Exploring the Differences Between PMS and PMDD

Although men folk in my life may strongly disagree , I don't feel I have had any great issues where PMS is concerned. It is interesting how and why some are more affected by others. The mood swings can be quite noticeable in some, while others suffer more from a physical aspect. Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause all kinds of problems, and there is also a link to the incidence of ongoing depression, although it is not yet clear why this occurs.

PMDD:

PMDD is a more severe form of PMS . Also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, it affects around 5% of women and will present similar symptoms, but in a much more severe manner. Psychotherapy, counseling and/or prescription medication are sometimes necessary when trying to cope with such a condition, and since there are so many other contributing factors to both PMS and PMDD, it is wise to assess one's life and what's going on otherwise in order to be able to diffuse these smaller nuggets of drama, before they become quite explosive when your body experiences hormonal changes. Some medications for other illness can also increase the chances or severity of both PMS and PMDD.

Symptoms:

PMMD can display many symptoms, not unlike PMS, although much more severe. These may include a feeling of extreme anxiousness, sadness or depression, disrupted sleep patterns; sleeping too long or not being able to sleep long enough and lack of appetite or overeating. Sleeping problems can also be seen as a warning sign that depression is present. Some who suffer from deep depression may need to be medicated to induce sleep, sleeping very heavily and not remembering dreams is common among depressed people.

This is a "flight" reaction where the mind withdraws into itself to protect it from mental harm. Serotonin re uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to aid depressive problems and help you to sleep. Some Herbal remedies have also found to be helpful in reducing both physical and emotion symptoms. A simple ibuprofen can assist with cramping and bloating when taken for one week before your menstruation occurs, and eating extra carbs and doing more physical exercise in the week prior to your menstrual cycle can also help with mood swings and physical discomfort. There are a variety of combinations of things you can do alone to help yourself. Have your Doctor refer you to a dietitian to tailor a dietary plan, it may very well make a world of difference for you.

Recent Studies:

A recent study conducted by Tamaki Matsumoto, PhD on autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions, suggests that women with PMDD have a lower or more fluctuating heart rate during the time of their menstrual cycle, leading them to believe that a connection does exist between a permanently depressed nervous system and the incidence of PMDD.

The ANS is the system which controls all of our involuntary functions such as breathing, heartbeat and our digestive processes.

If you're experiencing problems at this particular time of the month which become disruptive to your day to day functioning, it is wise to seek professional help. The stigma attached to such syndromes has long passed and becoming reclusive is not the answer. Among other things, these disorders are also to blame for many phobias and some eating disorders.

SOURCES:

Matsumoto, T. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, online open access journal. Tamaki Matsumoto, PhD, department of health sciences, International Buddhist University, Osaka, Japan. American Journal of Managed Care, 2005, vol 11(16 suppl).