REGENERATE MIND | BODY
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone – based mood disorder. The symptoms typical pops up during the premenstrual or luteal phase in the menstrual cycle of a childbearing female and subsides within a few days of menstruation. Women suffering from PMDD shows a severe negative reaction in the brain due to the natural fluctuation of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone therefor PMDD is not classified as a hormonal imbalance but rather a suspected cellular imbalance to the brain. This in turn could lead to a deficiency in the neurotransmitter serotonin in the luteal phase. This condition affects up to 5.5% women of childbearing age.
There is no blood or saliva test that can detect PMDD yet these tests can rule out a number of other conditions. The only way to get a clearer diagnosis on PMDD is by tracking symptoms for at least two (2) full menstrual cycles.
PMDD is a chronic and debilitating condition. Treatments for this condition requires lifestyle modification and medication.
Some facts on PMDD
- PMDD are very disruptive to normal daily functioning and require medical treatment.
- PMDD is less common than PMS, and the symptoms are much more sever, more like PMS on steroids.
- Symptoms occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and settle during the first few days of the onset of menstruation.
- The symptoms of PMDD can last until menopause.
Symptoms of PMDD can be similar to other conditions, therefor a heath care provider will likely perform other physical exams, tests and obtain a medical history to rule out other conditions.
The symptoms tracking chart will be used to determine correlation between the shown symptoms and the menstrual cycle.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-V) requires that the symptoms relating to PMDD must be present for a minimum of two consecutive menstrual cycles before making a diagnosis.
The guideline suggest:
- Symptoms must be present a week or two before the onset of menses
- Symptoms must resolve at the start or within the first couple days of menses
- Symptoms must cause interference with normal daily quality of life
For a PMDD diagnoses to be considered, the patient requires the presence of at least five of the following symptoms one of which must be a “core emotional symptom” listed below.
Symptoms Include
Core emotional symptoms:
- Severe mood swings
- Increased sensitivity to rejection
- Sudden tearfulness
- Severe anger outburst
- Feeling out of control and on the edge
- Severe irritability
- Depressive episodes
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Suicidal
- Anxiety and tension
Secondary symptoms
- Decreased interest in normal activities
- Severe fatigue, tiredness
- Paranoia and self-image issues
- Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
- Heart palpitations
- Coordination difficulties
- Forgetfulness
- Abnormal bloating, food craving and gastrointestinal upset
- Headaches and backpain
- Muscle spasms, numbness or tingling specially tips of fingers
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Vision change (pin vision)
- Increased allergies and histamine sensitivity.
Fluid retention cause breast tenderness and swelling of the hands, feet ankles and legs that can lead to temporary weight gain.
Unsure if you may have PMDD or PME? Take our handy self-screen test to find out more.
Tips To Deal With PMDD
Several supplements and remedies have been recommended for treating PMDD symptoms, but studies are lacking to support efficacy and long-term safety with their use.
- Take it easy in the luteal phase leading up to menses
- Talking to your partner or loved ones so they understand, and you get support
- Tell your family what you need in the bad days
- Work out a warning sign when you are in your bad phase i.e.. Wear a special bracelet
- Find relaxing activities to relieve the tension, such as reading, meditation, soft yoga or stretching therapy, going for a walk, having a long bath, going for a massage, or watching your favourite show.
Chat with your health care provider right away if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of PMDD.
Symptoms of PMDD can be long-lasting, so it is vital to seek support and treatment as soon as possible.
We offer support and PMDD awareness workshops, one on one sessions either online or face to face. Feel free to connect with us on email santa@regeneratehealthfitness.co.za or WhatsApp to 083 533 6771 for further information.
TALK PMDD
Join me on a zoom call where we will discuss various issues, themes and topics on PMDD. We will invite guest speakers from time to time too. This is opportunity to learn more about this condition and participate in discussion about PMDD.
To be part of this event buy your ticket below (price is about $10 the equivalent of two cups of coffee) please be sure to email your name to santa@regeneratehealthfitness.co.za so I can send you the zoom meeting invite.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
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