PMS Symptoms and Now Extreme PMS or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMS - the Signs and Symptoms

PMS has been characterized by more than 150 symptoms. They range from anxiety, depression, mood swings to bloating and weight gain to acne. The symptoms vary from woman to woman and cycle to cycle. For some women, the symptoms may be mild or moderate, and for others, they may be so extreme as to be devastating. Common symptoms include the following:

• depression,
• sadness,
• anxiety,
• anger,
• irritability,
• mood swings
• decreased concentration,
• headache (e.g., menstrual migraine),
• breast tenderness,
• joint and muscle pain
• sleeplessness,
• sleeping for abnormally long periods of time,
• anorexia,
• food cravings,
• fatigue,
• lethargy,
• agitation,
• swings in sex drive,
• clumsiness,
• dizziness,
• vertigo,
• skin "crawling" sensation
• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• weight gain,
• reduced urination
• rapid heart beat,
• sweating,
• acne,
• oily skin,
• greasy or dry hair.

Extreme PMS is labeled Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Twenty percent to 50 percent of women between the ages of 30 to 40 with regular menstrual cycles experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) every month. In more severe cases, affecting 3 percent to 5 percent of menstruating women, this syndrome is labeled Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

PMDD Symptoms

Women with PMDD complain of irritability, anger, tension, marked depressed mood, and mood lability (crying spells for no reason, verbal outbursts, or tantrums) to such a severity quality of life is seriously compromised. In addition to these symptoms, some women complain of lethargy, sleep disturbance, limited concentration and a host of physical symptoms like breast tenderness, headaches, joint and muscle pain, bloating and weight gain. The primary symptoms that distinguish PMDD from other mood disorders or menstrual conditions is the onset and duration of PMDD symptoms. Symptoms appear during the week or so before menses and disappear within a few days after the onset of menses.

Causes of PMDD

Although the exact cause of PMDD is not known, several theories have been proposed. One theory states that women who experience PMDD may have abnormal reactions to normal hormone changes that occur with each menstrual cycle. This may include the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone levels that normally occur with menstruation causing a serotonin deficiency, in some women.

PMDD diagnosed -  Over the course of a year, during most menstrual cycles, five or more of the following symptoms must be present:

• Depressed mood
• Anger or irritability
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Moodiness
• Increased appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• Symptoms that disturb social, occupational, or physical functioning

The physical symptom list is identical for PMS and PMDD; while the emotional symptoms are similar, they are significantly more serious with PMDD. In PMDD, the criteria focus on the mood rather than the physical symptoms. With PMS, sadness or mild depression is not uncommon.

With PMDD, however, significant anxiety, depression and hopelessness may occur. In simplest terms, the difference between PMS and PMDD can be likened to the difference between a mild headache and a migraine.

Treatment for PMS depends on the severity of the symptoms. For mild cases, treatment recommendations include diet modifications, like high carbohydrate meals and reducing salt, caffeine and alcohol. A variety of methods for stress reduction and relaxation such as exercise, counseling and stress/behavior management strategies may also help. For severe PMDD, treatment is more aggressive and often requires antidepressants.

PMS PMDD