Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

The premenstrual dysphoric disorder is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but more intense. This disorder is present among 10% of women experiencing menstruation. Along with causing physical problems like bloating and headaches, it also causes depression, anxiety and mood changes.

It is essential for women to be aware of PMDD symptoms, causes, and treatment so that they know when to get medical aid.

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What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

PMDD is a severe extension of PMS. Just like premenstrual syndrome, this also occurs a week or two before the period begins and has several symptoms. Although these symptoms vary from person to person, they all create discomfort in your daily life.

What Are the Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

As already mentioned, PMDD symptoms are quite similar to that of PMS. This disorder comes with several psychological, gastrointestinal, neurological and vascular symptoms. In most cases, these symptoms go away two to three days after your period.

Some common symptoms of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder are:

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Abdominal cramps
Bloating
Nausea
Constipation
Backache
Vomiting
Heaviness in the Pelvic region

Psychological Symptoms

Irritability
Nervousness
Agitation
Anger
Insomnia
Problems in concentrating
Fatigue
Anxiety
Confusion
Forgetfulness
Emotional sensitivity
Mood swings

Fluid Retention

Temporary weight gain
Tender breasts and pain
Swelling of ankles, hands and feet
Less urination

Neurologic and Vascular Symptoms

Dizziness
Fainting
Headache
Numbness and increased sensitivity of arms and legs
Easy bruising
Palpitation
Muscle spasms

Skin Problems

Acne
Skin inflammation
Aggravation of previous skin disorders

Other

Allergies
Painful menstruation
Appetite changes
Food cravings
Hot flashes
Lesser sex drive

What Are the Causes of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

The main underlying cause for the premenstrual dysphoric disorder is not known. However, doctors suspect that it results from the hormonal changes during menstruation.

Changes in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle cause serotonin deficiency. This component is found naturally in the brain and intestines. Its job is to narrow blood vessels that cause mood swings along with physical and psychological symptoms.

What Are the Risk Factors of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Although most women go through PMDD, some are more susceptible to its risk factors. This can happen due to stress, genetics, chronic medical conditions or a combination.

Stress: Studies show that women with this disorder also have a history of severe stress, childhood trauma, physical or emotional abuse, etc. Stressful events that occur on a daily basis can also trigger this disorder. Although this correlation between severe stress and premenstrual dysphoric disorder is still under research, there are certain possibilities.
Inflammation: Some believe systemic inflammation is also a trigger factor for PMDD. In addition, some research states women with more symptoms of this disorder have an increased inflammatory response during the luteal phase. However, researchers are yet to decipher the link between this disorder and inflammation.
Genetics: Women with a family history of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder are at risk of developing this disorder. According to the National Institute of Health, women with this disorder can change the gene complexes that control their response towards oestrogen and progesterone.
Mood Disorder: Around 50% of women diagnosed with this disorder also have a history of anxiety disorder. Thus, it is clear that a family history of mood disorder is another significant risk factor for developing this condition.
Smoking: A study conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology concludes cigarette smoking has a relationship with PMS and PMDD. In the research process, 3000 women between the ages of 27-44 who used to smoke were tracked for ten years. It was to prove they are more likely to develop PMS than those who do not smoke.

How to Diagnose Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

A healthcare professional would start with a medical background check to diagnose premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Then, after evaluating the symptoms, they may ask for a physical or pelvic exam. Besides, they would also ask to track your symptoms for at least two cycles.

Since there is an involvement of psychological symptoms, your doctor may also evaluate your mental health concerns.

How to Treat Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

The treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD is discussed below:

Managing stress by trying relaxation techniques
Dietary changes, like increasing protein and carbohydrate intake
Taking birth control
Using painkillers to relieve cramps, headaches, and other symptoms
Consuming vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplement
Regular exercising
Consuming anti-inflammatory medicines
Taking prescribed antidepressants like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

When to See a Doctor?

Since the symptoms of PMS are similar to this condition, it is essential to identify when these worsen, as you need immediate medical assistance. The following signs indicate when you should call for a doctor.

Having extreme panic attacks
Feeling like losing control
Suicidal thoughts
Rage
Thoughts of harming others

How to Manage and Prevent Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

PMDD treatment includes both pharmacological and natural remedies. Therefore, physicians may come up with different treatment processes depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Many trust home remedies and lifestyle changes to manage and prevent this disorder. Although these may not directly work on the root cause of this problem, they can alleviate specific symptoms.

For example:

Herbal remedies like chaste berries can relieve breast pain
St. John’s-wort is commonly used as a mood stabiliser to help reduce emotional outbursts
Ginkgo Biloba helps in reducing fatigue, insomnia, and bloating
Getting REM sleep is another crucial factor that manages stress, and hormone levels
Avoiding foods with excess salt or sugar can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a serious health condition requiring medical assistance. If its symptoms are not addressed on time, it can adversely affect your daily lifestyle and relationships. So, whenever you experience severe symptoms, consult a professional and get proper medications. On the other hand, you must not ignore the condition as it can lead to worse side effects.

FAQs About Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

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What are the complications of PMDD?

If PMDD is left untreated, it can cause depression and even suicide in some cases. In addition, this disorder can leave marks of extreme emotional distress. In any instance, if you have suicidal thoughts, seek help.

What is the outlook for people with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

The symptoms of PMDD are treatable to an extent where one experiences potential improvement in symptoms. Also, you can join support groups or talk to a psychologist to improve your mental health conditions.