Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Seeking relief from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? Call or email today to schedule an appointment.
PMDD is not your regular PMS. This serious condition creates marked distress that interferes with your daily life, work and relationships. Starting 10 days to two weeks prior to the onset of your period, some women experience a wide variety of symptoms that include mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, and multiple physical symptoms. This is a real condition that some estimate affects 5.8 percent of menstruating women.
To understand if you have PMDD, you need to keep a journal for a few menstrual cycles. See if there is a pattern of physical and emotional symptoms in the week prior to your period. Write down your symptoms and assess if the symptoms improve markedly or are absent the week post menses.
The difference between PMS and PMDD is severity. PMDD affects woman’s relationships and ability to function at work.
PMDD is treatable. Some of the treatments I use in my practice are psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive- behavioral therapy, mind-body approaches and psycho-education. My goal is for you to go back to fully enjoying your life as soon as possible.
Below is a list of some common symptoms associated with PMDD:
- Mood swings
- Increased interpersonal conflict
- Depression, anger, anxiety and self deprecating thoughts
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Changes in appetite and sleep
- Difficulty completing tasks at work
- Low sexual drive
- Low energy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Bloating, headaches and back pain
What you can do today to reduce some of your PMDD symptoms:
1.Discuss your symptoms with your OBGYN to assess your hormone levels and treatment options.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices:
- Healthy eating
- Moderate exercise
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Don’t smoke
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Get a massage
- Meditation
- Journal your thoughts during the week prior to your period and the week of your period when you have your most severe symptoms. Your thoughts and feelings are valid just more intense at this time. In the week post period, when your symptoms subside, read your journal and decide what you want to act on.
- Let your friends and significant relationships know that you are struggling and ask then for support.