The premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe type of PMS and this is a condition that can be well treated with the help of lifestyle changes and some medicaments. Between 20-40 percent of women experience moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome. 3-8 percent of women are likely to experience severe condition and this prevents them from performing normal activities. 

The difference between PMDD and PMS is that the symptoms in women having PMDD are severe. PMDD include the symptoms that are set of physical and psychological symptoms that affect the daily life of an individual. 

Some facts of PMDD

Below mentioned are the facts of PMDD that one need to know

• The symptoms of PMDD can interrupt your daily activities and they do require medical treatment. 
• PMDD is severe as compared to PMS and is diagnosed in a few women as compared to PMS.
• The symptoms of PMDD are usually experienced during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
• The symptoms of PMDD last until menopause.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PMDD are similar to the PMS, but it is only an advanced version of it. These symptoms have occurred a week before you have menstrual periods. Below mentioned are a few symptoms that are common as well as rare:

1. Severe fatigue
2. Mood changes such as depression, anxiety, and nervousness
3. Difficulty concentrating
4. Crying and emotional sensitivity
5. Abdominal bloating, gastrointestinal issues, stomach upset and increased appetite
6. Headache
7. Backache
8. Hot flashes
9. Fainting
10. Dizziness
11. Sleeplessness
12. Vision changes and eye complaint
13. Respiratory complaints
14. Painful menses
15. Decreased libido
16. Heightened sensitivity

Causes

The exact reason for PMS and PMDD is not known. Some studies conclude that PMS and PMDD are just a response of the brain to the abdominal fluctuation of hormones during the menstrual periods. Sometimes, this leads to a deficiency in the neurotransmitter serotonin. 

Diagnosis

The symptoms of PMDD are similar to the other conditions and hence there is a certain test that can rule out the conditions and can help you seek medical help. If you wish to seek a diagnosis for PMDD then you need to know the important things:

• The symptoms must occur before a week of having a menstrual cycle.
• Resolving of the symptoms after the start or within few weeks of the menstrual periods
• Interfere with normal daily activities

If a woman wishes to have a diagnosis for PMDD then at least five symptoms should occur and should include at least one from the below mentioned:

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Feeling tension or anxiety
• Mood changes or sensitive to a few things
• Feeling irritate or anger
• Other symptoms of PMDD include
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Feeling overwhelmed or lack of control on senses
• Sleeping problem or having insomnia

Some of the physical symptoms of PMDD that can be experienced include breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, weight gain, and headaches.

Treatment

There are two types of treatment that can help you deal with PMDD. Those treatments either can have an effect on your ovulation and some on the central nervous system. 

The treatment can only be given to the patient once they visit the health care provider. 

Medicaments are the best option that can help women to deal with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 

Alternative remedies

Some of the alternative remedies that can help patients with PMS and PMDD include:

• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Guided imagery
• Saffron therapy
• Qi therapy

However, as per the researches, there is a requirement for more research to confirm the effectiveness of these treatments. 

Diet and exercise

Dietary changes include:

• Increasing the intake of protein and intake of complex carbohydrates
• Decreasing the intake of salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine

These disorders are nothing to worry about but you must once consult your health care provider.

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