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What Are The Symptoms Of Pmdd
PMDD is a mix of severe physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms that can make daily life very difficult for those who suffer from it.
Typically, PMDD symptoms show up in the second half of the menstrual cycle – around 7 to 10 days before the period, and continue up till menstruation. PMDD has been included as a depressive disorder not otherwise specified by the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, or DSM.
According to DSM-V manual, a person suffering from PMDD will show at least five of the following key symptoms:
- frequent and extreme mood swings feeling suddenly sad or tearful or increased sensitivity to rejection
- increased irritability, anger or relationship conflicts
- severe anxiety, tension, feelings of being constantly on edge
- difficulty in concentration
- lethargy, feeling often and easily tired
- excessive sleepiness or insomnia
- feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- other physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of bloating, weight gain.
Since PMDD is tied to fluctuations in reproductive hormone levels, the above symptoms should be absent for at least a week after periods for PMDD to be diagnosed. If the above symptoms are not cyclical and do not seem to clear up at any time, it may point to another form of underlying depressive disorder.
Before diagnosis, it is also important to make sure that these symptoms are not the result of taking medication or oral contraceptives.
Causes Of Pms Depression
The causes of PMS depression are not fully known. However, it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. These hormonal changes can affect a womans mood and energy levels, which may lead to depression.
There are a number of factors that may increase a womans risk of developing PMS depression. These include:
- Having a family history of depression or other mood disorders
- Experiencing stress or major life changes
- Having certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems
- Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills
- Not getting enough sleep
- Eating an unhealthy diet
The hormonal fluctuations are more associated with the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. However, it is possible for symptoms to occur during any phase of the menstrual cycle.
In fact, studies suggest that PMS depression is more likely to occur in the days leading up to a womans period. This is known as the luteal phase. During the luteal phase, levels of progesterone increase.
It is thought that this rise in progesterone may cause some of the symptoms associated with PMS depression. However, the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the potential causes of PMS depression. This will help you to identify any risk factors that may apply to you. It will also enable you to seek appropriate treatment if necessary.
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Pms Removes A Sense Of Emotional Well
Dieters face situations that threaten their willpower or even their ability to get the foods they are supposed to be eating. Catered business lunches, Sunday dinners at a relative’s home, birthday parties, lack of time to go to the supermarket: These are only a handful of the obstacles that stand between the dieter and their food plan. These problems are so common that advice on how to deal with them is standard in most weight-loss books and group programs.
But there is a threat to the female dieter that cannot be overcome by food lists and willpowerand that is premenstrual syndrome .
PMS is a monthly disturbance in mood and appetite brought on by hormonal changes a few days before menstruation. Not all women experience it and even those who do may find that certain months are worse than others. But when it hits, it can be like a tidal wave, knocking down eating control, exercise programs, and emotional stability. PMS removes a sense of emotional well-being and deposits in its place anger, irritability, confusion, exhaustion, and depression. These unpleasant moods are often accompanied by an impulsive, uncontrollable need to eat. The foods craved during the last days of the menstrual cycle fall either into the greasy, salty, crunchy, starchy category or the fatty, creamy, sugary category.
Yet it is possible to stop PMS from destroying a diet.
How Can I Beat Depression
If you experience anxiety and severe depression before period, know that you are not alone and that there is a biological basis for your condition. Often, women are told that their PMDD symptoms are imaginary, whereas numerous studies and research has clearly proved otherwise. A combination of the following suggested treatments can potentially help manage and ease the severity of your symptoms:
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How To Avoid Getting Pms
This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. She received her MD from the Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed her residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2005.There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 17,123 times.
Premenstrual syndrome is a term given to symptoms that you may experience one to two weeks before your period. Usually, the symptoms go away when you start bleeding. PMS can happen to girls and women at any age and symptoms vary for each individual.XTrustworthy SourceUS Office on Women’s HealthU.S. government agency providing resources for women’s healthGo to source Symptoms may be physical and emotional and tend to happen in a predictable pattern. They may include: headache, fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, poor concentration, mood swings, and insomnia.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source You can avoid PMS by modifying your diet, getting your body moving, relieving discomfort, and adjusting your lifestyle.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you have PMDD, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- Why did I get PMDD?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- What are the treatment side effects?
