Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a condition that appears before menstruation and causes symptoms similar to PMS, such as food cravings, mood changes, menstrual cramps, or excessive tiredness.
However, unlike PMS, in dysphoric disorder, these symptoms become disabling and make day-to-day tasks difficult. In some women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder can even lead to anxiety attacks or the development of depression.
Although the specific causes for the emergence of this disorder are not yet known, it is possible that it occurs mainly in people with a greater disposition for emotional variations, as they are accentuated by the hormonal changes of menstruation.
Symptoms of PMDD
In addition to the common symptoms of PMS, such as breast pain, abdominal swelling, tiredness or mood changes, people with premenstrual dysphoric disorder must present an emotional or behavioral symptom, such as:
- Extreme sadness or feeling of despair;
- Anxiety and excess stress;
- Very sudden changes in mood;
- Irritability and frequent anger;
- Panic attacks;
- Difficulty falling asleep;
- Difficulty concentrating.
These symptoms generally appear about 7 days before menstruation and can persist for up to 3 to 5 days after the start of the menstrual period, however, feelings of sadness and anxiety can persist for longer and do not disappear between each menstruation.
When a woman develops depression, the frequent appearance of this type of symptoms also increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and, therefore, it is very important to have adequate treatment for depression with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
How to confirm TDPM
There is no test or exam to confirm the diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, therefore, the gynecologist can identify the disorder only by describing the symptoms.
In some cases, the doctor may even order tests, such as an ultrasound or computed tomography, just to confirm that there are no other changes in the pelvic region that could be causing the symptoms of intense abdominal cramps or bloating, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
PMDD treatment aims to alleviate a woman’s symptoms and, therefore, may vary from case to case. However, the main forms of treatment include:
- Antidepressantssuch as Fluoxetine or Sertraline, recommended by the psychiatrist, which help to alleviate the symptoms of sadness, despair, anxiety and mood changes and can also improve the feeling of tiredness and difficulty sleeping;
- Contraceptive pillwhich allows you to regulate hormonal levels throughout the menstrual cycle, which can reduce all PMDD symptoms;
- Analgesicssuch as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, as they relieve headaches, menstrual cramps or breast pain, for example;
- Calcium, vitamin B6 or magnesium supplementationwhich can also help alleviate symptoms, being considered a natural option;
- Medicinal plantsas The chaste lamb’s vineas it is capable of reducing irritability and frequent mood changes, as well as breast pain, bloating and menstrual cramps.
Furthermore, it is also important to have a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, exercising at least 3 times a week and avoiding substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, for example.
Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night or practice relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga or meditation, can also reduce stress and improve emotional symptoms caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Check out some homemade options that help alleviate the symptoms of PMDD and PMS.
