Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Q&A

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Though often linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder  (PMDD) is a more extreme condition that affects how you feel, think, and behave. Like PMS, PMDD symptoms generally develop seven to 10 days before your period, when your hormone levels start to fall.

Though researchers are still trying to understand what causes PMDD, it’s theorized that the symptoms may be related to the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout your menstrual cycle. 

In addition to hormones, your serotonin levels also change during your menstrual cycle. Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that controls mood. Women with PMDD may be more sensitive to serotonin and experience mood changes when levels fluctuate.

What are premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms?

PMDD symptoms are similar to PMS symptoms but are more severe. Common symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder include:

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• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Panic attacks

• Mood swings

• Bouts of crying

• Fatigue

• Difficulty focusing or concentrating

• Difficulty sleeping

• Bloating

• Muscle cramps or pain

• Headaches

• Breast tenderness

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It’s not unusual for women who suffer from PMDD to also have depression and anxiety. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact elevate medical. 

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How is premenstrual dysphoric disorder diagnosed?

Elevate medical takes an integrative approach to mental wellness. The psychiatric practice recognizes the strong connection between mind and body and how an imbalance in one area affects the health and wellness of the other.

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The first step is to figure out who you’re meant to be and why you’re not feeling whole. During your initial visit, the women’s wellness experts at elevate medical spend time listening to you to help you figure it out. 

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Before diagnosing PMDD, elevate medical conducts a comprehensive physical exam to rule out any medical condition that may be causing your symptoms. The goal is to clear out the rocks and weeds so that they can help you build from a level and fertile foundation. 

For a PMDD diagnosis, you must be experiencing at least five PMDD symptoms, including one mood-related symptom. 

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How is premenstrual dysphoric disorder treated?

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Elevate medical specializes in women’s mental health, and develops personalized treatment plans for PMDD that address the root cause of your symptoms. 

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Your treatment plan may include personalized therapy sessions that:

• Break the cycle of negative thinking patterns

• Help you understand your condition 

• Cultivate awareness and change

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Medications are only prescribed if needed. The practice tries to avoid poly-pharmacy, which is the use of multiple medications to treat one condition. 

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When medications are prescribed, elevate medical explains why the medication was chosen for you. Once you’re in a better place, elevate medical makes efforts to taper and discontinue the medication.

With the recommendations, the team at elevate medical monitors your progress, and work with you to build from it. As time passes, your inner radiance will emerge and bring calm and balance within you. 

There’s no need to suffer through your PMDD. For compassionate care from experts in women’s mental wellness, call elevate medical, or request an appointment online today.