- Should I change my birth control?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to manage symptoms?
- Am I at risk for major depression or suicide?
- What should I do if I feel seriously depressed or suicidal?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
PMDD is a serious disorder that can negatively affect your life, relationships and career. Women with PMDD may harm themselves or others. If you consistently experience severe depression and anxiety or other PMDD symptoms in the weeks leading up to your period, seek help from your healthcare provider. Medications can get hormone or serotonin levels in check so that you feel more like yourself. PMDD isnt a problem you have to live with. Dont put off getting the medical and mental health care you need.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/23/2020.
References
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Causes And Symptoms Of Menstrual Emotions
We should first look at the differences between a free standing depression and pms. PMS occurs in the first stage of the menstrual cycle while depression could occur at any time in the cycle.
PMS engendered depression is also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and it can be a very serious and devastating syndrome during the time preceding a womans period. So we have PMS which is a syndrome and can include PMDD and then we have clinical depression that can occur at any time and is not in any way linked to a womans cycle.
The difficulty with distinguishing between a woman who suffers from clinical depression vs. pms is that about 70% of the women who do suffer from PMS depression also suffer from clinical depression and only about 15% of women who do not have PMDD do have clinical depression. The menstrual cycle makes the tendency to clinical depression much worse. Regardless PMDD is not a variation of clinical depression. It is a separate entity entirely. The Mayo Clinic estimates that up to 75 percent of females have mild to moderate PMS symptoms, including depression, at some point in their reproductive cycle. About 10 percent suffer effects that are severe enough to be classified as PMDD. The depression is accompanied by mood swings, anxiety, tearfulness and even flu-like symptoms.
Natural Remedies For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Do you experience extreme emotions like deep sadness or rage before your menstrual periods? Many women experience problems like mood swings, bloating, pain in the abdomen, and tenderness in the breasts before their periods start. This is a condition known as premenstrual syndrome and it can be quite uncomfortable.
Its thought that hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle have a part to play in the development of these symptoms. But for some women, the symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with normal life. This severe form of premenstrual syndrome is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder . Women with PMDD may also experience other psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, or anger.1
Lets take a look at some measures that can help you deal with PMDD.
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Does Pms Get Worse With Age
Faye says that PMS does change and worsen as women get older and closer to perimenopause, which typically begins when women reach their mid-40s, though it’s not unusual for it to start when they’re in their mid-30s.
“I discuss PMS symptoms, just like I discuss urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction in my annual visits ,” Faye said. “I always ask the questions so someone is not embarrassed or reluctant to discuss or seek treatment.”
Avoid Caffeine Alcohol And Cigarettes
It is also important to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes. All of these substances can make PMS symptoms worse. If you do drink caffeine, try to limit it to one cup of coffee or tea per day. It is also best to avoid alcohol during the week before your period begins. If you smoke cigarettes, now is a good time to quit.
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Is It Pms Depression Or Early Pregnancy
It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the symptoms of PMS, depression, and early pregnancy. Mood shifts, irritability, and several other symptoms can all occur in all three conditions.
Often, the only way to detect pregnancy for sure is to take a pregnancy test after missing a period. It is possible to do this at home, but it is better to see a doctor to confirm the results.
One of the indicators of PMDD is that symptoms completely clear during certain parts of the menstrual cycle. This means that there should be at least a few days during each cycle when there is complete relief from symptoms.
If unsure or concerned about the symptoms, it is best to speak with a doctor or healthcare provider. They will be able to determine whether the symptoms are signs of early pregnancy, PMDD, or clinical depression.
Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Most women experience some degree of emotional or physical discomfort a few days before and just after their menstrual period begins each month. About 5% of women of childbearing age, however, experience premenstrual symptoms that are so severe they cause significant mental distress and interfere with work, school, or relationships thereby meeting the criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Another 18% to 35% of women suffer from less severe, but nevertheless bothersome, premenstrual symptoms.
Although sometimes dismissed as trivial, PMDD can disrupt a woman’s life and relationships so completely, she may despair that life itself is not worth living. About 15% of women with PMDD attempt suicide. Fortunately, treatment options exist for PMDD but the most effective are not always prescribed.
