What Are the Treatments for PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by intense psychological and physical symptoms that occur during the weeks leading up to the onset of menses (period). According to womensmentalhealth.org, the symptoms are so severe they interfere with the women's social, occupational and interpersonal functioning. Treatment can help to alleviate these symptoms as well as restore your level of functioning.

Medical Treatments

• Psychotropic medications are typically prescribed to treat behavioral and emotional symptoms of PMDD. Antidepressants are used to treat mood symptoms that cause impairment, such as depressed mood, irritability and tension. Antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil can be prescribed and result in minimal side effects, which make the drugs very tolerable among women with PMDD. Anxiety from PMDD can be treated with benzodiazepines, namely Xanax.

  Analgesics are pain relievers that can alleviate any pain from PMDD. According to depression-guide.com, analgesics are more often prescribed to treat dysmenorrheal (cramps that occur during menses).

  Hormonal therapy is used in women with severe cases of PMDD. Hormonal therapy works by suppressing the function of the ovaries, which ultimately rids the body of painful premenstrual symptoms and intense mood swings. Hormonal therapy does come with side effects that mimic menopause and increase the chance of developing osteoporosis. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is used to prevent ovulation in women that have not had relief from other types of PMDD medications. The other hormonal therapy option is using progesterone or estrogen to relieve PMDD symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

• Changes in eating habits can help in cases of mild PMDD. Add more carbohydrates and fruits into your diet and reduce the amount of salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol you consume. According to womensmentalhealth.com, taking 1200 mg of a calcium supplement daily can help to alleviate both physical and psychological symptoms of PMDD. Add more aerobic activity to your daily activities and ensure you are getting enough sleep.

Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy is a non-medicinal approach to PMDD. The most common form of therapy used is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to reshape your thought process to form positive behaviors and feelings. The counselor will work with you to enhance self-awareness, increase self-confidence, develop conflict resolution techniques and manage stress. Working with a counselor can also add an educational element; you will be able to understand your feelings and behavioral symptoms of PMDD and how they impact your daily functioning. Therapists can teach you relaxation techniques to help manage the irritability of PMDD.

Herbal Remedies

• Herbal remedies can be used to alleviate premenstrual symptoms to a small degree. Gingko biloba can alleviate breast tenderness and bloating from fluid retention. Chasteberry (agnus castus fruit extract) works to minimize irritability, headaches and anger.