Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Wellness

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Hi guys, so this was a pitch i sent in to Huffpost Wellness and while it waits in their mail, i thought why not post it on here for others to see. Now this is a topic that is so dear to my heart and if you enjoyed the read i’d more than appreciate a feedback.

For so long, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) has been swept under the rug and hasn’t been spoken about enough to the point that not enough people (myself including until recently) know about its existence. I wrote this article to enlighten people but without an engaging medium, it is more or less a waste. That’s why I’m pitching this; because more women need to understand the sudden impulse to gorge their eyes out, the pressing urge to kill themselves or even the need to burst in screams at their bosses or co-workers the week before their periods is nothing but the fault of misaligned hormones. 
I pose as the best person to write this article. Being a 2nd year medical student and a part-time writer, I want nothing more than to enlighten people about the dangers of this condition with what most might describe as the most delivering choice of words.
Finally, I could not have chosen a better word for this article than ‘timely’. With the emergence and Mental Health Advocacy, it is paramount to let women know that theirs matter and allow them voice out their experiences for others to learn.
And finally, the pitch;

Before I begin, I can already hint at what you are thinking; Isn’t this some unnecessary distension of PMS? Well, no it is not.

PMDD is a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) that is associated with marked deterioration in (mostly emotional and psychological) functioning pointing out to premenstrual distress. Regarded as an endocrine (hormone-related) disorder, it causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every week or even two before the beginning of your menstrual cycle.

According to mind.org.uk, it occurs during the luteal stage of your menstrual cycle, which is the time between your ovulation and when your period starts. This luteal phase although varying in Individuals lasts about two weeks for most people. This 2-weeks luteal period is when PMDD is most likely to be experienced, either everyday of the two weeks or just days within it. A lot of people people who are able to have periods experience some mild symptoms of PMS. If you have PMDD these symptoms are much worse and can have a serious impact on your life. PMDD mostly affects 5% of women of child-bearing age.

Womenshealth.gov says; Researchers do not know for sure what causes PMDD or PMS. Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle may play a role. A brain chemical called serotonin may also play a role in PMDD. Serotonin levels change throughout the menstrual cycle. Some women may be more sensitive to these changes. Experiencing PMDD can make it difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships, and some worst case scenarios of PMDD result in damaging relationships or have explosive episodes. In some extreme instances, it has led to severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts and/or attempts.

A recent thread on Twitter brought it to many’s attention of the existence of PMDD. A few women were kind enough to share their experience with PMDD;

One said; “Girl I get a stronger urge to KMS before and after my period but tbh I feel like doing it all the time sigh.”

While another shared; “Girl I quit my job one time and started my period the very next day. Another time I shaved my head bald and started my period 4 hours later.”

“PMDD is so real and 30% of women who have it attempt/do end their lives. It’s heartbreaking.” Another acknowledged.

Some symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are listed below and please note that these symptoms vary for different people, and other symptoms may be experienced which may not be listed here.

• Lasting irritability or anger that may affect other people.

• Feelings of sadness or despair, or even thoughts of suicide. (PMDD or not, IF this happens, please if you’re experiencing suicidal feelings and are worried you may act on them, you can call 999, go straight to A&E or call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 to talk.)

• Feelings of tension or anxiety.

• Panic attacks.

• Mood swings or crying often.

• Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships.

• Trouble thinking or focusing.

• Tiredness or low energy.

• Feeling out of control.

Some physical symptoms include;

• Breast tenderness or swelling.

• Pain in your muscles and joints.

• Headaches.

• Feeling bloated.

• Changes in your appetite, such as overeating or having specific food cravings.

• Sleep problems.

• Food cravings or binge eating.

• Tiredness or low energy.

Since PMDD is linked to your menstrual cycle, you will likely not experience symptoms if you are pregnant. You may find that the symptoms return once you begin ovulating again though. Says Mind.org.uk

For a proper Diagnosis on PMDD, please consult a doctor if you have noticed these symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about your health history and do a physical examination. You will need to keep a calendar or diary of your symptoms to help your doctor diagnose PMDD. When you’re asked to keep a record of your symptoms over several months, getting a diagnosis can feel like a very slow process. This can be frustrating if you’re having to wait a long time to get treatment. But you have to take steps to keeping tabs in your periods in order to get an efficient diagnosis from your doctor. You must have five or more PMDD symptoms, including one mood-related symptom, to be diagnosed with PMDD.

How can PMDSS be treated?

Womenshealth.gov says;

Treatments for PMDD include:

• Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs change serotonin levels in the brain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three SSRIs to treat PMDD:4

• Sertraline

• Fluoxetine

• Paroxetine HCI

• Birth control pills. The FDA has approved a birth control pill containing drospirenone (droh-SPIR-uh-nohn) and ethinyl estradiol (ETH-uh-nil es-truh-DEYE-ohl), to treat PMDD.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers may help relieve physical symptoms, such as cramps, joint pain, headaches, backaches, and breast tenderness. These include:

• Ibuprofen

• Naproxen

• Aspirin

• Stress management, such as relaxation techniques and spending time on activities you enjoy

• Making healthy changes, such as eating a healthy combination of foods across the food groups, cutting back on salty and sugary foods, and getting more physical activity, may also help relieve some PMDD symptoms.

In all this, remember that your health is a priority and adequate steps should taken to achieve good health. Remember ladies, you cannot enjoy the abundance of wealth if you’re not in good health.

Don’t forget to check out my other posts.

Tags:

1 Comment

  • Oh wow. Thanks a lot Z. I learnt something from this. Keep it up.

Comments are closed.