Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that is believed to affect a large proportion of women who have normal cycles. It is often confused with the well-known premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is actually a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause a range of symptoms each month, during the week before your period.

When a woman experiences this condition, she suffers from intense physical and emotional complications directly related to her period. Many women who experience this complex condition find that it drastically disrupts their daily lives.

Symptoms Women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder often begin to experience symptoms as soon as they reach the day of ovulation each month. The week before the start of their period is often referred to as the most severe stage of the condition. There are many different symptoms that can be associated with this condition. The following represent some of the most common:

⇒ Many women experience a stage depression where they begin to feel a sense of hopelessness.

⇒ It is not at all unusual for a woman to experience moderate to severe stress accompanied by a high level of tension.

⇒ Many women experience sudden mood swingsFor example, a woman may become extremely sensitive, she may cry extremely easily even if there is no obvious cause.

⇒ Many women they lose all interest about the activities they often engage in. For example, they may have no interest in going to work or abstain from social activities.

⇒ Cognitive disorders, such as an inability to maintain concentration, may become apparent in women experiencing PMDD.

⇒ It is very common for women suffering from PMDD to find that they feel empty of energy and to feel severe fatigue.

⇒ Many women are starting to crave certain foods or they completely lose their appetite.

⇒ They may appear sleep disorders, such as inability to fall asleep or sleeping for long hours.

⇒ Many women realize that they feel completely overwhelmed or that the situation is out of control.

⇒ Most women who experience PMDD present with physical symptoms which are unpleasant. These include physical pain, headache, pain or tension, pain affecting the muscles, bloating, and even breast tenderness.

If you or someone you know seems to be suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), it is advisable to: seek medical help. There are various treatments that may prove beneficial. These include, among others, dietary modifications, physical exercise, counseling, and drug therapy.