Today, I'm writing about Premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD). It is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome which causes a range of physical, psychological, and emotional changes during menstruation or sometimes a week or two weeks before menstruation. It is a more disturbing form of premenstrual syndrome because it affects activities of daily living; it can make a worker not go to work or a student skip classes.
When I was younger, I used to think that people pretend to have excessive cramps to run away from certain responsibilities(maybe because mine is not that painful) but with time, I grew to know people who have this disturbing premenstrual dysphoria disorder. I had a friend who has this particular disorder(PMDD). I can remember her telling me one day that she feels so down, it was as if her world was crumbling馃ズ and I was like girl, are you about to see to menstruation? she answered affirmatively then I knew where the negative emotions came from (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Whenever her menstruation is about to start, it is always like that, coupled with difficulty in concentration which makes her miss classes, and depressive emotions which strain her normal relationship with others who may not understand what was going on with her.
I felt I should write about this disorder because of its economic importance(by this I mean how it affects activities of daily living)
The exact cause of PMDD is unknown although it is thought to be caused by unusual responses to hormones released by the body during menstruation.
Most of the time, PMDD present with symptoms such as; mood swings, irritability, depression, difficulty in relating with others, food cravings, poor concentration, feeling of helplessness, insomnia, and anxiety. These symptoms also occur alongside physical symptoms like; cramps, mild to severe pain in the breasts, headache, and tingling sensation in the legs and arms.
PMDD can be treated. Some of the techniques used in preventing or managing this disorder include relaxation techniques like meditation, exercise, avoidance of coffee, alcohol, and excessive sugary foods, consumption of natural foods and a balanced diet, use of medications such as analgesics, anti-depressants, vitamin supplements and talk therapy(counseling by a psychologist).
In summary, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a serious mental condition that is ignored by the majority of women in our society. Its negative impact cannot be underestimated therefore efforts should be channeled to its prevention and the promotion of women's health.
Thank you for reading my article. I would appreciate your votes and comments including your experiences馃檹
