We’ve all heard of PMS, 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 great impact on a person’s daily life.
Fortunately, PMDD is very rare. Only about 2% to 10% of women dealing with menstruation will have symptoms. Symptoms will tend to occur around a week or two before a period. They will stop as soon as the period starts. What actually causes PMDD is unknown, but it is thought to be closely related to hormonal changes in the body. These changes are thought 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 of them. 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 from work.
Symptoms of this condition include:
– Humor changes. This can include seemingly random bits of irritability and causing the woman to burst into 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 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 stool consistency.
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.