Premenstrual Dysphoric Discorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). It causes mood-related and physical symptoms that can seriously disrupt the life and relationships of a woman. PMDD symptoms develop during the last half of each menstrual cycle, after ovulation, and then go away after the first few days of each menstrual period.

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PMDD symptoms are related to hormone changes experienced during the menstrual cycle. Emotional symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and sadness, irritability, anxiety, sensitivity, anger, feeling overwhelmed, and the need to withdraw from others. Physical and behavioral symptoms might include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, sleep difficulties, food cravings, binge eating, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, headaches, and muscle or joint pain.

 

Women who are diagnosed with PMDD are usually encouraged to use healthy lifestyle choices and take prescription drugs to manage the symptoms they suffer.