We’ve all heard of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS for short, right? Well, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a lot like that. The only real difference between PMDD and PMS is the fact that PMDD symptoms tend to be a bit more severe. This means that the symptoms of the condition have a major impact on a person’s everyday life.
Fortunately, PMDD is very rare. Only about 2% to 10% of women who are dealing with menstruation will have the symptoms. Symptoms will tend to occur about a week or two before a period. They will stop as soon as the period starts. It is unknown what actually causes PMDD, but it is believed to be closely related to hormonal changes in the body. These changes are believed to lead to a low level of serotonin in the brain. This can cause all kinds of problems in the body.
As I mentioned at the beginning; The symptoms of PMDD tend to be very similar to the symptoms of PMS. The only real difference is that they are much more serious. While many women will experience one or two PMS symptoms each period, it’s unlikely they’ll notice as many. Those who suffer from PMDD will find the symptoms of PMDD to be severe. They are so severe that they can make it difficult to get up and live your life. Many people with PMDD will need to take regular time off work.
Symptoms of this condition include:
– Humor changes. This can include seemingly random bits of irritability and causing the woman to break down in tears from time to time.
– Depression
– General feeling of uselessness.
– Anger
– Strain
– Anxiety
– Decreased interest in daily life. This is very loosely related to the depression I mentioned earlier.
– With PMDD there may be changes in appetite. This can cause people to eat much less than normal. In other cases, they may end up eating a lot more. Think of it as similar to the cravings that pregnant women have from time to time.
– Feeling overwhelmed
– Tired. Despite feeling ‘tired’, many women with PMDD may find it difficult to fall asleep at night.
– Tenderness or swelling of the breasts
– Headaches
– Back pain
– Acne
– bread stamp
– Muscle pain
– Swelling in the stomach area. This can cause pain or changes in the consistency of the stool.
If you think you have PMDD or PMS, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to give you a formal diagnosis and let you know that you do not have any other conditions. They will also be able to provide treatment options. It’s worth noting that there is no ‘miracle’ treatment out there. What may work for one person may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to find the right treatment to treat your symptoms.