PMS Depression Is A Serious Concern
PMS depression is a serious medical condition affecting many American women. In the past, women were made to feel as though it was "all in their heads" or that they were just using their menstrual period as an "excuse" to behave unconventionally. Yet, in recent years, the medical symptoms have been discovered. In 2005, a study conducted by Cornell University and Rockefeller University in New York analyzed the brain activity patterns of women during different menstrual phases. The women were asked to read words with strong negative, neutral or positive connotations. Researchers found that during the 1 to 5 days prior to their period, they showed much greater activity in the frontal brain regions that help control emotions when they were reading positive and negative words. Post-menstrual, this brain activity disappeared.
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. There are many treatment options for this condition, whether it be PMDD or depression.
The emotional and behavioral symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a severe form of PMS depression) are so similar to clinical depression that it was classified as a "depressive disorder" until 1994. That year, an advisory panel determined that PMDD was actually a menstrual disorder directly associated with fluctuating chemicals in the body at a set point during the menstrual cycle only. On the other hand, clinical depression was a pervasive medical condition that can lasts for weeks on end and inhibits a person's ability to perform daily tasks at work, during leisure time or in social settings.
Sometimes treating PMS depression is as simple as making a few lifestyle changes. Women might limit their caffeine, alcohol, salt and sugar intake and increase their vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Supplements like calcium, magnesium and B6 can add a mood boost too. They can take yoga or cardio classes and read self-help books on empowerment and improving their moods. Others prefer to take medications to deal with their severe PMDD symptoms. Paxil, Prozac or Zyprexa work by balancing the body's natural hormones and regulating when serotonin (the "happy" chemical) is made and used up. Birth control pills like Yaz or Estrostep FE have also proven effective at combating monthly mood fluctuations.
Related topics about PMS Depression
What Is PMS?
What is PMS but an imbalance of your body's hormones and chemicals? As you know, diet contributes significantly to how we think, act and feel. Doctors recommend limiting salt, as sodium contributes to water retention, bloating and weight gain. To keep your blood sugar levels (and moods) stable, you should eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and limit your sugar intake.
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.
Understanding The Symptoms Of PMS
There are more than 200 symptoms related to PMS, which range in severity from person to person and from month to month. Physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are commonly associated with the very act of menstruating. For instance, most women report that they feel "bloated," have tender breasts and suffer from frequent headaches.