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Get Relief For Your Severe Pms/pmdd Symptoms
Almost all women experience some premenstrual symptoms in a week or two before their period. But in about 40% of women, the symptoms are significant enough to make the diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder.
There are several treatment options for PMS/PMDD. The type of treatment that is right for you depends on upon the severity of your symptoms. If you have only mild PMS you may feel better just with lifestyle changes but if you have severe PMS or PMDD you may need other medications or treatments.
Ways To Get Rid Of Pms Depression
Post menstrual syndrome of PMS is a period that sets in a few days before menstruation. Many women go through mood swings and various bodily discomforts during this period and show symptoms like extreme irritability, anxiety, anger and sadness without any other cause.
Post menstrual depression is one of the most common symptoms shown by women all over the world. It can be a very difficult phase where women feel depressed and worthless.
It is the hormonal changes and the chemicals that are released by the brain that are known to be the cause of post menstrual depression. Once women pass through menstruation, the symptoms subside and get back to normal. Getting rid of PMS depression is not an impossible task as such. Follow the steps mentioned below to keep yourself sane.
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Premenstrual Syndrome And Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Many women experience symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome . In some instances the mood symptoms and emotional components of PMS are the most troubling. To women in such cases, PMS is often referred to as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder .
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a more severe form of PMS, affecting 5-10% of women in their reproductive years. In contrast to PMS, PMDD is characterized by more significant premenstrual mood disturbance that can seriously impact relationships and impair functioning. Many women with PMDD experience clinical levels of depression or anxiety during the week or two before each menstrual cycle. It is not uncommon that the emotional symptoms of depression anxiety and irritability can seriously interfere with normal functioning and relationships.
Common symptoms include: irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, or mood swings. Mood symptoms are only present for a specific period of time, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms emerge one to two weeks before menses and resolve completely with the onset of menses. Women with PMDD should experience a symptom-free interval between menses and ovulation. An estimated 40% of women who seek treatment for PMDD actually have a premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying mood disorder rather than PMDD. Therefore, it is important for patients to be carefully evaluated for the presence of an underlying mood disorder in order to develop the best treatment plan.
For more information:
Do Pay Attention To What You’re Drinking
Some, but not all, studies have revealed that alcohol use is more common in women who are experiencing PMS or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder , perhaps as an attempt to self-treat symptoms. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS, in which emotional symptoms are more predominant. It affects fewer women than PMS.
Although women are often advised to cut back on alcohol and even caffeine, there’s not a lot of evidence these steps are necessarily beneficial, Bertone-Johnson says. Her own research did not find that alcohol increased PMS risk. Still, she says, there’s no downside to easing up on alcohol and caffeine, and doing so may ease breast tenderness and bloating.
Somer likes to remind women to drink plenty of water to reduce bloating. This may sound counterintuitive, but she says a bloated body is holding on to too much water, likely because of too much salt.
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Acupuncture And Acupressure For Relief From Pms And Pmdd Distress
If you want to treat PMS naturally, you can use acupuncture or acupressure to help improve your PMS symptoms.
A review of 10 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture has the potential to improve many of the symptoms associated with PMS.
According to a study published on 2017 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine, simple acupressure at the acupressure points LIV3 and LI4 in is an effective method to decrease the severity of PMS symptoms, anxiety and depression.
Don’t Ignore Other Lifestyle Habits
There’s some evidence that maintaining a healthy body weight may help prevent PMS, and that overweight or obese women are more likely to have symptoms. Being physically active helps keep your waistline in check and works wonders to release stress.
“Stress plays a huge role in the intensity of PMS symptoms,” Kolp tells WebMD. So find ways to relax your mind, whether it’s exercising, deep breathing, or doing yoga.
Feeling tired is yet another sign of PMS, so you might need more sleep than usual. Lastly, ditch the butts: A recent study showed that smoking, especially in your teens or early 20s, may increase a woman’s risk for moderate to severe PMS.
Show Sources
Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson, ScD, associate professor of epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Rebecca Kolp, MD, ob-gyn, medical director, Mass General West, Waltham, Mass.
Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, Salem, Ore. author, Eat Your Way to Happiness, Harlequin, 2009.
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists patient education pamphlet: “Premenstrual Syndrome.”
Mayo Clinic: “Premenstrual Syndrome.”
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