This blog article is something I have contemplated writing for sometime. If you are a listener of the podcast I cohost, Rewriting [Her]story, you know that I do not love providing diagnostic criteria to the masses. There are several reasons for this, first and foremost it's unethical AF to just put symptomology out into the world to people without training. Second, diagnosing is an art that takes years to craft and we are still learning each and every day. That being said, I am also an advocate for education and wanting people to have the information they need to explore further. So, let's get into it.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a small percentage of individuals with menstrual cycles. What I tell clients is that PMDD feels like PMS on steroids. PMDD is characterized by SEVERE emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the two weeks before menstruation) and significantly disrupt a person's daily life and functioning. These symptoms typically improve or disappear shortly after the onset of menstruation.
Common symptoms of PMDD can include (These are not diagnostic criteria but instead a brief overview):
1. Mood swings: Severe mood disturbances, including irritability, sadness, anxiety, and even episodes of rage. In some cases, it can lead to suicidality as well. 2. Physical symptoms: These may include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain. 3. Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, brain fog, and fatigue can be common. 4. Behavioral changes: Some individuals with PMDD may experience changes in eating habits, sleep disturbances, and a lack of interest in usual activities.
It's important to note that PMDD is not simply an exaggerated form of PMS; it's a distinct and more severe condition. The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are thought to play a significant role. Changes in serotonin levels in the brain may also be involved, which can contribute to mood disturbances. In my own personal experience and what I have seen with clients is that if you are diagnosed with a depressive disorder, there is higher chance of PMDD. Also from my own personal experience, when PMDD hits, it feels like my depression is taken to a whole new level and it's completely out of my control.
Diagnosing PMDD typically involves tracking symptoms over several menstrual cycles, ruling out other medical conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, and the use of standardized assessment tools like the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP).
Treatment options for PMDD may include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, as well as medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), hormonal therapies (such as birth control pills), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Whenever I suspect a client is struggling with PMDD, I ALWAYS recommend tracking. This can be in your notes app, in an actual app, or good ol' pen and paper. It is important to know how you feel every day, both physically and mentally. If you are only tracking during your menstruation, you aren't getting the whole picture. This does not have to be pages and pages of tracking. Make bullet points, use emojis, do what works for you.
Birth control has not taken away PMDD for me, and I have also been off my anti-depressants to treat my depression for three plus years. This was a choice I made after 10 years of being medicated for depression and wanting to manage it on my own. That being said, I do take a hormone balancing supplement as well as a supplement called 5-HTP to help ease some of these symptoms. Truth be told, some months are better than others, but each months brings it's struggles.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe emotional and physical symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies. Go into the appointments with data, show them your tracking, be specific in what you are feeling, advocate for yourself. Always remember, you fucking got this!
Comments