PMS & PMDD Counseling & Treatment
PMS & PMDD Counseling & Treatment
PMS & PMDD Counseling & Treatment
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) are common conditions that involve a collection of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms related to a woman’s menstrual cycle.
There have been 150 separate symptoms identified with PMS and the exact symptoms (and their severity) vary from person to person and from month to month. Most women with PMS experience only a few of the problems. The length of time PMS remains depends on the individual woman, however, symptoms typically occur one to two weeks prior to menstruation. The most common symptoms are:
- Abdominal bloating & cramping
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability and moodiness or anger
- Depression & crying spells
- Stress & anxiety
- Headaches & backaches
- Sleep irregularity or insomnia
- Trouble concentrating
- Appetite changes & food cravings
- Breast tenderness and/or swelling of breasts
- Joint or muscle pain
- Social withdrawal
- Body temperature increase
- Acne
- Worsening of existing skin disorders, respiratory issues (e.g. allergies, infection), or eye problems (e.g. visual disturbances, conjunctivitis).
PMS is often expected by most women, and according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately 85% of women experience at least one of these symptoms prior to menstruation. Furthermore, one in 20 women can suffer from a severe form of PMS known as PMDD.
PMDD, also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a severe form of PMS that can and should be professionally treated. The symptoms are similar to PMS, but are amplified enough to interfere with relationships, work, and social activities. When the symptoms are severe enough that they are affecting the patient’s ability to function in everyday life, they are considered serious. PMDD is diagnosed by a physician when the patient experiences erratic behavior/mood swings, tension, fatigue, insomnia, anger, and lack of interest in usual activities a week before and after menstruation.
Treatment of PMS and PMDD includes a variety of solutions. These treatments may include diet changes, lifestyle changes, and other supportive means. Medical treatments are primarily concerned with hormonal intervention and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although the exact cause of PMS and PMDD isn’t known, the symptoms can be minimized by certain lifestyle changes such as regularly exercising, eating healthy foods, not smoking, getting plenty of sleep, medications (such as hormone-based birth control) or anti-depressants, and counseling. Contact your physician about treatment options if PMS or PMDD is impacting your daily life.
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers.
Back to top