What is PMDD? Do I have a Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

What is PMDD? Do I have a Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

 

Understanding PMDD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Welcome to the intheflow blog! 🤗

We're dedicated to raising awareness about menstrual health, providing sustainable period solutions, and supporting our community in managing their cycles with care and knowledge. 🧠

Today, we’re diving into an important topic that affects many people: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). 🧐

What is PMDD? 🤔

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterised by intense emotional and physical symptoms that can disrupt daily life. While PMS is common, affecting up to 75% of menstruating individuals, PMDD is less prevalent, impacting about 3-8%.

Recognising the Symptoms

PMDD symptoms typically arise in the luteal phase 🌙 of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation and before menstruation) and can be debilitating. They include:

Emotional Symptoms:

  • Severe Mood Swings: Intense and often unpredictable changes in mood.  🥵🥶
  • Irritability or Anger: Heightened feelings of frustration or short-temperedness. 😠
  • Depressed Mood: Profound feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. 🥺
  • Anxiety or Tension: Overwhelming feelings of worry or unease.  😫
  • Feeling Overwhelmed: Sensations of being unable to cope or manage. 😓
  • Crying Spells: Frequent or uncontrollable crying. 😢
  • Sensitivity to Rejection: Extreme emotional response to perceived criticism or rejection. 😔

As and where you can, try and make time for some self care. 🛁  Please make sure you are looking after yourself, and don't let anyone play down your symptoms or tell you "it's just a period". Our neuro-spicy 🧠🌶️ friends may find managing their periods a little harder than our neurotypical friends. These symptoms may also be linked to ADHD. We will follow up on this with another blog a little later on. 👀

Physical Symptoms:

  • Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or lack of energy. 🥱
  • Sleep Issues: Insomnia or sleeping too much. 💤
  • Appetite Changes: Food cravings or overeating. 🍪
  • Physical Discomfort: Bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, or muscle/joint pain. 🫶🏽
  • Concentration Difficulties: Trouble focusing or thinking clearly. 🙃

Getting a Diagnosis For PMDD

Diagnosing PMDD involves a careful evaluation by a healthcare provider, often requiring:

✅ Flo 

✅ Natural Cycles 

✅ Clue 

✅ Luna

 

  • Meeting Criteria: According to the DSM-5, at least five symptoms must be present in the week before menstruation and improve shortly after it begins.
  • Excluding Other Disorders: Ensuring symptoms are not due to other conditions like major depressive disorders, ADHD or anxiety disorders.

 

Effective Treatment Options For PMDD

Managing PMDD often requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy:

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can alleviate both emotional and physical symptoms, how ever that looks and feels and what ever works for you.
  • Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports overall well-being.
  • Adequate Sleep: Prioritising restful sleep to manage fatigue and mood swings.
  • Stress Management: Techniques like journaling, mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress.

Medications:

  • Antidepressants: SSRIs such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine can be effective.
  • NSAIDs: For pain relief from physical symptoms like headaches or cramps.
  • Diuretics: To manage bloating and water retention.

Therapy:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps in managing emotional symptoms and developing coping strategies.
  • Counseling: Provides support and guidance for dealing with PMDD’s impact on daily life.

Additional Information and Resources

Understanding and managing PMDD is essential for improving quality of life. Here are some resources and support options:

  • Support Groups: Online and local groups offer community and support for those with PMDD.
  • Educational Materials: Books, websites, and brochures can provide valuable information.
  • Healthcare Providers: Gynecologists, psychiatrists, and primary care doctors can offer diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

Find comfortable period care that's best for you

At intheflow, we believe in empowering our community with sustainable and health-conscious period products. Menstrual cups are an excellent alternative to traditional menstrual products, providing a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option. Not only do they reduce waste, but they also offer a comfortable and reliable solution for managing your period. Reusable pads and absorbent underwear are also great, can be very comfortable, but are also, more expensive and not as accessible to some. 

Advice from intheflow

If you suspect you have PMDD, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, you’re not alone, and with the right support and resources, you can manage PMDD effectively.

Stay informed, take care of your menstrual health, and consider all options to manage your symptoms in a way that feels best for you. Consider making the swap to a sustainable period product with intheflow. Your well-being and the planet will thank you.

You know your body more than anyone else. If something doesn't feel right, don't let any one tell you it's normal. Get a second opinion, or use the resources and information to have a deeper understanding of your symptoms to learn how to manage them. Your wellness and care is our top priority.

Thank you for being part of our community. For more information on menstrual health and sustainable period solutions, explore our blog and check out our range of menstrual cups at InTheFlow.


Here are some PMDD FAQ’s for you. These might answer more of your questions, or help you understand your symptoms a little more. 

As always, we love to hear from you. Connect with us across our socials, drop us a message, or come see us in Brighton! 

#HappyFlowing

Much love

intheflow HQ




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