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PMDD Causes

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affecting about 5 percent of menstruating women. PMDD is not simply a new name for PMS, a condition that affects 75 percent of menstruating women. Symptoms of PMDD usually occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle and end shortly after menstruation begins. There are a number of treatments available for PMDD, including hormonal treatment and treatment using selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI).

  1. Theories on Causes

    • The exact causes of PMDD are not well understood. PMDD is currently thought to be a hereditary condition that causes neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, to fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations. According to the American Psychiatric Association, it appears that some forms of PMDD are related to the portion of the menstrual cycle where progesterone is produced due to the surge in progesterone exciting the amygdala. Dr. Diana Dell of the Duke University Medical Center also suggests that PMDD has a dietary component, but nutritional deficiencies as a cause of PMDD are yet unproven.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms can include disturbing emotional or physical symptoms that can disrupt life, interfere with normal activities and adversely affect relationships. Specific symptoms can include feeling out of control, feeling overwhelmed, mood swings, depression, hopelessness, increase in anger, increase in interpersonal conflicts, lack of interest in common activities, problems with concentration, fatigue, change in appetite, sleep problems, bloating, tension, anxiety or irritability.

    Diagnosis

    • If you have any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor and mentions your suspicions about PMDD. Your doctor will rule out other psychological problems, such as panic disorder or depression, as causes of the symptoms and will take into consideration other potential causes.

    Natural Treatments

    • A number of natural treatments can be effective with PMDD. Many nutritionists recommend that women with PMDD limit intake of caffeine, sugar, alcohol and salt. In addition, adding calcium and vitamins B6 and E can help alleviate symptoms. Regular exercise has also been shown to help.

    Counseling

    • In some cases, a doctor may recommend counseling to help women suffering from PMDD to develop coping mechanisms. In other cases, yoga, meditation or natural therapies such as reflexology and relaxation can help.

    Hormonal Treatments

    • Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills that contain estrogen or progesterone, can sometimes be effective in treating PMDD. In certain extreme cases, ovulation can be surgically stopped to alleviate symptoms.

    SSRI Treatments

    • Certain anti-depressants have been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of PMDD. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved Sarafem, Paxil CR and Zoloft for the treatment of PMDD, other SSRI-based anti-depressants are often prescribed and often work well. Some doctors will ask women suffering from PMDD to take anti-depressants all the time; others will prescribe it for two week periods during the menstrual cycle.

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