- Tina Pascual
- Apr 22, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 19, 2021
Women with Severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) may be victims of being quoted as witch, evil, villain, eccentric, neurotic, psycho, etc. simply because they are misunderstood. Some may flippantly think that they are just being hormonal. But really, they’re fighting a battle within themselves which often leads to failed relationships, ruined career life and low self-esteem.
Many women, suffer Severe PMS in silence for fear of being judged or mocked. Often, they left undiagnosed, under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed.
Severe PMS or PMDD is a hormonal imbalance experienced by women during their childbearing age - but most likely:
- between the age of 30-50,
- had more than 1 child,
- had given birth recently,
- had a miscarriage,
- had several pregnancies in speedy sequence
- It also seem to run in family.
This hormonal imbalance impacts the rest of the body including appetite and mood. According to Scott Isaacs’ book, Hormonal Balance, PMS has been known to affect 4 out of 10 women.
To understand ourselves and Severe PMS or PMDD better, here is some facts below:
Duration
Onset is weeks or 5-11 days before monthly menstrual cycle starts and ends shortly after or few days after the period begins.
Causes
No definitive cause/unknown but studies shows a connection with hormonal changes related to menstrual cycle which causes decrease in levels of serotonin.
Symptoms
- Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships
- Fatigue or low energy
- Depression, sadness, hopelessness, possibly thought of suicide
- Out of control feeling
- Change in appetite, food craving (especially chocolates and sweets) or binge eating
- Dramatic shift of moods with bouts of crying
- Panic attacks, tension, anxiety
- Irritability or anger that affects other people
- Bloating, weight gain, hot flashes, joint or muscle pain
- Breast tenderness, spotty skin or acne
- Headaches or problems sleeping
- Nausea, vomiting
- Trouble concentrating
- Symptoms may be very bad that it affects life at home and work.
Nevertheless, with all of these negative symptoms, it aren’t all bad. Some women claimed they become more creative and productive.
Basically, Severe PMS or PMDD is the same as PMS, only that Severe PMS or PMDD is more debilitatingly intense and that it interferes with daily activities.
Tests
Nothing can diagnose but keeping a diary or calendar to record episodes, symptoms and its time frame can be helpful in tracking.
Diagnosis
Severe PMS or PMDD is confirmed if at least 8 of the symptoms listed above is evident. And if they start 7 to 10 days before the onset of menstruation then symptoms goes away shortly after bleeding starts
It can take up to 5 years to verify if it’s Severe PMS.
Treatment
- Healthy lifestyle: changes in diet, regular exercise
- Antidepressant may be helpful specifically, SSRI (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Hormone Therapy such as birth control pills and progesterone supplements
- Stress Management
- Relaxation Therapy: yoga, meditation, reflexology
- Vitamin supplements (vitamin B, C, E, calcium, magnesium, zinc)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
MY PERSONAL NOTES:
*Satisfy cravings of sugary foods by eating a little bit combining a large portion of healthy food.
*Aim for 6-8 cups of healthy fluids.
*Try to exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
*Get plenty of sleep
*Do Not Smoke
*Foods rich in Vitamin B helps reduce moodiness, irritability and carbohydrate cravings. (Examples of these are spinach, pistachio, almonds, beans, tomatoes, fish and cereals). Also, remember to consume essential fatty acids.
*Other natural treatment includes, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology.
*Self-Help like keeping a journal to keeping an eye of the symptoms and getting to know of my body is also helpful.
*Taking care of your liver is also desirable to assist it in eliminating old hormones.
”the only cure for PMS is menopause” - Donnica Moore, M.D.
As a sufferer of Severe PMS myself, I suggest that talking it out is a good step to ease unrelieved symptoms especially if it interferes with daily activities. Voicing it over to a trusted family, friends or health/medical provider withdraw anxiety, give holistic support and enable proper management.
Conclusively, it is still best to seek medical advice and guidance. Most importantly if symptoms is accompanied with there is a suicidal thoughts.
SOURCES:
2. webmd.com
3. Hormonal Balance, 3rd Edition by Scott Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, pages 203-207.
4. The Natural Health Bible for Women: The Complete Guide for Women of All Ages by Marilyn Glenville, pages 93-97.
RELATED TOPIC:
