DO PERIODS TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE?

Some women experience crippling premenstrual symptoms every month, but there is help at hand

From abdominal cramps to mood swings, that “time of the month” can cause our bodies to experience lots of changes. And for some people, a more severe set of symptoms can emerge in the form of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

PMDD is a form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can make it harder for people to work, socialise and have healthy relationships.

“It is a condition that lies within the spectrum of premenstrual disorders and is defined by the recurrence of severe and at times debilitating depressive mood symptoms – such as mood changes, irritability, anxiety, apathy or depression – which occur around the time of your period,” explains Dr Tiffany Pham, OB-GYN and Medical Advisor at Flo Health (flo.health).

“These symptoms usually start before your period in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, and typically resolve after your period starts.”

One person who has been affected by PMDD is Vicky Pattison, who has been open about her experience over the years. In an Instagram post, the former Geordie Shore star explained how she spent “half the month lost” and that she felt “depressed, despondent and hopeless” prior to her diagnosis.

“PMDD is the most severe form of PMS and is characterised by significant mood symptoms. The feeling of anxiety and depression is more intense, and some women may even feel suicidal,” says Dr Claire Phipps, GP and advanced menopause specialist at London Gynaecology (london-gynaecology.​com).

“Milder forms are also described as PMS or PMT (premenstrual tension). Most women get some symptoms during the premenstrual two-week phase. Around 20-30% of women will get significant PMS symptoms and the prevalence of PMDD is estimated to be between 5-8% in menstruating women.”

With that in mind, here’s what you should know about PMDD…

1 CAUSES