What do you know about PMDD? Yes, it's a mouthful and it stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is the more severe form of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and like PMS, PMDD usually occurs the week before the onset of the menstrual cycle and it really affects women powerfully. In fact PMDD affect somewhere between 3 to 5 percent of menstruating women in the United States. Specialist Dr. Ann Dunnewold, author of Prenatal and Postpartum Survival Guide, Evolution in Treatment of Postpartum Emotional Disorders, The Motherhood Club and Even June Cleaver Would Forget the
Juice Box sheds light on the condition.
EmpowHer: Dr. Dunnewold, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Dunnewold: Thank you, glad to be here.
EmpowHer: So talk to me about PMDD. Is it relatively new to get on America’s radar or we just starting to see commercials about it?
Dr. Dunnewold: Well it has been around for a while in terms of an official diagnosis but definitely the awareness has increased because certain drugs have been approved for the treatments so then they can be advertised. So that is why as you said it is more on our radar.
EmpowHer: Is PMDD a way to explain simply a more severe case of PMS?
Dr. Dunnewold: Yeah, it feels like that for most women and they may have had PMS in their younger years and after they have a child or if they are in perimenopause both symptoms sort of flare up and becoming more intense and that would be the transition from PMS to PMDD.
More From Dr. Dunnewold Coming Soon!
Visit her on the web at:
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Hi there,
I came across your post because I am having a really hectic month with my PMS - I actually have the more severe version PMDD and have been prescribed an anti depressant by my gynaecologist. It was all much better on the medicine until I cut out dairy and meat 6 weeks ago and started consuming A LOT of soy. I started having soya milk in my tea (and I drink quite a few cups a day), in my cereal and then would have some form of soy as part of my dinner. I did not realise the correlation and the effects of the lectin in soy and how it can mess with your hormones if they are already rather sensitive. So, as of today I am going to try and cut the soya out because this is unbearable! It is the only thing that could have cause this drastic change. Please share your thoughts. Thank you.
I suspect it is due to the following which I came across:
Soy products contain estrogen-like compounds that your body processes much like its own estrogen. Intake of soy has varying effects on the women who consume it. Some find it helps their menstrual, infertility and menopausal conditions, while others find the opposite to be true. According to the American Cancer Society, soy's effects on the body need more rigorous study and until those studies provide definitive answers, it's best to be cautious about your soy intake. This is especially true of people with hormonally-sensitive menstrual cycle disorders, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or estrogen dominance. Increased estrogen, like that found in soy products, might effect your menstrual cycle in one or more of the following ways.
Suppressed Hormones
Women who ingest high levels of soy might find changes in their hormone cycles, as soy can suppress hormones associated with ovulation. Women who consumed 60 g of soy protein experienced decreases in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. These changes affected ovulation by suppressing egg production and maturation. These changes could equal decreased fertility for women who consume large amounts of soy. Still, the amount of soy in question is not a commonly consumed amount. It's equivalent to drinking 36 oz. of soy milk per day for a month, according to Baby Hopes. Further study needs to be conducted to determine the effects of average soy consumption on LH and FSH levels.
SOURCE: http://www.livestrong.com/article/106018-effects-soy-menstrual-cycle/
Would love to hear your thoughts / recommendations or any share experiences.
Thank you.
August 13, 2017 - 1:36amThis Comment
Great info, but what are the non-hormonal treatments for PMDD? I was put on a Loestrin - my husband & children are thrilled, as am I, HOWEVER...my blood pressure has gone way up since starting the pills. I'd rather not risk my health w/high blood pressure...but if the PMDD is left untreated, I worry about the health of my family! HELP!!! I need some options!
April 27, 2010 - 10:53pmThis Comment