quality of life for many women.
A] What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
PMDD is a mood disorder associated with menstrual cycles, usually beginning one to two weeks before the start of monthly periods. While in PMS, women only experience slight discomfort and irritation, PMDD is characterised by worse emotional and physical symptoms. It affects the serotonin level, hence bringing mood fluctuations, anxiety, and even depression. Its symptoms begin after ovulation and end when the woman gets her menstruation. While what caused PMDD is unknown, it can be linked to reasons like hormonal changes or genetics. Women with PMDD often feel out of control, whereas those with PMS go through mild symptoms. PMS can be inconvenient or uncomfortable, while PMDD can be life-altering, affecting work, social relations, and overall quality of life. Any woman experiencing these symptoms should immediately consult an experienced private gynaecologist in London.
B] PMDD Symptoms
The symptoms of PMDD are many and include emotional and physical ones. Common symptoms include:
- Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships: The impact of PMDD includes loss of interest in activities in a woman which she previously enjoyed. Social settings turn exhausting, and it becomes increasingly difficult to communicate and spend time with friends and family.
- Fatigue or low-energy: Fatigue is a common symptom of PMDD. Unlike regular tiredness, PMDD fatigue is severe, a state where women can barely perform day to day activities.
- Sadness or hopelessness: PMDD causes increased feelings of sadness that are comparable to clinical depression. Such feelings may include hopelessness, low self-esteem, and excessive feelings of guilt, among other feelings.
- Anxiety: Another significant symptom is intense anxiety. Women can often feel irritated, nervous, frightened, or scared, sometimes even without any cause.
- Feeling out of control: Most of the women report that they begin to lose control over their moods. This leads to struggles handling general work, family, or other personal relationships.
- Food cravings or binge eating: One can be a victim of hunger pangs for high-calorie or high-sugar foods. Emotional stress seems to be a primary reason why some women might binge eat during PMDD.
- Mood swings and crying spells: In PMDD, mood swings are prominent, and women may cry or become extremely sad over minor matters.
- Panic attacks: In some cases, PMDD causes women to experience a surge of fear or anxiety that comes out of nowhere and that is associated with physical symptoms such as palpitations and breathing difficulties.
- Irritability or anger that affects others: Women may suffer mood swings or agitation without any cause, which may easily complicate relationships through anger and conflicts. These fluctuations are more severe than mood swings during periods.
- Physical symptoms: Other signs include bloated stomach, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pains. While similar to PMS, these premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms are usually more severe and contribute to the increased emotional burden of the disease.
- Problems sleeping: Disturbance in the sleep pattern is evident in women suffering from PMDD; they either have difficulty in falling asleep or wake up frequently at night. Some women experience insomnia, and others may have hypothyroid sleeping, meaning they get many hours of sleep but wake up still feeling drained.
- Trouble concentrating: Cognitive issues like awareness problems, forgetfulness, or an inability to focus on tasks can affect daily functioning and may impair other activities and job performance.
C] What Are The Risk Factors For PMDD?
Although the exact cause of PMDD remains unclear similar to the unknown causes of Menorrhagia, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it:
- Anxiety or depression: This condition is most likely to occur in women who have a history of anxiety and or depression. About half of women with PMDD may have a pre-existing mental health condition.
- PMS: Having severe symptoms of menstruation may be a precursor to developing PMDD. Women who experience significant mood changes during PMS are more likely to be diagnosed with PMDD later.
- Family history of PMS, PMDD, or mood disorders: Genetics play a role in PMDD, with women more likely to suffer from it if they have a family history of PMS, PMDD, or other mood disorders.
- Personal history of trauma, abuse, or highly stressful events: Trauma, particularly during childhood, has been linked to a higher risk of developing PMDD. Stressful life events like abuse or emotional trauma can influence the hormonal and emotional regulation in the brain, making PMDD more likely.
D] Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Treatments
Managing PMDD involves a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and sometimes medication. Effective PMDD treatments include:
1. Maintain Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet can help stabilise mood and energy levels. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake is recommended, while increasing protein and complex carbohydrates can help improve mood. Certain vitamins like B-6 and minerals like magnesium, may also alleviate PMDD symptoms.
2. Maintain A Diary to Record
Keeping a record of your symptoms throughout your menstrual cycle can help identify patterns. This record helps healthcare providers make a more accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment plans.
3. Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed premenstrual dysphoric disorder medication, as they help balance serotonin levels in the brain. These medications, such as fluoxetine and sertraline, can significantly reduce mood-related symptoms like depression and anxiety.
4. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
This form of therapy helps women manage negative thought patterns and develop strategies for coping with stress and emotional triggers. CBT has been effective in improving emotional control and reducing the impact of PMDD on daily life.
Conclusion
PMDD is a serious disorder that affects many women and significantly impacts their daily lives. While it shares similarities with PMS, PMDD is much more severe, often causing extreme emotional and physical symptoms. Understanding its risk factors and symptoms is key to early diagnosis and treatment. With proper medical intervention from PMDD specialists, lifestyle adjustments, and mental health support, women can effectively manage PMDD and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing PMDD symptoms, seeking medical advice is the first step toward managing this condition.
Neha Goel
Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.