MENSTRUAL DEPRESSION: THE LESS TALK BUT GREAT IMPORTANCE.

 Menstrual Depression is something that not many of you have heard about but it has great importance and should be addressed like any other issue.

Similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual depression/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a significant health issue. In the week or two before your period begins, PMDD can lead to extreme irritation, melancholy, or worry. Two to three days following the onset of your menstruation, symptoms usually disappear. To cure your symptoms, you could require medication or some other kind of care.

As hormone levels start to decline after ovulation, PMDD, a syndrome comparable to PMS, also occurs in the week or two before the onset of your period. Serious melancholy, anger, and tension are among the more severe symptoms of PMDD compared to PMS.


Up to 5% of women who are of childbearing age experience PMDD. Anxiety or depression are common among PMDD-afflicted women.


Understanding Menstrual Depression

Menstrual depression is a serious medical condition, characterized by symptoms of depression or anxiety that coincide with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Pre-menstrual depression, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is the most common form of menstrual depression. It often includes psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, sadness, and difficulties concentrating; physical symptoms such as bloating, headaches or cramps; or a combination of both. Individuals struggling with premenstrual depression usually experience the greatest amount of distress in the week before they start menstruating. It is important that individuals experiencing premenstrual depression seek help from a qualified medical professional in order to receive appropriate treatment.


It is important to understand that menstrual depression is not simply “feeling down” or feeling bad during your period but rather is a legitimate medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment by a health professional. Menstrual depression, which is also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), is a form of depression that affects up to 8% of women of reproductive age. It is more than just feeling moody or annoyed during one's period; it is a serious disorder that can be debilitating, causing physical, mental and emotional distress. Symptoms can range from insomnia to bloating and abdominal pain, to difficulty, concentrating and severe mood swings. Treatment for menstrual depression may include lifestyle changes such as exercise, stress management and dietary modifications, as well as antidepressant medications and cognitive behavioural therapy. It is important to seek help from a healthcare provider if one suspects they may be experiencing menstrual depression in order to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.


Women may not be aware that the symptoms they are experiencing are more than just normal premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and should seek help from their doctor if these feelings persist throughout their cycle and interfere with daily life activities Moreover, menstrual depression is often overlooked symptom of premenstrual syndrome that can have a significant impact on a woman's physical and mental health. Women should be aware that if the symptoms they experience due to menstrual depression persist throughout their cycle and interfere with daily activities, they should seek the advice of their doctor. Recognizing the symptoms of menstrual depression and acquiring the necessary treatment can help ensure women maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Symptoms of PMDD 

  •  enduring irritation or fury that could influence other individuals.
  • depression, feelings of hopelessness, or even suicidal thoughts.
  • tension or anxious feelings
  • Attacks of panic.
  • changes in mood or frequent tears
  • lack of interest in interpersonal interactions and daily tasks.
  • Having trouble focusing or thinking.
  • fatigue or a lack of energy.
  • binge eating or desires for food.
  • sleeping issues
  • uncontrollable feeling
  • cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, migraines, and joint or muscle discomfort are examples of physical symptoms.
What causes PMDD?

What specifically causes PMDD or PMS is unknown to researchers. Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle might be a factor. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter produced by the brain, could possibly be involved in PMDD. Throughout the menstrual cycle, serotonin levels fluctuate. Some Women could be more susceptible to these changes than others.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will do a physical examination and discuss your medical history with you. To assist your doctor in diagnosing PMDD, you should keep a journal or calendar of your symptoms.
To be diagnosed with PMDD, you must exhibit five or more symptoms, one of which must be a sign of your mood.

Types of PMDD/PMS Treatment

For those struggling with PMDD/PMS, understanding the different types of treatments available is important in creating a tailored approach to managing symptoms. Treatment options for menstrual depression include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), lifestyle changes such as exercise, relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, and in some cases, antidepressant medications. It is important to keep in mind that these treatments do not work for everyone and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding on the best approach for managing symptoms of menstrual depression. Finding an approach that works best for each individual is key to finding relief from PMDD/PMS symptoms.

Exploring possible treatments can range from lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise and reducing stress to various medications such as SSRIs, GnRH agonists, and progestins that can help regulate hormone levels Besides exploring possible treatments for premenstrual depression, such as lifestyle changes and various medications, there are also other beneficial strategies. These can include cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises to help with stress management. In addition, it is important to get adequate rest, eat well, and be mindful of how pre-menstrual depression may affect relationships and other aspects of daily life. When pre-menstrual depression is causing significant distress, professional help should be sought for the best long-term results.

Final Thoughts


Menstrual depression is not something that people understand easily. The main point is that the woman may act wired with mood fluctuations that may be found insane by people around it is more important for their dear ones to understand the situation and what exactly the woman is going through. So it is much important to share awareness among people both men and women so that they understand it's not always the same for all women. 



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