Does Your Period Come With An Exclamation Point? 4 Signs That Your PMS Might Actually Be PMDD

If you seem to fall apart right before you begin your period, but your typical PMS medication doesn't seem to be working, it might not be PMS at all. You may actually have something called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Some people who suffer from PMDD have called it PMS on steroids, and that's actually how it can feel. PMDD is actually a severe form of PMS, and causes heightened emotional and physical changes. In most cases, PMDD can't be controlled through the use of over-the-counter PMS medication.

Unfortunately, in its most severe form, PMDD can interfere with your life, and make it impossible for you to function properly for about the week leading up to the start of your period. Here are some changes you might experience if you suffer from PMDD. If you're experiencing any of these changes during your period, you should speak to your gynecologist as soon as possible. Help is available.

Depression

If you're suffering from PMDD, you may become depressed during the week leading up to your period. It's not uncommon to feel sad and overwhelmed. You might even find that you cry at the drop of a hat, and that you can't pull yourself out of the feelings of depression you're experiencing. Once you begin your period, the feelings of depression should begin to fade. Unfortunately, they'll return again next month.

Anxiety

In addition to the feelings of depression that often accompany PMDD, you may also experience episodes of great anxiety. You may even feel out of control, or severely agitated over the simplest things. If you find that you're getting into more arguments right around the time your period is due to start, or the simplest things are making you angry, it's time to talk to your gynecologist about PMDD.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another symptom that you may experience when you suffer from PMDD. You may find that you don't have enough energy to get through the day, no matter how early you go to bed. You may even find that you need to take several naps during the day, or that you're falling asleep when you shouldn't. PMDD can drain your energy, and make you want to sleep all day. If fatigue gets in your way right before your period, your gynecologist can help.

Mood Swings

If you're battling the full gauntlet of emotions right before your period begins, chances are good that you're suffering from PMDD. This is particularly true if your moods are swinging back and forth between two extremes, such as extreme happiness and extreme sadness. Don't let mood swings get in the way of your life. Ask your gynecologist about PMDD.

Work with doctors at clinics like Bee Ridge Obstetrics Gynecology to learn more.


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