Self-care has been cited as a beneficial tool, no matter the severity of symptoms. This may include things such as mindfulness, getting enough sleep, or even certain diets.

Self-Care in Treating PMDD and PMS

Some doctors will point their patients toward Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or S.S.R.Is for the treatment of PMDD. However, evidence as to whether or not this is an effective treatment tends to be quite contradictory with certain studies pointing to its effectiveness and others saying that not only do they not work but that they have the potential to cause more harm than good.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for the Treatment of PMDD

Oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progesterone taken continuously throughout the month (meaning placebo pills are skipped) so that hormones are kept stable have been shown to help. While only one pill, Yaz, has been approved by the FDA for such use there is evidence that other pills can help.

Birth Control for the Treatment of PMDD

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to reframe negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been shown to reduce PMDD symptoms. Some doctors may recommend this in combination with medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PMDD

There is some evidence that taking calcium may reduce PMDD symptoms. Taking such supplements may not work in severe cases but with minor cases, they are worth trying. 

Calcium for PMDD

If any of the less invasive treatments for PMDD fail, doctors may recommend taking leuprolide acetate, an injectable medication normally used to treat endometriosis. This medication can be given once a month or every three months so that the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. This can eliminate monthly symptoms. 

Injectable Medications for PMDD

There is no one treatment for PMDD for all women that experience it. This is due to the wide range of things that may cause it. 

New York University

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD is categorized as a mood disorder. It is marked by a slew of symptoms that occur the week prior to the start of menses. Its existence as a disorder and its inclusion in the DSM is highly controversial. 

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Chrisler, J. C., & Gorman, J. A. (2015). The medicalization of women’s moods: Premenstrual syndrome of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. In The Wrong Prescription for Women. M. McHugh and J. Chrisler, Eds. New York: Praeger

The medicalization of women’s moods: Premenstrual syndrome of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Symptoms of PMDD must be present the week prior the the onset of menses, start to dissipate two to three days into menses, and resolve in the week post menses. These symptoms include:
- Marked affective lability (ex: mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, or increased sensitivity )
- Marked irritability or anger or increased interpersonal conflicts
- Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts
- Anxiety, tension, and/or feelings of being on edge
- Decreased interest in usual activities
- Difficulty in concentration
- Lethargy, easy fatigability, or lack of energy
- Change in appetite; overeating or specific food cravings
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- A sense of being overwhelmed or out of control
- Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling; joint or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating” or weight gain
Note: At least five of these symptoms must be present

PMDD Symptoms

References for PMDD Topics

In the 1950s doctors started noticing that women would complain with a number of symptoms prior to menses. These symptoms eventually were added to the DSM 3 as premenstrual syndrome or PMS. This addition was met with many controversies and finally removed with the DSM 3-R. This phenomenon or symptoms before menses hadn't left the medical community and PMS was eventually rebranded as PMDD. However, it was only accepted as a legitimate disorder once Prozac or Sarafem was approved by the FDA to treat it.

PMDD History

When PMDD was added to the DSM it was met with a lot of controversies. This included the pathologizing and medicalization of women's moods and criticisms of the mental health system as a whole.

PMDD Controversy 

Treating PMDD and PMS

In order to get formally diagnosed with PMDD, a psychiatrist or obstetrician-gynecologist will ask the patient to track and rate their symptoms everyday for two to three months. 

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