Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is often described as a more severe form of PMS, however there is a little more to it than that. Unlike PMS PMDD contains a dysphoric effect, resulting in intense emotional distress and unease.
This distinction is really important because while PMS might cause mild irritability or sadness, PMDD involves clinical level mood symptoms, similar in intensity to those seen in depression or anxiety.
For many, symptoms can appear suddenly and feel overwhelming. This often leads to significant emotional distress and functional impairment for one to two weeks before the period begins. Many women describe their symptoms as feeling uncontrollable or out of character, with around 5–8% of women experiencing these severe life disrupting symptoms.
PMDD can vary in symptom presentation. General characteristics are seen to be hormone related mood disorders. Hormone sensitivities to changes within the menstrual cycle directly affect brain chemicals, like serotonin. This can trigger a change in moods, resulting in an array of accompanying symptoms. This is why when treating PMDD hormones and nervous system health are equally important!
Common symptoms may include:
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Irritability or anger that feels hard to control
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Sudden and/or intense moods swings
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Anxiety and/or a feeling of feeling constantly on edge
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Feeling out of control or overwhelmed
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Deep sadness/hopelessness
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Loss of interest in usual activities
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Increased sensitivity
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Difficulty concentrating
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Fatigue/exhaustion
PMDD can feel exhausting and emotionally debilitating. Many women describe feeling terrible for weeks at a time, only to experience a brief return to themselves before the cycle repeats.
You are not alone in this experience. Managing PMDD often requires a team based approach, and as naturopaths we are here to help you understand your body, support your hormones and nervous system, and find the right path toward balance and relief.
