Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that causes extreme mood swings, physical symptoms, and difficulty functioning during the week before a woman’s period. Symptoms of PMDD are so severe that they can disrupt a woman’s life and relationships. The cause of PMDD is not yet known, but it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels that occur before menstruation. A lot of people think that PMDD is a myth because there is no single cause. However, PMDD has been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association since 1994. PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a common type of PMDD. It occurs during the luteal phase (the 2nd half) of the menstrual cycle and begins on day 14. The majority of women experience the symptoms of PMDD at some point during their lives. It is most common in women with a family history of PMDD, and it occurs after menopause.
It is estimated that 20% to 30% of all women will experience one episode of PMDD during their lifetime.
Causes
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD causes physical and emotional symptoms that can disrupt your work and social life. The exact cause of PMDD is unknown, but it may be related to changes in hormone levels. Some possible triggers include stress, alcohol use, and caffeine. There is no cure for PMDD, but there are treatments that can help lessen its symptoms.
Symptoms
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that causes severe mood swings, anxiety, and depression in women before their period. The symptoms of PMDD are very similar to those of bipolar disorder and can be so severe that they interfere with the woman’s daily life. Some common symptoms of PMDD include mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, problems with concentration and memory, cravings for sweets or salty foods, breast tenderness, bloating, and changes in sex drive. Not all women experience all of these symptoms, and some women only experience a few mild symptoms.
Diagnosis
PMDD is a disorder that is characterized by severe mood swings and depressive symptoms in the days leading up to menstruation. The cause of PMDD is unknown, but it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels. Symptoms of PMDD can include irritability, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, fatigue, problems with concentration, changes in eating habits, and problems with sleep. To be diagnosed with PMDD, a woman must have symptoms that occur regularly and interfere with her normal activities. PMDD is diagnosed if symptoms occur regularly for at least two weeks before menstruation and improve after the period starts. There is no cure for PMDD, but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms.
Treatment
PMDD is treated through a variety of methods, the most common of which are antidepressants and birth control pills. Antidepressants can help to regulate mood changes and reduce symptoms of PMDD. Birth control pills work by balancing hormone levels, which can help to lessen or prevent symptoms. Other treatments include therapy and lifestyle changes.
Prevention
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD symptoms can be so disabling that they interfere with work, school, and social activities. While there is no cure for PMDD, there are several things you can do to help prevent or reduce its symptoms.
First, try to keep track of your symptoms. This will help you and your doctor identify any patterns and possible triggers. Second, make lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. Third, consider taking medication prescribed by your doctor to help control your symptoms. Finally, talk to your doctor about other options such as hormone therapy or surgery.
Conclusion
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a serious mood disorder that affects women in the days leading up to their menstrual period. Symptoms of PMDD include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. While the cause of PMDD is unknown, it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels. There is no cure for PMDD, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. The good news is that PMDD is much more common than you might think. In fact, about 5% to 8% of women in the United States experience PMDD at some point in their lives.