4 Ways to Treat Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

1. Record Symptoms in a Diary

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which women experience severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It differs from PMS in that the symptoms can be debilitating and have serious effects on personal relationships. There is no medical test that can determine if you have PMDD, and diagnosis is usually made based on a medical history, physical exam and psychological evaluation. Tracking your symptoms in a diary is a very helpful way to identify your most problematic symptoms and show your doctor exactly what you are experiencing.

Like PMS, PMDD usually begins around the last week of your menstrual cycle and gets better after your period begins. During this time you should keep a daily journal of what type of symptoms you have, how they feel, when they begin and when they end. If you take any medication to treat your symptoms you should record that as well. Your doctor can use this information to work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.

2. Treat PMDD Symptoms

Common symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder include depression, anxiety, moodiness, apathy, fatigue, lack of concentration, appetite changes, sleeping problems, bloating, headaches and joint or muscle pain. Medical treatment for PMDD is mostly centered on addressing these symptoms as they come. You can use nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat the aches and pains of PMDD. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may suggest you begin taking NSAIDs prophylactically beginning a week before your period.

Mood disturbances from PMDD are often treated with antidepressants. These may be prescribed to be taken constantly or only during PMDD episodes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the preferred antidepressants for this purpose. In addition, diuretics are sometimes recommended to treat uncomfortable bloating.

3. Get on Birth Control

Because PMDD usually occurs predictably every month according to a woman's menstrual cycle, it's possible that preventing ovulation can be an effective treatment. Birth control pills and other forms of hormonal birth control prevent ovulation. While some studies have shown positive results in using hormonal birth control to treat PMS symptoms, the effect on PMDD is less known. Birth control pills that contain drospirenone, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin, are thought to have the most impact on PMS and PMDD symptoms. You and your doctor may need to experiment with different pills to find one that is helpful to you.

4. Make Lifestyle Changes

Making some changes to your lifestyle can lessen symptoms of PMDD. Exercising regularly and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can make a big difference. Changing your diet to limit caffeine and alcohol can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, including nutritional supplements like calcium, vitamin B6 and magnesium in your diet is also recommended.