Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Overview of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is more disruptive to your life than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can feel like severe PMS. Signs and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder include:

• Extreme mood swings
• Crying attacks, especially in response to things that do not usually stimulate tears
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Sadness
• Possible suicidal thoughts
• Fatigue
• Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Irritability and anger
• Difficulty sleeping
• Food cravings
• Bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain

Often, a woman’s friends, family, and co-workers also notice the PMDD symptoms.

Causes of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

No one knows what exactly causes premenstrual dysphoric disorder, but our team of professionals can offer effective treatments for PMDD relief. Because this condition is associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle, experts believe that changes in hormone levels play a role. However, it is unclear why some women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder and others do not.