What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)? How can we help?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, otherwise known as severe PMS, is a serious cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder. This is a debilitating extension of PMS that can seriously affect your relationships, day to day activities.

What is PMDD?

PMDD is a severe negative reaction to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It’s not a hormone ‘imbalance’. Rather, it’s about how your brain and body response to certain hormones.

PMDD symptoms come on just after ovulation, usually in the week or 2 weeks before the period starts as hormone levels begin to change after ovulation. The symptoms of PMDD are gone by the week after the period. Some women with lived experience of PMDD describe it as a switch being flicked. The symptoms of PMDD come on very suddenly, and predictably, they are then gone just as quickly.

Who gets PMDD?

About 85% of women are affected with PMS but only in 40%, PMS  is bothersome. Women with PMS have mostly physical symptoms and some minor mood disturbances caused by the changing hormonal levels in the second half of the cycle. These symptoms can cause significant physical distress 5-10 days before menstrual period and are relieved within 4 days of onset of period.

However, 5-8% of women suffer from the severe form of PMS (PMDD).

What are the symptoms of PMDD?

To be diagnosed with PMDD you must have at least 5 out of 11 specific symptoms that occur during the week before menstruation and improve within a few days after onset of the period, for at least 2 menstrual cycles. These symptoms include:

• Mood swings
• Irritability and anger
• Anxiety and feelings of tension
• Depression and a lack of interest in daily activities and relationships
• Fatigue
• Suicidal thoughts
• Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, aching muscles and joints, bloating, headaches
• Feeling out of control
• Brain fog
• Food cravings or binge eating
• Lack of sleep or excess sleep

How do I know if I have PMDD? 

Track your symptoms: You should record how you are feeling everyday and record for at least 2 cycles using a period tracker app. to collect this information. If you have at least 5 of the above symptoms, you may have PMDD.

When Should I see the Specialist?

If you have PMDD or suspect you have symptoms of PMDD, speak to the GP for referral to us. It is important to discuss the issue of PMDD with our team especially if it disrupts your daily life. The good news is that there are many effective treatment options for both PMDD and PMS.

Here at Rockingham Women’s Health Centre, help is available to you. We can walk through treatment options to help resolve the issues and help your mind at ease.

Please contact Rockingham Women’s Health Centre on 0895918943 to book an appointment or www.rockinghamwomenshealth.com.au