Many individuals experience difficulties concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, low energy, and emotional instability before their menstrual period.
Typical changes in estrogen and progesterone levels occur prior to menstruation, leading to symptoms such as cramps, headaches, or mood swings.
According to Insider, those suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are particularly sensitive to hormonal fluctuations in their bodies. Therefore, when estrogen and progesterone levels drop before the cycle, physical discomfort and mood instability can become overwhelming.
PMDD is a newly recognized medical diagnosis affecting approximately 5% of menstruating individuals.
This chronic mental health condition causes intense irritability, sadness, anger, or anxiety. Unlike other forms of depression, PMDD symptoms occur only during the premenstrual phase of the cycle.
Dr. Nita Landry, a private obstetrician-gynecologist, states that PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD can be associated with over 150 psychological, behavioral, and physical symptoms, ranging from delusions to dermatitis or visual disturbances.
According to Insider, there are five key signs of PMDD to watch for and ways to treat it.
Severe Anxiety or Agitation
PMDD can lead to feelings of skepticism, pessimism, and anxiety. Unlike PMS, these feelings of anxiety can become so severe that they significantly impact your daily life and relationships.
For instance, a minor annoyance, such as a friend being late, might trigger extreme anger. This can damage your relationships with others.
Additionally, being more irritable and sensitive to criticism may cause you to respond more bluntly than usual and argue more with colleagues or staff, which could jeopardize your career.
PMDD symptoms can be similar to PMS, but PMDD is severe enough to significantly affect your life. (Image: Freepik).
Overwhelming Sadness and Despair
Like other forms of depression, PMDD can cause you to lose interest in things you once enjoyed.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders categorizes PMDD under “depressive disorders.”
In reality, PMDD is often misdiagnosed as a type of depression due to the sadness it induces, according to clinical psychologist Monique Gonzalez.
For example, you might typically spend time with friends or go to the gym daily, but in the days leading up to your menstrual period, you might feel too despondent to leave the house, ignoring messages and calls from friends and just lying still indoors.
Moreover, you may find yourself crying frequently or unexpectedly before your menstrual cycle. This heightened sensitivity makes everything around you feel overwhelming.
The intensity of this depression and its impact on your life can lead to feelings of hopelessness or entrapment. This is also a risk factor for suicidal thoughts.
Both PMS and PMDD can leave you feeling hopeless or sad, but suicidal thoughts are a symptom specific to PMDD.
Mental and Physical Exhaustion
Clinical psychologist Monique Gonzalez states, “If you have PMDD, you may feel fatigued, wanting to stay in bed for many days.”
You may experience:
- Aches or fatigue in your body, resembling flu-like symptoms
- Extreme fatigue that makes it difficult to concentrate on work or studies
- Mental or physical overstimulation from everyday stressors, such as traffic jams
- Being too exhausted to perform basic tasks like eating or bathing
- Inability to sleep
This fatigue also affects the brain. Monique Gonzalez notes that while many individuals with PMS struggle to concentrate before their menstrual period, PMDD can cause brain fog, making daily tasks seem nearly impossible.
You may also notice an increase in forgetfulness, such as forgetting your wallet or misplacing your keys.
Before menstruation, you may struggle to concentrate, feel hopeless, lack energy, and be prone to psychological conflicts. (Image: Freepik).
Physical Discomfort or Pain
PMDD can also cause debilitating pain before your menstrual period begins. You may also notice joint or muscle pain.
Cramps and body aches are part of PMS. With PMDD, this pain can be so severe that you may need to take days off work before your menstrual period starts.
This highlights the seriousness of the physical discomfort. You may also observe other symptoms such as:
- Breast pain or swelling
- Hot flashes
- Increased sweating
- Heightened sensitivity to sound, light, smells, or touch
- Headaches
Changes in Appetite
PMDD can trigger intense cravings, especially for carbohydrate-rich foods like chocolate, cookies, and fatty snacks.
Experts hypothesize that this occurs because your emotional response to food is heightened in the premenstrual phase. During this time, sweet and fatty foods provide a more positive feeling.
According to a study, individuals with PMDD show heightened sensitivity compared to others, leading to more pronounced emotional reactions to sweet and fatty foods.
Some evidence also indicates a link between the inability to control cravings and binge eating just before menstruation.
Digestive issues related to PMDD include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Constipation
Obstetrician-gynecologist Nita Landry explains that you may also experience increased appetite when suffering from PMS – but PMDD causes more severe digestive issues.
Mood swings can lead to loss of appetite and discomfort in your body. (Image: Freepik).
How to Determine if You Have PMDD
Therapists or healthcare providers can diagnose PMDD, but you need to track your symptoms for at least two months.
If you find the symptoms unbearable, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible.
To diagnose PMDD, you need to have five or more symptoms that start one week before your cycle and improve within the first three days of menstruation. Unlike PMS, these symptoms disrupt your work, study, or personal life for a week during most months that you menstruate.
How to Treat PMDD
While there is no cure for PMDD, various treatment methods, including lifestyle changes and medication, can help alleviate symptoms.
Treatment options include:
- Prescription antidepressants
- Hormonal regulation
- Dietary changes
- Psychotherapy
- Exercise, walking, and yoga
- Prescription pain relievers
Additionally, you can take steps to reduce stress by:
- Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night
- Sharing your feelings with family, loved ones, and friends for emotional support.
- Using essential oils that may relieve menstrual cramps
- Dancing or singing to your favorite music to boost your mood.
The Controversial Name of the $10 Billion Telescope
