Don’t Let PMDD Get In Your Way!

Don’t Let PMDD Get In Your Way

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are different despite their similarities in symptoms. While both give food cravings, moodiness, and fatigue, PMDD patients can suffer from debilitating symptoms that often interfere with their personal and professional lives.  

But don’t let it get in your way of achieving a happy and productive life, even when it comes monthly! You can start by educating yourself about its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

No Known Exact Causes

Scientists have yet to discover the exact causes of PMDD. But many think its symptoms result from an abnormal reaction to the hormone changes connected to the menstrual cycle.

Low serotonin levels also connect with PMDD. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain crucial in transmitting nerve signals. Specific brain cells use it to regulate attention, mood and, sleep, even pain, so the decreased serotonin levels can result in PMDD symptoms.

Debilitating Symptoms Last for Days

Sadly, the symptoms of PMDD are usually so severe that they can be debilitating. They may even prevent you from performing your daily activities unless you do something about it. Your symptoms may show up a week before your period starts and last for a few days during your period.  

You may want to make a journal of your symptoms as your doctor or nurse can use the information for a proper diagnosis. For example, you can write down when these started, how long these stayed, and how severe these were.  

The symptoms can include mood swings, depression, intense anger resulting in conflict, tension, anxiety, fatigue, and feeling out of control. You may also observe changes in your eating and sleeping patterns, as well as cramps, bloating, and headaches.  

Hope Comes in Many Forms

There’s hope that PMDD will not affect your life as much as it does now. Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons as well as the details of the available treatments, including:

  • Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline, can lessen the feelings of hopelessness, among other symptoms
  • A doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines
  • You can add vitamin supplements to your healthy diet
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin can help with pain management
  • Hormone therapy includes the use of birth control pills
  • Regular exercise, even brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, will suffice
  • A healthy diet with more emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as reduced intake of sugar and salt
  • Management of stress since it can worsen the severity of the symptoms

While you may have little control over your body’s response to your menstruation, you can still adopt measures that will alleviate your symptoms.