The hormonal shift that occurs during the menstrual cycle can leave women and menstruating people feeling flummoxed. Healthy Women notes that “150 physical and behavioral symptoms” can be experienced throughout the menstruation cycle.
Healthline details that some typical symptoms include cramps, breakouts, fatigue, bloating, and mood swings. Depending on the menstruator, any number of symptoms can happen about one to two weeks before the bleeding — usually the final days of the luteal phase.
For many menstruators, the normalization of pain and mood swings can lead to a resigned acceptance of these symptoms. However, understanding that these symptoms can be indicative of a more severe condition like PMDD can bring a sense of relief and hope. It’s a step towards managing these symptoms and improving overall well-being.
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Symptoms of PMDD can include mood swings and fatigue, among others, and can affect anyone with a history of PMS
Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that premenstrual dysphoric disorder is “a severe and chronic health condition.” There is no known cause for PMDD, but it is suggested that a serotonin deficiency could contribute.
The organization adds that while anyone can develop PMDD, certain groups of people can be at an increased risk of it. Johns Hopkins Medicine articulates that people whose families have a history of PMS or PMDD are at a higher risk. Another group would be those who have a family history of depression, mood disorders, or post-partum depression.
Dr. Franziska H, DO, FACOG, discusses PMDD in a reel and how the diagnosis falls under the DSM-5 criteria. PsychDB breaks down the specific criteria needed for a diagnosis, specifying a combination of “Criterion B” and “Criterion C” symptoms. There must be at least five symptoms, one from the first and four from the second section.
Under “Criterion B,” the menstruator needs to showcase at least one of the following symptoms:
- High emotional reactivity: pronounced changes in mood, unexpected tearfulness, or an increased vulnerability to rejection
- Heightened levels of anger and irritability that lead to increased tension with people around you
- A noticeable low mood that showcases signs of depression along with a deep sense of hopelessness and harsh self-talk
- Pronounced signs of anxiety and tension that leave the menstruator feeling constantly on edge
Under “Criterion C,” the menstruator needs to showcase at least one of the following symptoms:
- Pronounced loss of interest in favored activities that affect work performance, participating in hobbies, seeing friends and family, or school attendance
- Reported trouble with focus and concentration
- Consistent lack of energy that impacts daily activities and tasks
- Significant fluctuations in appetite and eating patterns (e.g., overeating, hyperfocused cravings)
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- A deep sense of not being in control or overwhelmed
- Somatic symptoms that include bloating, weight gain, muscle or joint pain/aching/swelling, or breast tenderness/swelling
PMDD is a chronic, long-term condition that can be remedied through a varied approach, but there is no cure for it
Comments to Dr. Franziska’s reel had women sharing how birth control has helped them manage their symptoms.
One Instagram user said, “Now, imagine having an irregular period so you never know when your period is coming so when you’re having these symptoms you have no idea why you hate yourself and everyone else, sleep all the time, don’t want to eat anything and are super depressed.”
“Thank God for the gyn I saw when I was 21 who recognized this as PMDD and got me on Yaz. It has literally been a life saver,” they continued.
Another added, “My hormonal birth control helped my PMDD 👏🏼.”
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Someone else shared, “Well I literally have all those, but I’m on BC. No periods for me, but I do feel that a few times a month I am miserable.”
In addition to birth control, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that there are other ways to help manage symptoms. Consistent exercise and ways to manage overall stress are among them, like meditation.
The organization also adds that a change in diet would help. Menstruators can increase protein and carbohydrate intake while decreasing salt, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. Supplements like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B-6 were also suggested.
Anti-inflammatory medicine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors were also recommended as possible options.
Like any other medical condition, seeking a professional diagnosis and care is crucial. This step empowers menstruators to take control of their health and ensures they receive the most effective treatment for PMDD.
