{"id":20696,"date":"2023-07-08T11:59:20","date_gmt":"2023-07-08T16:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20696"},"modified":"2023-09-08T12:12:28","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T17:12:28","slug":"a-guide-to-managing-and-treating-your-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/a-guide-to-managing-and-treating-your-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide To Managing and Treating Your Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a type of PMS that causes more severe physical and psychological symptoms. As with PMS, PMDD occurs prior to your menstruation cycle and resolves at the onset of the cycle. PMDD can have severe impacts on the quality of your life without medical intervention and careful management of daily symptoms. In fact, people who experience PMDD are at increased risk of hospitalization and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7979645\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">suicidality<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it is important to bear in mind that this condition can be successfully managed by developing an individualized treatment plan with your doctor and any relevant specialists.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PMDD vs. PMS<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts are not yet certain what causes PMS to escalate to PMDD. However, current theories suggest that underlying issues such as hormonal disruptions and various mental health conditions may be a contributing factor. Many potential symptoms of PMS and its more severe form, PMDD, overlap. PMDD is diagnosed based on the severity and persistence of symptoms, as well as the impacts on daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The impacts of PMDD on daily life<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, PMDD can have severe negative effects on your daily life. These will vary depending on the individual. However, they can include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various difficulties in the workplace;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strain on relationships;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of high quality sleep;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dissatisfaction with daily life;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inability to maintain interest in hobbies;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty finishing tasks;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Struggles with maintaining a healthy diet and exercise.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Challenges related to maintaining personal hygiene.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By treating underlying conditions and managing daily symptoms people with PMDD can significantly reduce short and long term negative impacts on your quality of life.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of PMDD<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The symptoms of PMDD can be far-ranging. In fact, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/premenstrual-dysphoria-disorder-its-biology-not-a-behavior-choice-2017053011768#:~:text=PMDD%3A%20More%20than%20PMS&amp;text=Unfortunately%2C%20women%20with%20PMDD%20are,incorrectly%20diagnosed%20with%20bipolar%20disorder.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">many PMDD sufferers go undiagnosed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to the range of potential symptoms and its concurrence with other hormonal and psychological issues. As such, if you are experiencing potential PMDD symptoms during premenstrual phases that are impacting your overall well being, it is important to address your concerns with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychological<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential psychological symptoms of PMDD can include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agitation;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disinterest in activities;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor self image;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panic attacks;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bouts of crying;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty focusing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food cravings;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty sleeping;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forgetfulness;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paranoia;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional sensitivity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling a lack of control;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal thoughts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The specific symptoms you experience and their severity may vary from cycle to cycle.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential physical symptoms of PMDD can include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal symptoms;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluid Retention;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory Problems;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye Problems;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin problems;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cramps;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloating;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joint pain;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle pain;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nerve pain;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numbness;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backache;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bruising;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart palpitations;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle spasms;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased coordination;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy bruising;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful periods;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appetite changes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot flashes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased sex drive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These symptoms, when left untreated can lead to long term health issues and a general decrease in quality of life.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk factors for PMDD<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many individual <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK532307\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">traits and personal circumstances that may increase your risk of PMDD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or exacerbate PMDD symptoms. These may include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Past traumatic events;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood disorders;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cigarette smoking;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genetics.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While the research regarding the connections between these risk factors and PMDD is in its early stages in many cases, the cause and effect relationships are continually being studied.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is PMDD diagnosed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to get diagnosed with PMDD, you should speak to your doctor. It may also be helpful to speak to various <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/procedure\/premenstrual-syndrome-pms-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-2302\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relevant specialists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as well, such as gynecologists, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychiatrists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">psychiatrists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychologists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">psychologists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can find and reach out to these specialties through a referral from your regular doctor or by using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online search tools<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As mentioned, PMDD can be difficult to diagnose, especially if it is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-difficulty-of-getting-diagnosed-and-treated-for-more-than-one-chronic-illness\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">co-occurring with other conditions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Therefore, it is vital that you not only see relevant specialists but follow up with them for further diagnostic measures as needed. If you are concerned about addressing this with your doctor, it is important to bear in mind that menstrual health is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-problem-with-normalizing-period-pain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">normal concern<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a significant part of the population, and to arm yourself with information in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-any-appointment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preparation for your appointment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to reduce the impact of PMDD