Pronounced: PRE-men-strawl dis-FOR-ick dis-OR-der
by Diana Kohnle
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a condition that occurs just prior to menstruation and causes severe emotional problems. PMDD is characterized by significant depression, irritability, and tension. PMDD is much more severe than premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
While PMS affects about 75% of women, PMDD affects 2%-10% of all women during their reproductive years. With treatment, the condition can be managed. Some women no longer experience any symptoms once the condition has been diagnosed and treated.
The factors that cause a woman to experience PMDD rather than the mild symptoms that often accompany menstruation are not known. Some possible causes of PMDD include:
- Hormonal changes caused by high hormones in latter half of a normal (ovulatory) menstrual cycle
- Traumatic life events
- Stress
Menstruation causes many hormone changes which may play a role in PMDD.
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing PMDD:
Family history of PMDDFamily history of severe PMSStress Suffering from major depression Suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Symptoms Symptoms include: Extreme sadnessFrequent cryingIrritability Feelings of anxiousness or nervousnessUnusually strong cravings for certain foodsDifficulty concentrating or paying attentionInsomniaPanic attacksMood swingsFatigue or lack of energyPhysical symptoms include sore breasts, headaches, joint or muscle pain, swelling, and bloatingTo be diagnosed with PMDD, usually at least five symptoms need to be present. Symptoms typically begin 10-14 days prior to the start of menstruation, and begin to subside once menstruation begins. DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. He'll ask detailed questions about your symptoms, and when they occur.You may also be asked to keep a chart or record of your symptoms, when they occur, and the severity of each. Your doctor will compare your symptoms to your menstrual cycle to determine if you suffer from PMDD. TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: Lifestyle ChangesRegular exercise 3-5 times per week has been known to help reduce symptoms of PMDD. Plenty of rest, along with a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help manage symptoms of PMDD. Diet should also exclude sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
MedicationsAntidepressants called SSRIs (eg, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Lexapro) and nutritional supplements can help manage symptoms of PMDD. Prevention To help reduce your chance of getting PMDD, take the following steps: Get plenty of exercise and restEat a well-balanced dietManage stress RESOURCES: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistshttp://www.acog.org The National Women's Health Information Centerhttp://www.4woman.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: British Columbia Ministry of Healthhttp://bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/major/hw139439/descrip.htm The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canadahttp://sogc.medical.org/ References: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007193.htm.Accessed July 4, 2007. The references below are cited on the following website: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/mental/752.html. Accessed July 4, 2007. Bhatia SC, Bhatia SK. Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska. Diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians. 2002 Oct 1.
Premenstrual syndrome. US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/pms.htm. Accessed July 4, 2007. Last reviewed April 2008 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPEPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
