More painful than PMS, discover PMDD
Depressive state, irritability, unexplained desire, mood swings, our hormonal cycle and the fluctuating hormones throughout this cycle, and especially just before our periods, can make us feel really… weird!
While everything is going well in our life, we suddenly don't want to do anything anymore. We can no longer concentrate on our work, we have dark thoughts and we cry very easily. Fortunately this state does not last! A handful of hours to a few days, you have certainly been there, you have experienced a SPM.
At Louloucupstyles, women's mental health interests us. Let's tackle a more serious form of PMS, the TDPM. Behind this acronym hides premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a psychiatric illness.
Who is affected by PMDD? How does PMDD manifest itself? What are the solutions to relieve PMDD? premenstrual dysphoric disorder ?
🌸 Menstrual cycle, luteal phase and PMS
During the period ou hormonal cycle of the woman, to the luteal phase (last phase of the cycle between ovulation and menstruation), PMS or premenstrual syndrome. We have already discussed this together, the SPM is a set of psychological and physical symptoms that menstruating women may experience before their period starts.
More or less important, diverse and very variable, PMS can be translated by a "simple" migraine or be a cocktail of moods that are quite negative and difficult to bear (anxiety, apathy, discouragement, irritability, etc.)
The list of PMS symptoms is very long. Health professionals list more than 150 symptoms in total. The range is therefore wide.
Symptoms include:
- physical (breast pain, joint pain, headaches, abdominal cramps, nausea, acne, cravings, hot flashes, digestive disorders, etc.)
- that are psychological (stress, anger, depression, easy tears, hypersensitivity, mood swings, unexplained lack of self-confidence, insomnia, low libido, lack of concentration, etc.)
These symptoms do not manifest themselves in the same way from one cycle to another, which makes diagnosis even more complex.
🌸 TDPM, definition
Le TDPM, on the other hand, can be presented as a tenfold PMS. While PMS is not easy to bear and live with, the TDPM is completely disabling and paralyzes the day of the woman who has to endure it, to suffer it.
Le premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a psychiatric and chronic illness that prevents a woman from going about her day normally, she cannot do her job or carry out everyday tasks and activities. TDPM therefore has a heavy impact on a woman's daily life (her professional, family, romantic and social life) and her general mood.
PMDD is a version of PMS with more severe, intense, and disabling psychological and psychiatric symptoms.
Le TDPM is therefore very different from PMS. It has nothing to do with it. It is also different from PCOS, menstrual disorders more classic or even moreendometriosis.
🌸 What are the main symptoms of PMDD?
Certain symptoms emerge when we talk about PMDD:
- anxiety;
- a marked depressive mood, the person is overwhelmed by dark and negative thoughts (depressive disorders);
- a feeling of anger and a very irritable mood;
- and emotional lability (unstable, sudden, disproportionate moods).
But also :
- a lack of interest in things/activities normally enjoyed;
- sleep disorders (insomnia or hypersomnia) which do nothing to help…
- the state of lethargy and general fatigue;
- appetite disorders;
- concentration problems.
🌸 How is TDPM translated?
As you will have understood, PMDD appears in the luteal phase and is therefore closely linked to hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone).
PMDD makes a woman feel fulfilled and happy, irritable, anxious and depressed just before her period. The woman suffering from this pathology no longer recognizes herself and has the impression of losing control of herself. PMDD is therefore a source of severe mental distress.
PMDD occurs just after ovulation and disappears with the arrival of a new period. It can therefore last several days (from 1 to 10 days). A woman may experience a premenstrual dysphoric disorder at any time in his life.
🌸 Who is affected by TDPM?
PMDD most often appears around the age of 30 to 35. This psychiatric illness affects between 2 and 8% of women of childbearing age between puberty and menopause.
🎀 What solutions can be used to relieve PMDD?
You were given a bunch of Tips for Coping with PMS like eating better, exercising, avoiding stress. What about PMDD? Are there specific treatments? Are there any tips and tricks to know to better experience the luteal phase if you are prone to PMDD?
🎀 PMDD is a recognized mental and gynecological illness
As this disorder is recognized as mental and gynecological illness, psychiatrists or Gynecologists are qualified to diagnose PMDD. You still need to find a competent gynecology or psychiatry professional who is well-versed in this pathology. Be aware that the diagnosis will be made if you notice and note symptoms during two menstrual cycles consecutive.
🎀 Treatments offered to relieve PMDD
There is no medication dedicated to treating PMDD yet. However, women with the condition can address the various symptoms they experience in several ways:
- with the taking of synthetic hormones or a contraceptive (especially to relieve psychological and mood disorders),
- with the taking ofAntidepressants,
- with cognitive and behavioral therapies (psychotherapy),
- through a more appropriate lifestyle (sport, calm, avoiding alcohol, coffee, etc.)
In addition to the gynecologist and the psychiatrist, the endocrinologist, the nutritionist, the psychologist but also the naturopath and the sophrologist can be of great help!
🎀 Get informed and don't stay alone
You think you are affected by the premenstrual dysphoric disorder ? You are not alone! Although this psychiatric pathology is still little known today, the way is gradually becoming clearer.
The TDPM France association can help you with its support groups, online resources and testimonials to better understand what is happening and to have the tools to better face this very difficult period of your menstrual cycle.
