Dealing with PMDD

Many women are used to the variety of symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Irritability, fluid retention, headaches, and mild pelvic pain are just a few of the known symptoms of PMS. Most women are able to deal with the monthly annoyance and get on with their lives.

But if your symptoms are so severe that you can’t function normally, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD includes a more severe group of symptoms that occur one to two weeks before a woman’s period, such as strong mood swings, anxiety, extreme fatigue, sleep problems, and appetite changes.

“PMDD affects a number of women who think they just have PMS,” says Sarah Holda, NP-C, Nurse Practitioner at Chelsea Community Hospital Women’s Health Center. “But it’s also important to know that symptoms of PMDD may resemble other conditions or medical problems, such as a thyroid condition, depression, or an anxiety disorder. Always talk to a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis.”

“PMDD can be difficult to diagnose,” Holda says. “I ask patients to keep a journal or diary of their symptoms in order to pinpoint the specific problem and rule out other causes.” PMDD is a serious, chronic condition that does require treatment. The following treatment options may help alleviate or decrease the severity of PMDD:

• Dietary modifications (to increase protein and carbohydrates and decrease sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake)
• Regular exercise
• Stress management
• Certain medications (such as NSAIDs, SSRIs, and oral contraceptives) and vitamins (such as vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium)

“I always tell my patients that they should not have to live with these kinds of symptoms,” Holda says. “Together, we can work to find out what’s causing the issue, and find a solution to help them get back to doing the things they enjoy.”