A deeper look at premenstrual disorders
An estimated 3 out of 4 of women in the United States struggle with significant PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. Approximately 3% of women in their childbearing years suffer with a more serious premenstrual disorder called PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Our San Antonio women’s healthcare team understands the frustration and distress that can accompany these conditions, and we are here to assist our patients by offering support and providing optimal treatment.
Understanding menstruation basics
When a young woman hits puberty, she begins having monthly periods. These cycles enable your body to prepare for pregnancy. An egg develops and is released from an ovary for fertilization. When conception doesn’t happen, your uterus sheds the thickened lining it prepared to support pregnancy development. Monthly periods usually last for five to seven days and generally occur every 28 to 32 days.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome is a term used to describe the unpleasant symptoms that some women experience during the week before their periods. Often, our patients complain about moodiness, irritability, cravings, bloating, cramps, fatigue and headaches. For most women, these issues disappear once they start their cycles.
How is PMDD different than PMS?
While many women deal with some level of PMS, PMDD is a less common but more severe premenstrual disorder. PMDD is physically, emotionally and psychologically draining for the women living with this condition. Sufferers of PMDD often struggle with debilitating symptoms and have trouble functioning in their daily lives during this time.
Talk with one of our San Antonio women’s healthcare team members if you are experience any of the following issues.
- Noticeable changes in appetite
- Disruption in sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating or completing routine tasks
- Intense mood swings
- Conflict in your personal or professional relationships
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Lingering feelings of depression
- Critical self-thoughts
- Extreme lethargy or lack of energy
Premenstrual exacerbation (PME) is another premenstrual disorder that happens to women who have an underlying health issue, including depression, ADHD, migraines or other problems. With PME, issues tend to worsen during the premenstrual part of a cycle.
Diagnosing and treating premenstrual disorders
For accurate diagnosis, your doctor may suggest keeping a journal of your premenstrual symptoms. With PMDD, patients usually have five or more of the symptoms we described in the preceding section over a specific timeframe. Additionally, women living with PMDD find that it causes extensive distress in many facets of their lives.
Your doctor will partner with you to determine the best course of action to address any diagnosed disorders, which may include medications such as anti-depressants or birth control pills, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, regular exercise and sessions with a trained therapist.
You don’t have to suffer alone. We can help you address premenstrual disorders and take control of your life. Contact our office to make an appointment.
