Premenstrual disorders

I have recently become really interested to find out more about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The terms Premenstrual tension or Premenstrual stress (PMT/PMS) are widely known but sadly few women and their physicians know about PMDD.

PMDD is a cyclical mood disorder the manifests during the premenstrual, or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and easing within a few days of menstruation. It affects an estimated 5.5% of women of reproductive age.

While PMDD it is intimately connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not caused by hormone imbalance, rather it is an extreme reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone.

Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause.

The International Association for Premenstrual disorders has a terrific website offering training, peer support and a wealth of information for health professionals, patients and their carers:

https://iapmd.org/about-pmdd