Have you ever heard of the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD? Well, it appears that PMS has an evil twin in the guise of PMDD. You see about 10% of women who have menstruation can experience quite severe symptoms of menstruation that is triggered by this condition which can lead to reduced productivity levels at work, personal relationships, and social activities as these symptoms tend to appear before your menstruation starts. You may think that PMS-ing is already bad. Those who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder will tell you otherwise.

Common Symptoms of PMDD

Both PMDD and PMS usually have the following symptoms:

Breast tenderness

Joint pain

Mood swings

Panic Attacks

Irritability

Headaches

Bloating

Difficulty in focusing

Some women reported that they suffered from anxious thoughts and even difficulty in sleeping. Yes, PMS symptoms are already painful, but PMDD can be quite debilitating.

Diagnosing PMDD

How do doctors determine if you have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? Since the symptoms of this condition can be similar to other illnesses, differential diagnosis is conducted. Your medical history will be reviewed and you will also undergo physical examination, while blood tests will be ordered to rule out other medical conditions that are causing these symptoms to appear. Women are recommended to keep track of their menstrual period for doctors to monitor.

Treating PMDD

Patients who have been diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder may be given treatment to help alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition. Here are a few medications that can be prescribed to minimize the effects of PMDD.

Birth control pills

Doctors may prescribe oral contraceptive pill to help minimize the effects of PMS and to regulate your mood. Pills that have Drospirenone are often used in patients who are suffering from PMDD.

Ibuprofen

This medication is known to help alleviate inflammation in the body which can trigger headaches, tenderness of breast, and even cramping. To prevent your stomach from cramping up, it is best to take this with food.

Antidepressants

Depending on the severity of the symptoms of PMDD that you are experiencing, it is also possible that SSRI antidepressants are given for the luteal phase or the entire cycle. This is beneficial to patients who are experiencing distressing emotional problems before their menstruation sets in.

How to Take Care of Yourself with PMDD 

The good news with PMDD is that you can still live a good life with it by making a conscious effort in correcting your diet to help alleviate or reduce the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. You can take control of this condition with the right diet and medication. Here are more tips on how you can take care of yourself even when you have PMDD.

Take supplements

Some doctors will recommend that you take supplements to address the symptoms associated with this disorder. Supplements like vitamin B6 and magnesium to elevate your mood, Calcium to deal with your bloating as well as cramps, and Tryptophan to help you feel relaxed and calm.

Herbal remedies help

Aside from the usual supplements, herbal remedies can play a part too. Taking evening primrose oil three times a day during your luteal phase can help reduce breast tenderness, and other PMS symptoms. Chaste Tree Berry, on the other hand, should be taken once a day, to help reduce breast tenderness.

Healthier lifestyle

Changing your current lifestyle to a healthier one can actually help minimize the effects of PMDD. Try sleeping earlier to get the required 8 hours of sleep so your body will get the chance to rest and rejuvenate itself. Stay away from alcoholic beverages and smoking, and make sure that you exercise every day to help strengthen your body and to improve blood flow too.