Premenstrual Dysphonic Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) do not in any way mean the same thing. Patients who suffer from PMS and PMDD may report same physical symptoms and mood, but PMDD patients suffer from extreme feelings to the point that it affects their social life.
About 3 to 5 percent of women experience severe mood and physical symptoms during menstruation period. Most of the signs are noticed two weeks before menstruation and are characterized by low mood, tension, anxiety, bloating and tenderness of the breast, and irritability. Everyday activities and social relationships also suffer at this time.
In a study conducted on women with PMDD, The American Psychiatric Association found out that this disorder affects a vast area of women’s lives and activities. PMDD change a woman’s relationship with her husband, children more than the symptoms associated with PMS.
Women that suffer from PMS are more aggressive as the symptoms are though and very difficult to manage. Most times the two disorders are mistaken for one another because they have similar symptoms, but the significant difference between the two conditions is the aggressiveness that comes with PMS.
Causes of PMDD
The cause of PMDD has not been discovered, but observations have shown that the usual menstrual cycle can connect with neurotransmitters and serotonin to cause the mood and physical symptoms associated with PMDD.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Currently, there are no reliable methods for testing PMDD in patients. Healthcare experts can depend only on analyzing a patient’s medical history and separating symptoms caused by a thyroid disorder, chronic fatigue disorder, lupus, and mood and anxiety disorders from PMDD symptoms. These disorders have similar symptoms and can be mistaken for PMDD.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Women who suffer from mild PMDD can get treated by eating foods high in carbohydrate, low salt and caffeine content, and getting enough exercise and reduced stress. If the dietary treatment is ineffective, mineral supplements can be administered to patients, including over-the-counter medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs are potent in minimizing physical symptoms. The only problem with this kind of treatment is that the emotional symptoms are left untreated. In such cases, drug therapy is recommended to arrest psychological symptoms associated with PMDD. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are not responsive to non-medical treatments can use SSRIs such as fluoxetine for the treatment of extreme physical and mood symptoms.
Overcoming Stigma
Women face many challenges in the face of diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual issues. People naturally attach a stigma to women in menstruation due to the nature of the symptoms. Women find it difficult to get the needed encouragement to seek medical attention when they see any abnormal changes or early signs of PMDD. They are made to believe this as usual and accept their condition as a usual effect of the menstruation period.
Some women do not see the need for treatment. Taking a decision to visit a hospital and undergoing diagnosis are viewed as a sign of weakness in a woman who is expected to accept what nature has given her. On the other hand, most doctors do not have the knowledge and skill to diagnose the symptoms of PMDD. They sometimes conclude that it is a characteristic of being a woman and has no effective method of treatment.
These are the primary reason why women suffer in silence; they don’t understand the need to get help for their situations. The symptoms of PMDD can be so severe that if you don’t get help, you may be affected psychologically.
This is why it’s essential the society understands the importance of taking care of women suffering severe PMDD symptoms and help them pass through this challenging stage of their lives.
