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Coping with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A Guide for Young Person

6 January 2022

What Exactly is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a condition that happens during the premenstrual stage of the menstrual cycle. It has symptoms similar to those found in depression and anxiety, but subsides as you progress through your cycle. PMDD, also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, affects almost six percent of women and AFAB individuals of reproductive age. PMDD is directly connected with the menstrual cycle, but it is not a result of a hormone imbalance. It occurs when there is an exaggeration to the natural rise and fall of estrogen. It is a suspected brain disorder that can worsen over time - symptoms get worse during certain moments in a persons' lifetime such as the first menstrual cycle, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage and perimenopause.

People with PMDD are more likely than other people to commit suicide or self-harm. It's not uncommon for this issue to be linked to sexual trauma or depression beforehand. If you believe you or someone you know has PMDD, talk with a doctor as soon as possible

How to Recognize if You Have PMDD

People with PMDD experience mood swings and irritability or depression, and may also experience physical symptoms like bloating and breast tenderness. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a significant amount of time, it is worth considering that you might have PMDD.

PMDD can be divided into two categories: physical and psychological. To diagnose the condition, you should experience at least five physical symptoms or two psychological symptoms for at least one month.

  • Feelings of sadness, despair, or even thoughts of suicide

  • Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships

  • Trouble thinking or focusing

  • Tiredness or low-energy

  • Food cravings or binge eating

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Feeling out of control

  • Physical symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches and muscle pain

These symptoms occur before menstruations and usually go away a few days after menstruation starts.

What are the Risk Factors for Getting PMDD?

PMDD is a mood disorder that affects women during the days surrounding the menstrual cycle.

While any woman can develop PMDD, the following may be at increased risk:

  • Family history of PMS or PMDD

  • Personal history of depression or order mood disorders

  • Past history of trauma and sexual abuse

  • Cigarette smoking and lower education

Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.

How is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder PMDD Diagnosis Made

PMDD is a disorder that consists of physical and emotional symptoms which affect women during the second half of their menstrual cycle. There are no blood blood test or imaging to diagnose PMDD. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the timing of the symptoms which is usually 14 days before the onset of menstruation. The diagnosis is made by taking a medical history and examining patients for other disorders which may mimic PMDD .

Symptoms:

- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sadness

- Body pain, breast tenderness or swelling, bloating or weight gain

- Food cravings, feeling bloated or constipated

PMDD Treatment Options

PMDD is a serious, chronic illness. Some treatment approaches that may help relieve or decrease the severity of PMDD symptoms:

  • Dietary modification: eat foods rich in vegetables, lean protein and complex carbohydrates.

  • Avoid or limit foods with simple sugar, processed foods salt, caffeine and alcohol.

  • Exercise regularly

  • Reduce Stress

  • Adequate sleep

  • Vitamin supplements (such as vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium)

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)

  • Birth control pills

Treatment can require a long-term commitment for some women with PMDD and changes in dosage may need to be adjusted throughout treatment.

Conclusion - There are Many Ways You Can Deal with Pre-Existing PMDD Symptoms. Here's What We Recommend!

PMDD is a mental health problem that can be really hard to deal with. But thankfully, there are many ways you can deal with PMDD symptoms. Here's what we recommend!

Seek treatment. Find a professional that can help. It is not uncommon for the symptoms of PMDD to be an indicator of an underlying condition such as depression or anxiety or mimic those conditions. If you think you might have PMDD or a related disorder, it’s important to seek medical attention and support from a medical professional knowledgeable about PMDD.

With treatment options that include lifestyle changes, medications, nutritional supplements and psychotherapy, symptoms of PMDD can be improved and managed successfully.

8 Steps to Successful Self Care For Better Mental Health

by Gloria Areghan • 14 July 2022
Introduction: Why We Need to Take Care of Ourselves and How Self Care is a Necessity for UsSelf care is the act of taking care of one's emotional, mental and physical needs. In this constantly changing world we are living in, we are often left feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed. In this environment therefore, self-care is a necessity. It is about taking care of ourselves by doing things that make us feel good and well so that we can be the best version of ourselves for our families, friends, and work. There are many ways to take care of yourself from eating well to practicing self-compassion.Here are 10 self-care tips for adults:1) Get enough sleep.2) Eat healthy food.3) Exercise regularly.4) Spend time with friends and family.5) Take some time to relax every day (e.g., meditate).6) Spend time on hobbies or things that make you happy (e.g., reading a book).7) Get help if you need it (e.g., talk to a therapist).8 ) Set boundaries with others so that you can takeHow to Get Started with Self Care (keywords: set up your self-care routineThe first step in establishing a self-care routine is to identify what you need. This can be anything from time alone, exercise, or spending time with friends and family. Once you have identified your needs, it's time to establish your routine.One way to do this is by creating a checklist for yourself with the activities that you want to do each day or week.The most important thing is that you are able to do something every day that makes you feel good and nurtured!Conclusion: The Importance of Developing Your Own Wellbeing RitualsThe conclusion of this article is that it is important for everyone to develop their own wellness rituals. We should find what works for us and create a ritual that will help us feel better and more energized. This will make us more productive, creative, and successful members of society.

The Role of Sleep in Preventing and Managing PMDD Symptoms

by Gloria Areghan • 9 May 2022
Sleep is important for the body and mind. In fact, a good one third of our lives are spent sleeping. It can help us to maintain our immune system, energy levels, memory, concentration and mood. It also helps us to retain information we have learned. It is recommended that adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. However, many people don't get enough sleep because they are working late into the night, stress or because they are struggling with insomnia.

The Quick Guide to Foods That Support Liver Detoxification and How They Can Help You

by Gloria Areghan • 12 April 2022
Detoxification is the process by which our body eliminates waste. A healthy liver and a healthy gut play a significant role in this process. If this becomes impaired or too many toxins are bombarding us, we develop sickness
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