Back to Previous Page

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

(PMDD)

Definition

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) occurs just prior to menstruation and is characterized by significant:
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Tension
PMDD is much more severe and less common than PMS .

Causes

The exact cause is not known.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of PMDD include:
  • Having hormonal changes
  • Having a family history of PMDD
  • Experiencing a lot of stress or a traumatic life event
  • Having depression or another mental health condition
Microscopic View of Hormone Receptor
molecule and receptor
Menstruation causes many hormonal changes, which may play a role in PMDD.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Extreme sadness
  • Frequent crying
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Unusually strong cravings for certain foods
  • Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
  • Insomnia
  • Panic attacks
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Physical symptoms (eg, sore breasts, headaches, joint or muscle pain, swelling, bloating)
Symptoms typically begin 10-14 days prior to the start of menstruation.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose PMDD based on your symptoms. You may be asked to keep a record of when your symptoms occur and how severe they are.
Your doctor may also order:
  • Blood tests
  • Tests to check hormone levels

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Lifestyle Changes

These steps can help manage symptoms of PMDD:
  • Exercise throughout the week.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
  • Learn stress management techniques.
  • Improve your sleep habits.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend:
  • Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs])
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Nutritional supplements

Prevention

To reduce your chance of PMDD, take these steps:
  • Get plenty of exercise and rest.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Manage stress.

RESOURCES

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org/

Women's Health.gov http://www.womenshealth.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index%5Fe.html/

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sogc.org/index%5Fe.asp

References

PMS and PMDD. Mass General Hospital Center for Women's Health website. Available at: http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/ . Accessed August 14, 2012.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Family Doctor.org website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder.html . Updated August 2010. Accessed August 14, 2012.

Premenstrual syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated June 14, 2012. Accessed August 14, 2012.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Andrea Chisholm
  • Review Date: 09/2012 -
  • Update Date: 00/91/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.