PMDD

 “I hate myself! Why is it that every time my monthly arrives, I have this feeling of worthlessness? I hate the fact that just the other day, I was fine. I was laughing to my heart’s content and was having fun times with my kids. But there are always days when I cannot help myself and get angry at stuffs my kids make.  I hate it when I get angry at my kids, shout at them or even spank them but I cannot help myself. My kids are just being kids.  I end up crying and hating myself more to the point of wanting myself dead!”

Have you ever experienced a situation like the one stated above? Yes? Well, you are not alone. I am like you. You may have connected the feelings of helplessness and worthlessness to PMS (premenstrual syndrome) like I did but don’t you hate it when you know you must be doing better because your kids are counting on you? So what then?

First, what you are experiencing is not just PMS. True, you only feel this way during the days when your monthly arrives or days before it arrives. Twenty to fifty percent of women between the ages of 30 to 40 with regular menstrual cycles experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as a regular physiological occurrence every month. However, what you may be experiencing is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).  You are part of the three to five percent of menstruating women who is unfortunately being affected by this severe case of PMS.

So what is PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD is a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are linked closely to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle and end when menstruation begins or shortly thereafter.

Both PMDD and PMS share symptoms in common that include depression, anxiety, tension, irritability and moodiness. What sets PMDD apart is its severity. Women with PMDD find that it has a very upsetting effect on their lives as it already interferes with work, social activities, and relationships.

As with PMS, the exact cause of PMDD is not known. Most researchers, however, believe PMDD is brought about by the hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle. 

There are no laboratory tests that can diagnose PMDD, so measuring blood levels of estrogen or progesterone or anything else will not provide a diagnosis. The diagnosis of PMDD is based on the regular presence of certain clinical symptoms for part of each menstrual cycle. It is best to check with your doctor.

And like PMS, there are ways to ease the emotional and physical pain of having PMDD. Please read Treatment for PMDD