Do you experience severe symptoms during menstruation, and feel that these symptoms are so extreme that they affect your life? Are you afraid or ashamed of expressing it? You are not alone. Many of us feel this way.
Most women in our Eastern societies feel fear and shyness when talking about issues related to the menstrual cycle. This is because these communities consider it shameful or disgraceful to talk about this topic. But sometimes it might be necessary; particularly when menstruation is accompanied by physical and mental symptoms that may disrupt the woman’s life, work, and social relations.
The premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a condition where the symptoms experienced by a woman during the premenstrual cycle are very severe and serious. So severe that it disrupts her general performance at work and home, and might even develop suicidal tendencies. In this case, the woman is diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or what is known for short as PMDD.¹
75% of women who menstruate suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which includes physical and emotional symptoms.²
Physical symptoms may include heart palpitation, breast swelling and tenderness, fatigue and insomnia, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, in addition to skin problems. As for the emotional symptoms, they include bouts of depression, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, irritability and easily getting angry, and social withdrawal.
Most of these symptoms may greatly affect a woman’s life and make her miserable. These symptoms disappear during the first days of menstruation and are usually short-lived. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. As the previously mentioned symptoms are so severe that some women may have suicidal tendencies, and greatly affect social life and work.²
Premenstrual syndrome is usually diagnosed through a doctor’s evaluation. Doctors recommend that women keep a daily record of their symptoms so that they are aware of the physical and emotional symptoms they are experiencing. This helps the doctor to diagnose correctly by identifying the regular symptoms associated with the onset of menstruation. The diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder is made according to specific guidelines. Doctors cannot diagnose unless a woman records her symptoms during at least two menstrual cycles. These guidelines state that a woman should suffer from 5 symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, in addition to some symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.²
Doctors differentiate between PMS and PMDD through several factors, the most important of which is when the symptoms go away. If these symptoms disappear with the onset of menstruation, they are often caused by PMDD and PMS.²
Recently, it has been proven that some women with a history of postpartum depression or a family history of depression are more likely to develop PMDD. In addition, there is a relationship between low serotonin levels and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Serotonin plays an important role in regulating mood. Women who suffer from PMS symptoms are often more susceptible to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. But scientists still can’t pinpoint why some women develop PMDD or PMS. The matter needs more research and studies.³
In addition to the symptoms of PMS mentioned above, a woman must have one of the following symptoms in order to be diagnosed with PMDD. These are:
Mood swings, feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, self-conscious, and irritable or angry.
The symptoms must also include at least one of the following: Lack of energy, fatigue, and changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, decreased interest in usual activities, and sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping). These symptoms must be severe enough to disrupt daily activities and have occurred within the past 12 months for a diagnosis to be made.¹
When symptoms of PMDD start, they can be reduced or prevented through one of the following methods:
In all cases, it is preferable to consult a doctor before doing any of the previous treatments in order to discuss the available and most appropriate treatment methods.
In conclusion, you must take into account that what you may suffer from is normal and should not be concealed as if it is forbidden. In the event that the symptoms are hard to control, it is necessary to talk to your loved ones or friends and seek help from them, alongside seeking medical advice. And remember that we at the Uplifting Syrian Women initiative will always be by your side.
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References:
[1] MSD
[2] Nabta Health
[3] Cleveland Clinic
[4] Mayo Clinic