One Woman's Battle With PMDD Symptoms
An estimated 40% of women who seek treatment for PMDD symptoms actually find out they have an underlying mood disorder. Sometimes mood disorders, such as depression, bipolar or anxiety become exacerbated by the changing hormonal balance during this time of the month. To distinguish PMDD from other mood disorders, doctors usually ask their patients to chart their mood symptoms throughout the month. Another way to measure is to know if this woman felt this way while she was pregnant or if she has already gone through menopause. PMDD comes exclusively to women of childbearing age and only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This article will detail the journey of a woman seeking a diagnosis for her erratic moods.
The woman visits her doctor and discusses what she feels are symptoms of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). She explains the physical symptoms of feeling bloated, exhaustion, headaches, breast pain and cramps. She also talks about her erratic behavior, like crying for no reason, angrily shouting at her loved ones, binge eating in the night and her excessive sleeping during the day. She tells the doctor she's been feeling like she's worthless, unattractive and unlovable. She normally loves riding her bike, painting, going out for coffee with friends -- but not this week. The doctor confirms that these are, indeed, PMDD symptoms and asks her to keep a diary of her moods for a few consecutive months.
Next the doctor must rule out other conditions that appear similar to PMDD. He may ask the woman about her family history of depression as he assesses her P.M.S. diary to see that her symptoms only appear the week before her menstrual period. He may also ask about her eating habits to rule out binging, anorexia or other eating disorders. He may ask her to give a small blood sample to see if she tests positive for thyroid disorders, which also cause women to have insomnia and anxiety. To be considered PMDD, doctors usually look to see that the emotional outbursts truly disrupt a woman's life, making it difficult for her to get through the days prior to menstruation.
To treat the woman's symptoms, the doctor may prescribe mood stabilizing drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac/Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft). However, it was recently discovered that nearly half the patients taking Zoloft saw their PMDD symptoms return within six to eight months of stopping their medication. These medications work by preventing the reuptake of seratonin -- the "happy" chemical in the body -- and enabling women to experience more natural joy. Some women find that taking oral contraceptives like Yaz or Estrostep FE also diminishes their symptoms, while also lessening menstrual cramping, as well as the length and duration of their periods.
Related topics about PMDD Symptoms
PMS Depression Is A Serious Concern
The relationship between depression and PMS is complex, researchers feel, because the changing hormones during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may trigger underlying mood disorders or may simply be the mood disorder. Because of this uncertainty and the stigmas associated with depression, many women feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with a doctor. However, if a patient is experiencing loss of motivation, loss of appetite, insomnia, excessive sleeping, extreme nervousness, a disinterest in daily activities or feelings of worthlessness, then it's important to see a doctor.
Managing YOur PMS Symptoms
The prognosis for women who suffer from PMS symptoms is pretty good if treated by making conscientious lifestyle modifications or taking a hormone-balancing medication. Many women who originally went to their doctors for PMS relief found that they actually had a more pervasive form of depression. In that case, it is especially important to seek treatment.
PMS Remedies And Treatment Options
Treatment for PMS may also consist of herbal supplements. In Germany, St. John's wort is used as an antidepressant.