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May is <\/em><\/em>Mental Health Awareness Month<\/em><\/em><\/a> and <\/em><\/em>National Women\u2019s Health Month<\/em><\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Mood swings. Bloating. Breast tenderness. The terrible trilogy can only mean one thing: Winter \u2014 sorry, your period \u2014 is coming.<\/p>\n About 3 out of 4 people who menstruate experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)<\/a> up to two weeks before their period actually starts. (Sidenote: If the math is mathing, that means women have around seven days a month <\/em><\/em>that are PMS<\/a> or Aunt Flo free. Just a reminder that women are amazing.)<\/p>\n PMS is common, but for some women, the emotional and physical symptoms are so extreme they seriously impact the ability to function. This severe version of PMS is actually a mood disorder called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).<\/p>\n Read: 7 PMS Tips from the Pros >><\/em><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a chronic condition that causes intense emotional and physical symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period and end a few days into your cycle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The physical and emotional symptoms of PMDD are extreme \u2014 so severe that they affect the ability to function at home, work and in personal relationships.<\/p>\n PMDD symptoms can include: <\/p>\n Research is ongoing as to what causes PMDD, but it may have something to do with the drop in hormone levels that happen after ovulation.<\/p>\n Serotonin \u2014 a natural brain chemical that regulates mood \u2014 may also play a role. Serotonin levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and some people may be more sensitive to the changes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n PMDD is like PMS on steroids. Here\u2019s the difference: PMS symptoms are typically mild to moderate and don\u2019t usually stop you from doing everyday activities. PMDD causes intense mental and physical changes that impact your everyday life and the way you interact with others.<\/p>\n PMDD is a medical condition that should be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare provider. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n PMDD affects about 5 out of 100 people who menstruate.<\/p>\n You may be at risk for PMDD if you:<\/p>\n PMDD is defined by having five or more symptoms, including one that\u2019s mood-related.<\/p>\n In addition to going over your health history and a physical exam, a healthcare provider (HCP) will usually ask you to track your symptoms in a journal or diary for a period of time before making a diagnosis. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n There are several medications and lifestyle changes that can help manage the wide range of symptoms associated with PMDD.<\/p>\n PMDD treatments can include:<\/p>\n Cutting down on sugar, salt, caffeine and alcohol may also help decrease some symptoms of PMDD.<\/p>\n Read: Why Hormonal Birth Control Is So Important to Women\u2019s Healthcare >><\/em><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n For many people with PMDD, symptoms get worse over time and last until menopause<\/a>. So, it\u2019s important to talk to your HCP if you think you may have PMDD. There are treatment options that can help.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat is PMDD?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nPMDD symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nWhat causes PMDD?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nPMDD vs. PMS<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nRisk factors for PMDD<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nHow do you get a diagnosis of PMDD?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nPMDD treatments<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nPMDD is a chronic condition<\/strong><\/h3>\n