For many women, the days or weeks leading up to their period can bring on mild physical and emotional symptoms, known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). However, for some, these symptoms are so severe that they disrupt daily life, damage relationships, and cause significant distress. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe, disabling form of PMS. These are not just "bad moods" or something a woman should have to "put up with." They are real, treatable medical conditions. At Ray Of Hope, we take women's mental health seriously and offer expert care to manage these challenging cyclical symptoms.
Understanding PMS and PMDD
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A collection of emotional, behavioural, and physical symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe mood disorder that affects a smaller percentage of women. Its symptoms, particularly the emotional and behavioural ones, are debilitating and can include severe depression, anxiety, and irritability that significantly impact functioning.
Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause is not fully understood, but it's believed to be an abnormal reaction to normal hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal Changes: Normal cyclical changes in estrogen and progesterone appear to trigger symptoms in vulnerable women.
- Serotonin Levels: These hormonal shifts can affect levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
- Stress and Trauma: High levels of stress can worsen symptoms.
- Genetics: A family history of PMS or PMDD may increase your risk.
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Severe PMS and PMDD While PMS involves milder versions of these, PMDD is diagnosed when at least five of the following symptoms (including at least one mood-related symptom) are present in the week before the period and improve within a few days after the period starts.
- Severe Emotional & Behavioural Symptoms:
- Intense depression, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm
- Severe anxiety, tension, or feeling "on edge"
- Extreme mood swings, crying spells, and increased sensitivity to rejection
- Marked anger, irritability, and increased conflict with others
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Changes in appetite, food cravings, or binge eating
- Sleep problems (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Physical symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint pain
Paths to Relief: Treatment and Management Treatment for severe PMS and PMDD aims to minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Regular aerobic exercise, stress management techniques (like yoga and meditation), and dietary changes can be very effective.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help women develop coping strategies for the emotional and behavioural symptoms.
- Medication:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These antidepressants are a highly effective, first-line treatment for PMDD. They can be taken daily or just during the premenstrual phase.
- Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills may be used to regulate hormone fluctuations.
How We Can Help at Ray Of Hope (Asha Ra Kiran) Our psychiatric team in Bhubaneswar understands the profound impact that PMDD and severe PMS can have on a woman's life. We offer a validating and effective approach to care.
- Accurate Diagnosis: We help distinguish between typical PMS and the more severe PMDD through careful symptom tracking and evaluation.
- Personalized Psychiatric Care: We develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms and needs.
- Expert Medication Management: Our psychiatrists are experienced in prescribing SSRIs and other medications for PMDD, ensuring you get the most effective treatment.
- Supportive Counseling: We provide a space to discuss the challenges of living with a cyclical mood disorder and develop effective coping skills.
You deserve to feel in control of your emotional health all month long. Contact Ray Of Hope in Bhubaneswar to schedule a confidential appointment and explore effective treatment options.
