Can Vitamin Supplements Treat Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, occurs when women experience a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome. About three to eight percent of women in their childbearing years suffer from the condition, which causes depression, mood swings, and anxiety, according to Massachusetts General Hospital. Some women with the condition also report painful periods, long periods, and significant bloating. If you suffer from this disorder, you're likely looking for a treatment option. Can vitamin supplements be used to treat PMDD? Here's what all women suffering from this condition should know.

Evidence Shows Vitamin Supplements May Help

Research has found a link between some vitamin supplements and an improvement in premenstrual symptoms. Calcium has been found to reduce premenstrual symptoms by 48 percent, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Patients are recommended to take between 1,200 and 1,600 mg of calcium a day. Although the research on Vitamin B6 is more limited, it is believed that taking 100mg a day can help reduce premenstrual symptoms, according to the AAFP.

Consider Other Treatment Options to Reduce PMDD Symptoms

Although vitamin supplementation may help relieve your premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms, it's ideal to take other treatment options into consideration. Zoloft, Paxil CR, and Sarafem are three antidepressants which are FDA-approved for women with PMDD, according to WebMD. Antidepressants may be used continuously or only during the week prior to menstruation and the week of menstruation to reduce premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms, according to WebMD.

Oral contraceptives are also commonly recommended to women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Yaz is the only birth control pill which is FDA-approved to treat PMDD, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. That being said, many doctors do recommend extended-cycle birth control pills, such as Seasonale and Seasonique, to women who suffer from this condition. Extended-cycle birth control pills allow women to only menstruate once every three months.

Vitamin supplements such as calcium and Vitamin B6 may provide some relief to women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Antidepressants and birth control pills can both be ideal treatment options for women with PMDD. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about the mood swings, depression, and other symptoms that you experience before and during menstruation. If your doctor does not know how you are feeling, he or she will be unable to diagnose make a proper diagnosis or recommend the best treatment options.

Sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians
Massachusetts General Hospital
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
WebMD