“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects some women during the menstrual cycle. PMDD is a relatively rare condition and is estimated to affect around 3-8% of women of reproductive age.
Symptoms of PMDD typically occur during the week or two before menstruation and include emotional and physical symptoms such as:
PMDD can significantly affect a woman's quality of life and relationships. It is believed to be caused by changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, particularly a decrease in levels of the hormone serotonin.
Treatment for PMDD may include lifestyle changes such as exercise, stress management, and a healthy diet, as well as medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), hormonal contraceptives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you suspect you may have PMDD, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. Keeping a diary of symptoms can help your provider make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.