Severe PMS – Not A Minor Matter

As miserable as the symptoms of PMS can be, only a small percentage of women actually have the more serious form, also known as PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The estimates vary from about 5%-10%.

The primary distinction between the two forms is the severity and duration of the symptoms, which typically begin to appear in the later half of the menstrual cycle, in the week or two before your period actually starts.

One of the first steps in helping determine which form you have, and how best to treat it, is to keep a daily log for at least a few months. Make notes each day of the presence or absence of symptoms and their severity, as well as the beginning and end of your period.

Such a log can reveal information about cycle disruptions that tests may not show, especially when it comes to tracking hormone disorders.

Frequently, the hormonal changes associated with extreme PMS result in symptoms that make coping with daily life quite difficult and these are even more distressing than physical pain. Major mood swings and prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, abnormal eating or sleeping patterns, fatigue and extreme emotional volatility, and especially depression, are not part of run-of-the-mill premenstrual blahs.

This is especially true if symptoms prevent normal activity, disrupt daily functioning or threaten relationships. Don’t be surprised or dismayed if your doctor asks questions regarding your mental and emotional health as well. In order to treat all the various aspects of severe PMS, it is important to evaluate the type and amount of disruption being caused and proper treatment needs to address all of your symptoms properly.

In addition to any medical treatments you may need, it is also wise to control as many of the contributing factors as you can. If you know that eating a regular, healthy diet becomes difficult during these episodes, be sure you have healthy snacks and wholesome, easy to prepare meals planned, or prepared in advance, and available for times when you feel you cannot cook.

Make an effort to practice good sleep hygiene or set aside time to relax with a quick shower or relaxing soak in the tub shortly before bed and you may be surprised at your extra level of symptom relief and relaxation when you lie down. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to coping with severe PMS.

You need all the help you can get to ease really bad PMS symptoms, so consider all possible treatments, including dietary supplements, lifestyle changes, natural remedies, medical treatments and tried and true mood elevators and stress reducers like gentle massage, pleasant music or just a chat with a good friend. Does your daily PMS log show any of these?

If not, you may be neglecting your own well being and, as the airline saying goes, “In an emergency, put on your own oxygen mask first. You can’t help others if you are unconscious.” So caring for yourself first is sometimes the best way to care for those who depend on you.

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