Awareness of The Crippling Disorder PMDD

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The Difference

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). PMDD causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before your period. PMS and PMDD are not the same and should be acknowledged separately. For this blog, the focus will on women suffering from PMDD.

What is PMDD

PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain. Some believe this results from genetic vulnerability with other factors such as stress, being overweight or obese, and a history of trauma or sexual abuse. Eating disorders and smoking is also associated with PMDD.

Next, PMDD occurs during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. The time between when you ovulate and when your period starts. This luteal phase is approximately one to two weeks. It is during this time that PMDD symptoms begin to present themself.

Symptoms usually stop one or two days after menstruation begins. Approximately 3 to 9 percent of women experience premenstrual changes so severe they can’t keep up their daily routines. 

Photo by Rhendi Rukmana on Unsplash
Photo by Rhendi Rukmana on Unsplash

Symptoms

There are eleven symptoms of PMDD. Some symptoms directly affect one’s mood. While others affect the body as a whole. The symptoms of PMDD are:

  • Depressed mood
  • Tenison
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Decreased interest in usual activities
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Physical symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Marked change in appetite
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Lack of energy

One must present at least one mood-related symptom and have a minimum of five altogether. 

Medical Treatment

The symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder can be so severe that some women attempt suicide. Unfortunately, the cause of PMDD is not fully understood. There also is no cure. Antidepressant prescriptions help subside PMDD symptoms. Antidepressants stabilize your mood. By taking antidepressants, PMDD sufferers experience fewer highs and lows. 

Providers may also prescribe birth control to help regulate hormone levels. Therapy and lifestyle changes can also assist in reducing symptoms naturally. Exercise and physical activity are other natural means to increase mood and energy levels. 

Before Your Appointment

Before receiving a PMDD diagnosis, one must proactively monitor their symptoms. Whether you journal, use a period app or take small notes on your phone, ensure to pay attention to your symptoms, write them down, then speak with your doctor. Typically, providers will focus on your last three menstrual cycles. They’re listening for any or all of those 11 symptoms of PMDD. No test or blood work can determine if you have PMDD. 

Find Your Tribe

Girls and women must speak up if they believe they’re suffering from PMDD. The highs and lows of PMDD can cause extreme chaos in one’s life. Suicide, unfortunately, is not uncommon among girls and women with PMDD. That reason alone is why PMDD is a severe healthcare condition. Early diagnosis can mitigate a world of dysfunction and chaos.

Join the Black Women Feel Pain Too Facebook support group to join a group of women similar and empathic to you.