Bloated? Stressed out? Moody? It's probably PMS, right? According to a recent survey, it may not be. Find out if your PMS has upgraded to a higher level: PMDD.
It's "that time of the month" and you're more than likely accustomed to preparing yourself for bouts of cramping, being bloated and irritated for no reason at all. Your husband or boyfriend may even crack his occasional jokes about your "condition". Well, if you're in the 3-5% of women who suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, the subject is anything but a laughing matter.
A survey conducted on behalf of the Society for Women's Health Research, surveyed 500 women across the nation. Of the 500, eight out of ten weren't aware that their PMS symptoms were actually PMDD related. What researchers found more disturbing was that the women whose symptoms were classified as PMDD didn't know that it could be diagnosed and treated, according to DrDonnica.com.
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is described as a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that occurs a week before menstruation. While many symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS, including mood swings, bloating and breast tenderness, other symptoms are more extreme: feelings of hopelessness, anger, difficulty concentrating, violent outbursts and even feeling suicidal. Such PMDD conditions disrupt everyday life for women who suffer from this disorder. While these feelings pass after a few days into the menstrual cycle, PMDD sufferers dread the following month, when the symptoms reoccur, according to Pmdd.factsforhealth.org.
Can PMDD be treated?
Although there is no known cause for PMS or PMDD, PMDD can be diagnosed and effectively treated. New anti-depressant medications called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most favored method for treating PMDD. Prozac®, Effexor®, and Zoloft® are a few familiar names that you may have heard about or seen in commercials. Some doctors may simply prescribe birth control pills or other medications to target specific symptoms.
If you're worried that you may have PMDD, DrDonnica.com suggests keeping a PMS Symptom Diary. Write the dates of your menstrual cycle, what symptoms you experienced, as well as the severity of each one. Also make a note of any medications you are taking or were taking at the time. Track your progress through two menstrual cycles and take your diary with you when you visit the doctor. From there, a complete history and physical exam can be done to rule out other medical possibilities.
According to DrDonnica.com, many women are reluctant to discuss their menstrual symptoms with their doctors for fear of being stigmatized as crazy or are simply too embarrassed. No matter how embarrassing the subject may be, women should talk to their doctor immediately if they feel their symptoms before or during their menstrual cycle are not normal.
If you want to avoid prescription drugs, there are other non-medically effective ways of treating PMDD on your own:
- Exercise regularly. Taking care of your health and exercising three to four times a week will keep your spirits up and your body feeling at its strongest.
- Eat a balanced diet. Don't skip meals and take a multivitamin to even things out.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Don't smoke.
- Lay low on the caffeine, sugar, alcohol and salt.
- Keep constant communication with your doctor. Make a plan together to beat PMDD.
- Talk to family and friends. Having support and understanding from others can make a great difference in how you feel.
- Practice stress management. Take time to pamper yourself when you're stressed out. Get a massage, take a long, hot bath--whatever makes you feel good.
The only known cure for PMS and PMDD is menopause, which isn't necessarily a great alternative, but that's a topic to save for another day. Till then, PMDD must be treated very seriously and the more you know about it, the better off you'll be. For the guys: be thankful you don't have to suffer from PMDD. Instead of jokes, give your wife or girlfriend a hug and an ear to listen to. They'll appreciate it.
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