If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

PMDD is a severe form premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. PMS is a common problem for those who have menstrual periods. About 75% of people of childbearing age have some PMS problems. About 2% to 5% of people in this age group have PMDD.

SYMPTOMS

Many people may wonder if they have PMS or if it is PMDD because the symptoms are similar. The symptoms for both begin about 10-14 days before your period. But the symptoms of PMDD are more extreme and can spill over into other areas of your life. You may feel they are uncontrollable.

The symptoms of PMDD are:

• Sadness and crying
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Anger or irritability
• Strong cravings for certain foods
• Problems paying attention and concentrating
• Fatigue
• Physical problems such as breast tenderness, headaches, joint or muscle pain and swelling or bloating
• Trouble sleeping

It is largely the emotional symptoms that are more severe when you have PMDD. You may have more severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension.

These symptoms can affect your relationships and ability to do your job. If you have some of these symptoms a few weeks before your period and they improve when your period starts, you might have PMDD.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes PMDD?

The exact cause of PMDD is not known. Changes in hormones related to your period may cause PMDD.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

 How is PMDD diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will check your symptoms and the way they relate to your menstrual cycle. You might track your symptoms for several weeks. There is no test that can diagnose PMDD.

PREVENTION

Can PMDD be prevented or avoided?

Stressful life events and a family history of PMS or PMDD may increase your chances of getting PMDD. Major depression is common in people who have PMDD. However, not all people who have PMDD have major depression.

TREATMENT

How is PMDD treated?

Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and will discuss different treatments with you. For mild to moderate symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest changes in your diet and lifestyle. You might talk to a counselor about your PMDD symptoms and life stresses. Medicines may help with severe symptoms.

Diet and lifestyle tips:

• Eat healthy foods with whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and little or no salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Get regular aerobic exercise throughout the month to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
• If you have problems sleeping, try changing your sleep habits before taking medicines for insomnia.

As you incorporate these changes into your life, keep a diary or calendar to record the type of symptoms you are having, how severe they are, and how long they last.

Medicine

• Some prescription antidepressants may be helpful. The most common is an antidepressant known as a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). You can take SSRIs in the second part of your cycle up until your period starts. You may also take it the whole month. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
• Birth control pills. These typically help reduce PMS symptoms. Continuous dosing types (ones containing medication without any non-medication days) are the most effective, especially those that contain the hormone, drospirenone. With continuous dosing, you may not get a period.
• Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. However, if you are young and regularly takin ibuprofen for the relief of PMS, talk to your healthcare provider about the long-term damage that can occur to your kidneys.
• Nutritional supplements, such as vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium are not helpful in relieving symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used either with or instead of antidepressants. During CBT, you have visits with a mental health professional over several weeks to months.

Living with PMDD

Trying to cope with the severe symptoms of PMDD without treatment can make you miserable. It can also make those around you miserable.

Do not feel as though it is up to you to manage PMDD by yourself. Your symptoms are real, and you are not alone. If you believe you have PMDD, the best thing you can do is contact your healthcare provider.