Premenstrual Dysphroic Disorder

It happens every month, as you become a version of yourself that you have come to dislike. You feel broken, disconnected from joy and love, and isolated. You feel tense…so tense. Like your body could explode. Frustration, irritability, uncontrollable mood swings, deep sadness to deep rage, and anxiety. These all come flooding towards you at once. Of course, it is the people you love most that get the worst of it. And then, you get a burst of guilt and shame around your inability to control your emotions, and how you treated your loved ones EVERY DARN MONTH!

 Defining Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

What Is PMDD?

So, PMDD is kind of like PMS but on a much grander scale. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a health problem that is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, PMDD is much more of a significant disturbance of mood and emotion that often has a damaging impact on your life and relationships. PMDD feels like PMS on steroids! It looks similar and shares similar traits; however, PMDD having hidden villainous qualities that can cripple the life of the women suffering from it.

It’s classified as a psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Let it be known, if you’re suffering from PMDD — you are NOT crazy! Don’t let anyone treat you like you are, either! I believe, based on research, that PMDD is a symptom of something else underlying it. it's a physiological imbalance that impacts your mood and mental health), but it does have an impact on your emotional health due to the severe symptoms. The DSM is a helpful diagnostic tool to guid us in the right direction for investigation based on your symptoms.

Psychological Symptoms Like:

• Depression

• Hopelessness

• Feelings of low self-worth

• Tearfulness

• Anger (especially extreme bursts of anger that feel uncontrollable)

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Fearfulness

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Lack of interest in usual joyful activities

• Suicidal thoughts

Physiological Symptoms Like:

• Insomnia

• Extreme fatigue and sleepiness

• Food cravings (that often result in binge eating)

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches or migraines

• General lack of energy

• Joint pain

• Weight gain

• Trouble concentrating

• Cramps

• Bloating

Treatments for PMDD

Most conventional doctors will prescribe a psychotropic medication such as an antidepressant or birth control pills to manage the symptoms, which can trigger a host of other issues later on. I am not anti-medication, but I do believe a woman should have an accurate, informed consent to make her own choice before proceeding with any medication. I believe women should first be encouraged to find and treat the underlying cause(s) of their presenting symptoms, only utilizing medications when absolutely necessary.

I always start with educating and informing you about the gut/ digestive function/ nutrient absorption. We can't optimize hormone and neurotransmitter health without balanced blood sugar, supporting the hormones, and supporting the brain neurotransmitters. Food and your digestive function are where I start, and make referrals where necessary. AND - we also have to address the stress and trauma, as it can cause havoc on your gut health, hormones, and immune system. That's where therapy comes in. It's all for root cause healing.

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