on daily life<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following are ways that you can reduce the impact of PMDD on daily life:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Talk your feelings and experiences out with someone you trust<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Talking out your feelings with a trusted person can alleviate any negative feelings and open up an avenue for much-needed support. However, you should avoid overdoing this to the point that it becomes <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5903493\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unhealthy co-rumination<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If these concerns persist you should also enlist the help of a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/therapist-counselors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">licensed therapist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Try peer support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Peer support can improve your situation in many ways. Trusted people can help you talk through your concerns, provide information about resources, and assist you with various tasks such as transportation to medical care facilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get to know your cycle<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: By being aware of the typical timing of your menstrual cycle as well as how your cycle coincided with various symptoms, you can provide valuable information to healthcare professionals that can help them diagnose and treat your symptoms. Your healthcare professional cannot properly attend to your needs if you cannot first <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-recognize-your-mental-health-needs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recognize your needs yourself<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and communicate them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use various techniques to manage your emotional well-being<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Managing your symptoms in order to improve your daily emotional well-being will be an ongoing effort that will include various lifestyle management efforts. These efforts may include things such as self-soothing techniques, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/using-your-senses-to-manage-anxiety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grounding techniques<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-sleep-deprivation-can-affect-your-mental-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">good sleep hygiene<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use various techniques to manage your physical well-being<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It is important to not only have a management plan in place for your emotional well-being, but also your physical well-being. Increased structure can be one of the best ways to manage your physical well-being. It is important to maintain things like a regular diet plan, exercise routine and sleep schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is important to bear in mind that by managing your daily symptoms and struggles related to PMDD, you can also improve long-term health outcomes related to both your mental and physical wellbeing. Left untreated and unmanaged, issues related to PMDD can create or exacerbate other long term health problems.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is PMDD treated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many options for treating PMDD, and they may be more effective when used together. In particular, it is important to pair prescribed treatments with healthy lifestyle changes in order to maximize outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical interventions<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical interventions that may be used to treat PMDD include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/birth-control-101-a-guide-to-the-patch-the-pill-and-more\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control methods<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSRIs;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiolytics;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painkillers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-inflammatory drugs;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GnRH analogue injections;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk therapy;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/procedure\/hysterectomy-3334\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hysterectomy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/procedure\/oophorectomy-4570\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oophorectomy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If one treatment is not effective, you should address this with your healthcare specialists in order to adjust your treatment. While surgical interventions are sometimes used to alleviate the symptoms of PMDD, they are typically a last resort.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle changes and at-home treatments<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle changes and at-home treatments that may be used to treat PMDD include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy diet;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular exercise;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good sleep hygiene;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mindfulness exercises;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grounding techniques;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warm baths;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aromatherapy;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-spending-time-in-green-spaces\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time spent outside<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular social interaction;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time spent doing structured activities;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caffeine reduction;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quitting smoking;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduction of alcohol intake;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spending time with pets.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Overall, it is important to implement a schedule \u2014 especially during times that you expect to be experiencing PMDD symptoms. It is also important to bear in mind that some at-home treatments may be more effective for some people than others, and therefore you will need to determine which are most helpful for you.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources for transgender individuals with PMDD<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transgender individuals can experience a variety of issues related to hormonal cycles and PMDD. Transgender people who were born with ovaries may continue to experience menstrual cycles and any hormonal issues related to them depending on their individual circumstances. Meanwhile transgender people who were not born with ovaries may begin to experience symptoms typical of menstrual cycles if they take estrogen. Because these concerns can be so complex and individualized, it is important that transgender people are aware of the resources available to them. The following resources may be helpful for transgender individuals experiencing PMDD symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iapmd.org\/\"><b>The International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The IAPMD provides peer support, education, and advocacy related to PMDD.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeherthrive.com\/\"><b>See Her Thrive<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This organization provides education and training related to women\u2019s health in the workplace.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plannedparenthood.org\/\"><b>Planned Parenthood<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Planned Parenthood health centers provide a variety of services related to gender-affirming hormone therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/\"><b>American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This organization advocates for the equal healthcare of transgender individuals and develops guidelines for proper care.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/\"><b>American Psychological Association<\/b><\/a><span>: This organization provides guidelines for psychological care related to gender dysphoria, as well as various mood and anxiety disorders that can cause or complicate PMDD.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a type of PMS that causes more severe physical and psychological symptoms. As with PMS, PMDD occurs prior to your menstruation cycle and resolves at the onset of the cycle. PMDD can have severe impacts on the quality of your life without medical intervention and careful management of daily symptoms. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20697,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20696","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>A Guide To Managing and Treating Your Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Diagnosis - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"PMDD is a severe form of PMS that manifests in more severe physical and psychological symptoms. 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