Does anyone suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder? I think I do and wanted to see how common it is.?
Answer:
The symptoms you describe likely are due to a condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). About 75 percent of menstruating women experience mild to moderate premenstrual symptoms. But up to 8 percent of menstruating women have PMDD — a severe, sometimes disabling form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is distinguished from PMS by the severity of its symptoms and its impact on relationships and daily activities. Symptoms of PMDD occur in the last week of the menstrual cycle and usually improve within a few days after menstruation begins. These include:
Persistent sadness or depression
Marked anxiety, feelings of being "keyed up" or "on edge"
Mood swings often marked by periods of teariness
Persistent or marked anger or irritability
Decreased interest in usual activities
Fatigue or lethargy
A feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control
Flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, headaches and joint pain
Changes in sleep patterns — problems falling and staying asleep or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite — overeating, lack of appetite or specific food cravings
The cause of PMDD isn't clear. Major depression is very common with PMDD. But PMDD can also occur in women who do not have a history of major depression.
A doctor may diagnose premenstrual dysphoric disorder based on its pattern of symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you keep a diary to record the type, severity, duration and timing of your symptoms. This information may help your doctor diagnose PMDD and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Treatment of PMDD is directed at preventing or minimizing symptoms and may include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taken before or at the onset of your period, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can ease cramping and breast discomfort.
Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce symptoms such as fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.
Oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives stop ovulation and stabilize hormone fluctuations, which reduces mood swings.
Nutritional supplements. Consuming 1,000 milligrams of dietary and supplemental calcium daily may reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of PMDD.
Herbal remedies. Clinical trials suggest that chasteberry — also called chaste tree berry — may reduce irritability, mood swings, anger and headaches associated with PMDD.
Diet and lifestyle changes. Regular exercise often reduces premenstrual symptoms. Decreasing caffeine intake can alleviate anxiety and irritability. Also, eating more carbohydrates in the week before your period may improve mood and memory.
It's important that you review your symptoms with your doctor. A thorough medical evaluation can determine if symptoms are due to PMDD or some other condition. If you are diagnosed with PMDD, your doctor can recommend specific treatments to help minimize the impact PMDD has on the days you experience symptoms.
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The symptoms of PMDD generally begin the week before menstruation and end a few days after menstruation has begun. Women with PMDD may experience drastic mood swings, anger, depression, irritability, tension, sleep and appetite changes, fatigue, and physical problems such as pain or bloating. PMDD affects an estimated 5 to 10% of women of reproductive age.
The cause of PMDD (and PMS) is not certain but appears related to hormonal changes that accompany the menstrual cycle. Some evidence suggests a connection between PMDD and the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (a chemical in the body that helps the brain transmit information).
hey,relax! there are too many females suffering from that..infact,i wont call it a disorder. its a temporary cycle women go through and there's nothing anybody can do about it. its involuntary so i wont agree 2 term it as a disease or disorder. your just fine gurl!
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