Are you also having unbearable pre-menstrual cramps? Could it be PMDD?

Do you also feel very uncomfortable and uncomfortable in your body for a week or two before your period starts? Maybe you have headaches, stomach aches, breast tenderness, and other things like that, along with a lot of heaviness, anger, and sadness? Many people have this kind of (PMS) or premenstrual syndrome. But sometimes this condition can be much more severe. That is what we call (PMDD) or (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) . Let's talk about this in detail today, because this is something that affects more people than you think.

What is PMDD? Is it exactly different from PMS?

Simply put, you've probably heard of PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome. Many women experience some discomfort a few days before their period. Things like bloating, headaches, and breast tenderness. This is normal.

But (PMDD) or (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a very severe and severe case of this (PMS) condition. To be precise, a person with (PMDD) experiences psychological symptoms such as unbearable anger, excessive anxiety, or severe depression along with the normal (PMS) symptoms. These symptoms usually subside within a few days after menstruation begins. However, in the coming days, this can be so severe that it can have a big impact on your daily activities, relationships with family members, and career .

Imagine, you have a friend, let's say her name is Sanduni. Sanduni is usually a very cheerful and talkative person. But every month, a week or two before her period, she changes a lot. She gets angry at the smallest things, fights with everyone, and sometimes she just stays in her room and cries. She can't figure out why this is happening. She can't even function properly at work. That's what PMDD is. This is much more than just a 'mood swing'.

It is currently estimated that about 10% of women who menstruate suffer from PMDD. That means that about one in ten women may have this condition.

Do you know what causes PMDD?

In fact, doctors still haven't found a definitive reason why some people develop PMDD. But there are several factors that are thought to contribute to it.

The main suspicion is about changes in hormones . You know, women have two types of hormones in their bodies called estrogen and progesterone. These increase and decrease with the monthly menstrual cycle. It is thought that the decrease in these hormone levels after ovulation and during the period before menstruation may be one reason for the symptoms of PMDD. This means that some people's bodies may react a little more strongly to these hormonal changes.

Another thing is a chemical called Serotonin . This is a chemical substance (neurotransmitter) in our brain . This serotonin helps to control many things like our mood, hunger, and sleep. Surprisingly, this serotonin level also changes with our monthly menstrual cycle. So, changes in serotonin levels can also cause symptoms of PMDD. Perhaps these discomforts are felt more when serotonin levels are low.

Who is at higher risk of developing PMDD?

Some people are more likely to develop PMDD than others. If you have any of the following, it's a good idea to be on the lookout:

• If you already have anxiety or depression .
• If you have severe PMS symptoms.
• If someone in your family (like your mother or sister) has had PMS, PMDD, or other mood disorders , there is a chance that these can be inherited.
• If you have previously experienced severe trauma, abuse, or other stressful events in your life.

This doesn't mean that everyone who has these things will develop PMDD, but it does mean that the risk is slightly higher.

What are the symptoms of PMDD? See if you have these too

Symptoms of PMDD can vary from person to person. In general, these symptoms appear about a week or two before your period starts. They then subside within a few days of your period starting. In addition to the usual PMS symptoms like stomach cramps and bloating, PMDD can also cause the following symptoms:

• Anger or irritability. You may feel angry and explosive over small things.
• Feeling on edge, overwhelmed or tense all the time.
• Panic attacks are extreme anxiety and heart palpitations. You may suddenly feel scared for no reason and find it hard to breathe.
• Severe depression and even suicidal thoughts can occur. This is a very dangerous symptom, so if you feel like this, you should seek help immediately.
• Difficulty concentrating. You can't do your work properly, everything feels chaotic.
• Constant fatigue and low energy.
• Certain foods can cause food cravings, binge eating, or changes in appetite .
• Headaches.
• Insomnia.
• Mood swings. You may feel good one moment, then sad or angry the next. It's like riding a roller coaster.

Some people can have these (PMDD) symptoms until menopause . That means they have to suffer like this for years. Imagine how difficult that is.

What complications can occur due to PMDD?

If PMDD is not treated properly, it can lead to conditions like depression . In some severe cases, it can even lead to suicide . Because of this, PMDD is not something to be taken lightly.

This condition can cause severe mental stress and negatively affect your relationships with family, friends, and careers . Imagine how difficult it is to get along with others when you are constantly angry and sad.

Important: If you are having suicidal thoughts, please do not go it alone. Talk to someone you trust immediately, or seek medical advice. There are phone numbers in Sri Lanka such as the National Mental Health Helpline 1926 where you can get help.

How do you know for sure if you have PMDD? (Diagnosis)

If you think you have PMDD, the first thing to do is see a doctor . The doctor will ask you about your medical history and take a close look at your symptoms.

You may be asked to track your symptoms for one or two menstrual cycles . This means you will need to keep a diary of what symptoms you experience, what time of the month they occur, and how severe they are. This will help your doctor get a clearer picture of your condition.

