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- What is PMDD?
- Symptoms of PMDD
- Causes of PMDD
- Prevention of PMDD
- Risk factors for PMDD
- Complications of PMDD
- When to see a doctor about PMDD
- Diagnosis of PMDD
- Conventional treatment of PMDD
- Alternative/complementary treatment of PMDD
- Living with PMDD
- Caring for someone with PMDD
Risk factors for pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
While PMDD is a recognised medical disorder, the underlying cause has not been really identified, but experts have come up with some possible risk factors associated with PMDD:
- Genetics - studies show that women whose direct female relatives (mothers and grandmothers) had PMDD will most likely experience it too and probably very similar symptoms too
- Hormone problems - studies show that when the rato of oestrogen to progesterone is unbalanced, this can trigger symptoms of PMDD, irrespective of whether the ratio is too low or too high. The correct levels of oestrogen (which increases energy) and progesterone (which acts as a depressant) are needed to maintain a proper balance and create harmony. Other studies have shown that PMDD may be triggered by imbalances in other hormones - serotonin, adrenaline and androgen. In addition to this, an underactive thyroid function can also exacerbate symptoms of PMDD
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- Nutritional deficiencies - many experts believe that nutritional deficiencies could be the main reason that PMDD occurs. It is thought that a diet high in processed foods, refined sugar, excess salt and lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and foods high in omega 3 essential fatty acids (such as oily fish). Numerous studies have shown that calcium levels are greatly reduced in a high percentage of women with PMDD, which means the body may not be using calcium properly during PMDD and this could be causing a deficiency in this essential mineral, which could be further exacerbating symptoms. Studies also show a deficiency of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) could be a contributing factor to the bloating symptoms. Other studies show that many women could be deficient in magnesium, a mineral that helps the muscles relax, which could be why many women binge on chocolate during PMDD, as chocolate is high in magnesium. Yet other studies show the whole range of B vitamins may be deficit in women with PMDD, as well as the essential fatty acids and especially gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) (which is the reson why naturopaths prescribe evening primrose oil for PMDD as it is very high in GLA)
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< 4: prevention 6: complications > Last reviewed: 15 August 2008 || Last updated: 8 January 2010
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
