What are the ways to overcome premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 48-year-old woman who has been dealing with emotionally and physically exhausting symptoms in the days before my menstrual cycle. I learned about premenstrual dysphoric disorder after doing some research. I'd like to know more details regarding this illness. Would you kindly explain what PMDD is, what symptoms are normal, and how it varies from ordinary premenstrual symptoms? Are there particular hormone fluctuations or risk factors linked to PMDD, particularly in my age range? What choices are there for managing or lessening the effects of PMDD, both with the use of medicines and lifestyle treatments?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Most women worldwide experience menopausal symptoms during the menopause transition, or postmenopause. Vasomotor symptoms are most pronounced during the first four to seven years but can persist for more than a decade, and genitourinary symptoms tend to be progressive. Although the hallmark symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, and genitourinary discomfort, other common symptoms and conditions are mood fluctuations, cognitive changes, low sexual desire, bone loss, an increase in abdominal fat, and adverse changes in metabolic health. These symptoms and signs can occur in any combination or sequence, and the link to menopause may even be elusive. Estrogen-based hormonal therapies are the most effective treatments for many of the symptoms and, in the absence of contraindications to treatment, have a generally favorable benefit-risk ratio for women below the age of 60 and within 10 years of the onset of menopause. Non-hormonal treatment options are also available. Although a symptom-driven treatment approach with individualized decision-making can improve health and quality of life for midlife women, menopausal symptoms remain substantially undertreated by healthcare providers.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.