Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a medical condition characterized by severe depression, tension, and irritability about a week before a woman’s menstrual period. Symptoms go away when her period starts. Experts estimate between two and eight percent of women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Let the caring, compassionate gynecology team at Dignity Health help ease your PMDD symptoms in NV, CA, or AZ. Find a Doctor near you and make an appointment today to get started.

Prevention of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Dignity Health’s personalized treatment and prevention options are tailored to your symptoms, the degree to which they are affecting your life, your medical history, and your personal goals. Treatment options include:

• Medication: Your provider may prescribe birth control pills to regulate hormone levels and improve symptoms. Often, doctors prescribe antidepressant medication to relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to treat the physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Lifestyle changes: Eating healthy foods and getting regular physical activity may decrease symptoms. Relaxation exercises or participating in activities you find calming may also help.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: This counseling method teaches you how to reframe negative thoughts. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be useful by itself or together with an antidepressant treatment. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health provider as needed.
• Surgery: If you have severe PMDD symptoms and you do not plan to have children or more children, your doctor may consider surgical removal of your uterus and ovaries.

Although it may take some time to find the best treatment (or combination of treatments) for you, our skilled gynecologists at our Dignity Health locations are ready to start finding the solutions you need.

Dignity Health offers experienced, personalized care for premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Arizona, California, and Nevada.