Many women go through some unwelcome and vexatious indications before their monthly periods; these may comprise of subtle temperamental traits, anxiety, depression, variation in levels of appetite, sore or swollen breasts, etc. This state is known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). 

PMDD is a state where a woman experiences intense dejection and discouragement before the onset of her monthly menstruation period. Many women affected by PMDD take pills to alleviate irritability and mood swings; missing pills is not an option; missing pills may have mental as well as physical repercussions.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and its symptoms

During Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) a woman experiences mild mood swings, but PMDD is the extreme state of PMS. When a woman suffers from PMDD, she experiences severe mood changes, dejection, and self-doubt. Some women, also exhibit irascible demeanor and have low energy levels during or just before their periods. It is the result of excessive secretion of estrogen in the female body.

PMDD as a mental illness

An individual’s mood is dependent on the complex reactions that take place in his brain. PMDD is mainly a result of hormonal imbalance (specifically estrogen – which is the female reproductive hormone). It also hurts the mental wellbeing of those diagnosed with it.

Some of the signs of PMDD are illusions, insensibility, anxiety, and desolation. It is of immense importance to take the required medication in order to alleviate the emotional impacts of PMDD. Birth preventive pills are used to control the secretion of the female reproductive hormone–estrogen. SSRIs and Anxiolytic treat depression and restlessness. These pills if missed can cause giddiness, drowsiness, nausea and gastric problems. In today’s busy schedule it is difficult to keep track of medications.

Natural ways to treat PMS

PMC and PMDD both can be treated by self-care, at home with natural remedies to cure them. Mentioned below are some common ways to combat the signs and symptoms of PMS and PMDD.

1) Intake of more Fatty acids

Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids treats PMS. Those who consume fats have overcome depression, anxiousness, and swelling. They have also developed the ability to concentrate better.

2) Include Vitamins in your diet

Consumption of around 100mg of Vitamin B6 is proven beneficial to alleviate the symptoms of PMS. Vitamin B1 and B2 are essential to improve the conditions of those suffering from PMS or PMDD.

3) Uniform Bowel movement

Consuming more water, taking medication for stomach acid production, adding more pulpy fruits and vegetables to the diet of the sufferer will increase bowel movement.

Excess estrogen hormone releases from the female body through the intestines, if this is not possible, then consumption of combination birth control pills is welcome.

4) Regular physical activity

Exercise refreshes one’s mood, and calms a person’s state of mind, walking, jogging, running, or doing yoga, participating in sports activities improves immunity and improves blood circulation.

5) Adequate sleep and rest

Experiencing fatigue is one of the major indications of PMS and PMDD. Taking adequate rest is of immense importance; 6-8 hours of sleep is a must, warm water bath before sleep is conducive for an individual to have a sound sleep.

A Rapid reduction estrogen level is another possible cause of PMDD

Estrogen is a critical reproductive sex hormone. This hormone releases at the midway of the menstrual cycle. As a result, ovulation takes place. The level of estrogen decreases immediately; its levels fluctuate for the second-half of the menstrual cycle; this is when PMDD symptoms are observable. Extremely low levels of estrogen act as a relevant cause for PMDD.

Medication for treatment of PMDD

Combined birth controls, anti-depressants, and vitamins are used to treat PMDD. Doctors prescribe anti-depressant pills like, The FDA authorized Sertraline or Paroxetine hydrochloride or pain-killers like Brufen reduce the indications of Side-effects of anti-depressants. The track of these pills results in unpleasant behavior, irritability, restlessness and sudden anger pangs, which calls for the need to use reminders. These reminders serve the purpose of keeping a systematic track of the pills that are taken and that are to be taken

When one misses her dose of Antidepressants, they tend to suffer from the discontinuation syndrome; one may experience indigestion, light-headedness. This occurs when there is a noticeable change in the dose of the pill. One may experience exhaustion, giddiness, restlessness, perturbation and may show irascible disposition.

It is obvious that rural women are more involved in physical work than urban women. In the hustle of urban life, where women not only take care of their homes but also hold high positions in various fields; women are often forgetful of their well-being. Pill reminders enable the PMDD patients to specify the name, color, drug dose of various medicines and the time of taking medicine. One can set reminders on a regular basis that may be every day, every week or fortnightly.

One can snooze or sleep the reminder’s alarms or record them as taken. It not only reminds its user to take pills but also about check-ups, therapies and to track nutrient levels in the body.

It is observed that many PMDD patients are either already married or working. The average age for a woman to bear with PMDD is 26 years. During this age, a woman is at the peak of her stress as it marks the onset of several physical and emotional changes in her life. Many women struggle with problems like maintaining work and personal life balance, stressing with job-related issues, having to deal with children. Virtual reminders prompt these busy women to take pills as per their schedule.

Conclusion

It is very important for women to take care of their health and consume antidepressants in time to prevent the repercussions of discontinuity syndrome. Women should take adequate hours of sleep, exercise regularly and make sure they do not ruin their mental and physical health due to PMDD.