Many women are unaware that there is a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that can cause havoc during their child-bearing years. This disorder is much like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), only there are many more symptoms that cause debilitating mental problems in addition to the physical problems you would have during the menstrual cycle. Here is a summary about the condition, what symptoms are prevalent when a woman suffers from it, and some treatment options available.

What Exactly Is PMDD?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is felt by many women during their menstrual cycles. The symptoms range from headaches, breast tenderness, back pain, cravings, bloating, and depression starting about a week before a woman gets her period. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder has all of the symptoms of PMS, plus several emotional and mental symptoms including panic attacks, anxiety, severe depression, rage, dissociation, and emotional instability. This severe form of PMS interferes with a woman's work and relationships.

It is estimated that three to eight percent of menstruating women suffer from PMDD. It is not yet known why some women have PMS and others have PMDD. It is believed that PMDD is caused by hormonal changes in the body, and that decreased levels serotonin in the brain due to hormone fluctuations can contribute to the condition. 

How Is It Diagnosed?

If you suffer each month from PMS symptoms and you have mental and emotional problems that cause you to lose jobs, get in fights with family members and friends, or cause you to feel like you may self-harm, you need to see a gynecologist for an evaluation. They will most likely have you track any symptoms you feel for several months to see if there is a pattern that forms showing at what times of the month you have the symptoms. If you have many of the following symptoms each month in the week before your period, for several months, you may have PMDD:

• Severe anxiety, possibly with panic attacks
• Anger involving rage
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling out of control and overwhelmed with normal activities
• Loss of interest in hobbies you enjoy

Treatment Options

There are some methods that help relieve the symptoms of this condition. To find the right one, your symptom history will be assessed by your gynecologist to determine what course of action to try first. Some treatment options include increasing exercise, changing the diet and adding vitamin supplementation, avoiding alcohol, sugar and caffeine, taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), taking birth control pills to suppress ovulation, or taking anxiety medication. As a woman gets older, the symptoms may increase in intensity, making it necessary to re-evaluate the symptoms and treatment options until she goes through the menopause process.

If you believe you may suffer from PMDD, contact a gynecologist, like those at Ogeechee OB-GYN, as soon as possible.