PMDD

PMDD or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a chronic kind of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD has analogous symptoms to those of PMS, but are severe enough to cause major hindrance in personal relationships, social behaviour and work.

PMDD is known to occur in two to twenty percent of women that menstruate. Those women that have a personal or family past of depressive tendencies or postpartum depression are more prone to developing PMDD.

PMDD Causes:

• The precise reason for developing PMDD is still vague much alike PMS. However, many scientists are of the thought process that the hormonal variation associated with the menstrual cycle is the probable reason behind developing PMDD.
• Latest research have revealed that there is a strong link between PMDD and depleted levels of the feel-good hormone, serotonin – a chemical present in the brain that aids in transmission of nerve impulses. Particular types of brain cells which employ serotonin as an envoy are involved in management of pain, mood variations, attention levels and sleep patterns. Hence, chronic variations in the levels of serotonin could cause niggling PMDD symptoms.

PMDD Symptoms:

The signs of PMDD could involve any of the following:

• Moodiness.
• Depressive mood swings or feeling a sense of bleakness.
• Noticeable rage, heightened inter-personal clashes.
• Nervousness and disquiet.
• Touchiness and bad temper.
• Lowered interest in routine activities.
• Decreased concentration levels.
• Weariness.
• Appetite changes.
• Feelings of not being in control or weighed down.
• Difficulty in sleeping.
• Physical issues like feeling bloated.

Diagnosis & Tests:

• If one is experiencing any of the above enlisted symptoms, it is imperative to seek prompt medical assistance. The doctor would re-evaluate the symptoms, medical past followed by a detailed medical exam and an optional psychiatric assessment.
• Prior to diagnosing PMDD, other emotional issues like depressive tendencies or panic disorder would be systematically ruled out by the doctor as the reason behind the symptoms.
• Additionally, any underlying conditions either medical or gynaecology-related must be ruled out that could include diagnosing for endometriosis, fibroids, menopause and hormone related problems that might also account for the signs.
• PMDD is concluded when no less than 5 of the above enlisted symptoms (inclusive of at least one symptom from the top four symptoms) transpire during most periods of time during the seven days prior to the monthly periods starting and subsides within a span of couple of days from the commencement of the menstrual cycle. When these symptoms are a daily occurrence and do not seem to get better with menstruation, they are not likely to be due to PMDD.

PMDD Treatment:

Several similar stratagems employed for PMS might additionally be useful to allaying PMDD symptoms. The four key kinds of treatments comprise of:

• Several health care experts advise women with PMDD to curb their ingestion of sodium, caffeine, white sugar and intoxicants. Intake of certain supplements like calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin E and magnesium might be advised. The effectuality of any of these strategies has not been adequately determined as yet.
• Engaging in regular form of aerobic exercise like walking, swimming has been observed to reduce the irksome symptoms of PMS, though it is ambiguous whether it could help resolve PMDD.
• PMDD could be treated with numerous antidepressants like the three key FDA-approved ones including Sarafem, Paxil CR, and Zoloft that provide relief from the symptoms. These medicines could be consumed on a continual or intermittent basis, merely during the time of the fourteen day pre-menstrual time period. An intermittent use of these might lower the side effects of those drugs.
• Certain over-the-counter pain killers like aspirin, ibuprofen or Motrin, naproxen or Aleve might aid in relieving some signs like headache, back pains, cramps and tenderness in breasts. Diuretics also known as water pills could aid in water retention and bloating. Anti-anxiety medicines would be advised if anxiety is one of the symptoms. Presently, none have received approval for the treatment of PMDD.
• Hormone treatment could be undertaken for treating PMDD. The ovulation could be halted by either the use of medicines or surgery when nothing else works. Medicines for ovulation stoppage comprise of birth control or OC pills, Danazol, Synarel and Lupron. The hormonal treatment strategy involving the usage of progesterone or estrogen could be used for relieving symptoms, though it is undecided regarding the efficacy of this strategy.
• Therapies to aid women in favourably handling PMDD include relaxation therapy, meditation, reflexology and yoga, though these approaches still need detailed investigation.

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