To diagnose PMDD, a doctor will look for at least five PMDD symptoms . At least one of them must be a mood-related symptom . That means the anger, sadness, and anxiety we talked about earlier.

The doctor will also check to see if you have PMDD, another mental illness like anxiety, depression, or another reproductive disorder . Because these symptoms can also be seen in other diseases, it is important to find out exactly what it is.

What are the treatments for PMDD? Let's talk about this.

There are several treatments that can help reduce the distress you experience due to PMDD. Your doctor may recommend one or more of these. These are likely to provide you with relief.

• Antidepressants: These are most often prescribed in the SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors group. These work by controlling the levels of serotonin in your brain. Examples include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and Paroxetine HCI. Before using these, talk to your doctor to see if they are right for you and what the side effects are.
• Hormonal birth control pills: Some birth control pills, especially those containing hormones (Drospirenone) and (Ethinyl estradiol), have been found to help control symptoms of PMDD. These should also be used as directed by a doctor.
• Dietary changes: Reducing your intake of certain foods and caffeinated beverages (such as tea and coffee) may help relieve symptoms. Vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and magnesium may also help. Ask your doctor about this as well.
• Over-the-counter pain medications: You can use over-the-counter pain medications to relieve physical discomforts such as menstrual cramps (also known as dysmenorrhea), headaches, and breast tenderness.
• Regular exercise: Exercise can improve your mood. It's great if you can do something you enjoy, like walking, running, or dancing, for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Stress management tools: Deep breathing exercises and meditation can help you manage stress. These take some time to get used to, but they are effective.

Are there things you can do to manage PMDD without medication?

Yes, there are things you can try to manage your PMDD symptoms without medication. But remember, these don't work for everyone. It's also important to follow your doctor's instructions when doing these things.

• Yoga and Meditation: These help calm your mind and improve your mood.
• Dietary changes: As we've discussed before, things like cutting back on caffeine, sugar, and salt, and eating more fruits and vegetables can help. Try to eat a balanced diet.
• Support groups: Talking to others who have PMDD and sharing experiences can be a great source of mental strength. It's also great to know that you're not alone.
• Adequate sleep: Try to get 7-8 hours of good sleep a day. Lack of sleep can also worsen these symptoms.

Whatever you do, it's wise to discuss all of these treatment options with your doctor and choose the one that's best for you.

What to expect if you have PMDD?

The best part is that with the right treatment, most people with PMDD can find relief from their symptoms and live a happier life . That means you don't have to suffer with it all the time.

You may also find additional help by talking to a mental health specialist or joining a support group. For many people, these symptoms go away after menopause.

Is there a way to prevent PMDD?

If you already have depression or anxiety, getting it treated properly can help prevent it from worsening to a more serious condition called PMDD.

However, because PMDD is related to the way your hormones work, it may not be possible to completely prevent it . However, there is no need to worry, as there is treatment available to help. The most important thing is to recognize the symptoms and seek help if you have them.

When should you see a doctor if you suspect PMDD?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor immediately :

• Extreme anxiety and panic attacks.
• Feeling like you've lost control.
• Severe depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others.
• Uncontrolled anger.

These are very dangerous symptoms. Please do not ignore them. Seek help immediately. Life is worth living, and you do not have to fight these difficulties alone.

Important questions to ask your doctor about PMDD

If you have PMDD, it's very important to ask these questions when you see your doctor:

• Why do I have PMDD? Is it because of something special in my body?
• What is the best treatment for me?
• What are the side effects of these treatments? How long do they last?
• Should I change the birth control method I'm currently using?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to manage these symptoms?
• Am I at risk of major depression or suicide?
• What should I do if I am experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts? Who should I talk to?
• Should I be aware of any other complications?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you will have a better understanding of your condition and will be able to support your treatment. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about everything that's on your mind.

Is PMDD a mental illness?

Yes, PMDD is considered a mental health condition . In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which doctors use to diagnose mental illnesses, PMDD is included in the category of 'depressive disorder.' This means that it is not just a "mood disorder," but a medically recognized condition.

Is PMDD a part of bipolar disorder?

No, PMDD and bipolar disorder are two different conditions. However, some of the symptoms of both can be similar . For example, bipolar disorder can also cause irritability, feelings of loss of control, and suicidal thoughts during a depressive episode.

Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is very important to seek medical advice to determine whether it is PMDD, bipolar, or something else. Because treatment options may vary. An accurate diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment.

The most important things we learned from this (Take-Home Message)

PMDD is a serious condition that can negatively affect your life, your relationships, and even your job. You may even feel like harming yourself or others. If you have persistent depression, anxiety, or other PMDD symptoms in the weeks leading up to your period, please see a doctor.

Medications can help you feel and look your best by regulating your hormones and serotonin levels. PMDD is not something you have to live with forever. Don't delay in getting the medical and mental health care you need. You are not alone, there is help! Remember, talking about it is not a weakness, it is a strength.

` PMDD, PMS, menstruation, hormones, mental health, depression, women's health