What is PMDD?
Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS, and can affect anyone with a uterus. One to two weeks before your period starts hormone levels drop. This can cause symptoms such as increased irritability, trouble sleeping, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. As well as physical symptoms such as headaches, cramps, bloating, breast tenderness and joint and muscle pain. Relief from these symptoms typically comes 2 to 3 days after the onset of your period.
What this means
One week, or more, every four weeks is spent struggling with physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms that affect everything. These symptoms can impact relationships, work, how you move through life. But the good news is you are not alone, and thankfully there are treatments that can help.
How is PMDD diagnosed and treated?
It is really helpful to keep a calendar of your symptoms and your period for at least 2 cycles, this helps to make your cycle and symptoms more predictable for you. The calendar also helps your Doctor/Nurse Practitioner/Psychiatrist with diagnosis. IAPMD has a free symptom tracker here FREE IAPMD Premenstrual Disorders (PMDs) Symptom Tracker — International Association for Premenstrual Disorders Or of you prefer an app Flo Health is another tool https://flo.health/
If you wish to explore treatment with medication, your Doctor can then discuss options with you. A Naturopath can also advise of herbal remedies and other supplements. Lifestyle changes such as looking at nutrition and exercise can make a positive impact also.
Finally Counselling can be hugely beneficial in helping to manage the emotional and psychological symptoms of PMDD, by exploring your feelings around PMDD, and creating strategies and tools for coping. I am trained in CBT, DBT skills and Somatic Therapy which can be helpful in the treatment of PMDD.
CBT helps by identifying and challenging unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
DBT helps by providing skills and tools to regulate emotions and manage distress.
Somatic Therapy helps by regulating your nervous system, connecting you to your body, to better understand yourself and what you need.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you would like counselling support please contact me at fionaabramcounselling@gmail.com or review my website https://www.fionaabramcounselling.ca/ for more information and to book a free consult call.
Please see below websites for more information and resources:
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) | Johns Hopkins Medicine
What is PMDD? — International Association for Premenstrual Disorders
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)