What Is PMDD?
Written by Iyanuoluwa Falomo
Caveat: This article doesn’t serve as expert medical advice. It is important to consult your doctor when you notice something is off with your body.
PMDD is Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder. It is an extreme extension of premenstrual syndrome(PMS).
You may have experienced some symptoms of PMS at some point such as cramps, tender breasts, food cravings, and mood swings. This is quite regular for most women. There are other symptoms of PMS, and they vary from woman to woman. Just like the way our bodies are different, some of the symptoms are exceptional.
PMDD is quite different from PMS, even though it also shows up a week before menstruation. The symptoms are much more severe, especially the mood swings that negatively affect relationships and everyday life. It leaves you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. It drains you physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Women who experience PMDD may develop psychological problems, gastrointestinal problems , respiratory problems, and even eye problems.
More than 1.5 million women experience this in Nigeria, and 5% of women in the world of childbearing age. Safe to say that you’re not alone.
Although any woman can develop PMDD, There is an increased risk for people who :
- Have a family history of PMS or PMDD
- Have a personal or family history of depression
These are important factors to know and to be well aware of, to have more control, and take accurate precautions.
Symptoms of PMDD
As we mentioned earlier, the symptoms of PMDD cuts across many parts of our bodies. Some of the symptoms listed are gastrointestinal and skin-related, respiratory, and psychological.
- Mood swings and crying often.
- Irritability and Intense Anger
- Anxiety, Confusion, and Forgetfulness
- Backache and severe fatigue
- Bloating and Nausea
- Problems with concentrating
- Skin problems such as inflammation of the skin.
- Headaches and dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Hot flashes
- Allergies and Infection
- Change in appetite
- Breast tenderness
- Lack of interest in regular activities
- Emotional sensitivity
- Abdominal Cramps.
Causes
Although the exact cause is unknown, research has shown that PMDD is related to low levels of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps transmit nerve signals. Certain brain cells that utilize serotonin also regulate mood, attention, sleep, and pain. Hormonal changes can lead to low levels of serotonin, which in turn can cause PMDD.
This is to say that the common experience of women that deal with PMDD is psychological.
Caveat: This article doesn’t serve as expert medical advice. It is important to consult your doctor when you notice something is off with your body.
Diagnosis
PMDD can only be diagnosed only after your doctor has ruled out emotional problems such as depression or panic attacks as the cause of your symptoms. This means that the doctor would make sure those are not the root of any symptoms you may be feeling. This is because PMDD starts 7–10 days before a period and goes away a few days after the period starts. If you have been feeling depressed all month long, it’s likely that it’ll get worse during your period naturally. But if you’ve not had that, and it comes only when your period is around the corner, then it’s PMDD.
You can also be diagnosed if
1. If you experience at least 5 of these symptoms including one that’s mood-related.
2. If these symptoms start at least a week before you get your period
3. They go away a few days after your period starts.
Remember, PMDD is unlikely to be the culprit if you deal with these issues every day and they don’t go away when your period starts.
Treatment
Effective treatment of PMDD includes:
- Stress management
- Regular exercise
- Change in diet
- Vitamin supplements ( Vitamin B6, Calcium, and magnesium)
- Birth control pills
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (these may ease symptoms like headache, cramping, breast tenderness, and backache)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and Aspirin.
Note: Always ask your doctor for guidance before taking supplements.
Caveat: This article doesn’t serve as expert medical advice. It is important to consult your doctor when you notice something is off with your body.
Iyanuoluwa Falomo falls into the category of people they call Gen-Z. she is writer and an aspiring Tech Sis. She loves to read books, and she is a sucker for good music. Connect with Iyanuoluwa on Instagram and Twitter.
Edited by Oluwatobiloba Ganiyu
Female, Editor, Medical student, ambivert, goofball, Christian. Always interested in learning new things. Connect with Oluwatobiloba on Instagram.
Published by Akinsipe Temitope
Temitope is a young storyteller who thinks all stories are worth telling. She loves to inspire people to do what they love and follow their passions, tell their stories, and live in the present moment. Connect with Temitope on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
