Understanding Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a somatopsychic illness triggered by changing levels of sex steroids that accompany an ovulatory menstrual cycle. It occurs about 1 week before the onset of menses and is characterized by irritability,emotional lability, headache, anxiety, and depression. Somatic symptoms include edema, weight gain, breast pain, syncope, and paresthesias.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Menstrual edema
- Premenstrual edema
- Premenstrual swelling

Signs & symptoms

A woman’s menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days.Ovulation, the period when an egg is released from the ovaries, occurs on day 14 of the cycle. Menstruation, or bleeding, occurs on day 28 of the cycle. PMS symptoms can begin around day 14 and last until seven days after the start of menstruation.
The symptoms are usually mild or moderate. The severity can vary by individual and by month.

The symptoms of PMS may include:
-abdominal bloating
-abdominal pain
-sore breasts
-acne
-food cravings, especially for sweets
- constipation/diarrhea
-headaches
-sensitivity to light or sound
-fatigue
-irritability
-changes in sleep patterns
-anxiety
-depression
-sadness
-emotional outbursts

Diagnosis

There are no unique physical findings or lab tests to positively diagnose premenstrual syndrome. Your doctor may attribute a particular symptom to PMS if it's part of your predictable premenstrual pattern.
To help establish a premenstrual pattern, your doctor may have you record your signs and symptoms on a calendar or in a diary for at least two menstrual cycles. Note the day that you first notice PMS symptoms, as well as the day they disappear. Also be sure to mark the days your period starts and ends.

Treatment

For many women, lifestyle changes can help relieve PMS symptoms. But depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications for premenstrual syndrome.
The success of medications in relieving symptoms varies among women. Commonly prescribed medications for premenstrual syndrome include: Antidepressants, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Diuretics and Hormonal contraceptives.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital