Since I started menstruating at age 12, my life has been havoc: severe cramps, headaches, mood swings and even mild depression. My mother, grandmother and aunts also have experienced these symptoms when they menstruated. My entire family has had severe Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). I simply thought my symptoms were something that every woman went through. I was wrong. In January 2002, I was diagnosed by my gynecologist with what is known as Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

Before I was diagnosed with PMDD, I had no idea what it even was. I was seeing a counselor before I was diagnosed and was going through therapy to cope with my mild depression. I found it to be somewhat odd that I only had to see my counselor a couple of weeks out of the month. I always seemed fine up until I was close to having my period. I'd have extreme highs and lows. I found it hard to concentrate on my college homework, and even found myself sleeping and crying more around my period. I became devastated with even the simplest tasks and could not function on a day to day basis around my period.

My counselor suggested I visit my gynecologist to see if I could be a possible candidate for PMDD. I'd never heard of PMDD until my counselor mentioned it to me. Sure thing, I was diagnosed with mild PMDD and was put on an anti-depressant, Sarafem, a form of Prozac, to cope with my symptoms.

Turns out I was allergic to Sarafem and found myself back into the doctor's office. Needless to say, I am extremely lucky to not have an extreme form of PMDD, so I was put on the birth control pill, Yasmin, which has helped alleviate most, if not all of my PMDD symptoms.

Between 5 percent and 10 percent of women who have regular menstrual periods meewt the criteria for what is known as PMDD.(http://i-medreview.subportal.com). PMDD is a mood disorder that can cause depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and concentrating and even angry outbursts. PMDD is a mood disorder that can cause depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and angry outbursts. PMDD, in other words, is a severe form of PMS. PMDD's physical symptoms are even identical to PMS. PMDD's physical symptoms can include bloating, acne and headaches.

The major difference between PMS and PMDD is that with PMS, sadness or mild depression is not uncommon; however, with PMDD, significant depression and hopelessness may occur. PMDD can make a woman feel overwhelmed and can even interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle and end when  menstruation begins or shortly thereafter. PMDD is not just a new name for PMS, it is more severe and should be brought to your doctor's attention if you think you might have it. PMS nearly affects 75 percent of women (http://www.pmdd.factsforhealth.org/)and PMDD affects only about five percent of menstruating women.

more information on PMDD: www.pmdd.com http://www.pmdd-and-menstruation.com/ http://www.pmdd.factsforhealth.org/ http://www.stop-the-pain-now.com/pmdd.htm http://www.pmddtrials.com/

So what causes PMDD, you might ask? Hormones play the biggest role in this disorder. If the ovaries are removed or are not functioning, PMDD symptoms disappear. Current theories suggest that normal ovarian function may trigger changes in brain chemistry in women predisposed to PMDD. Genetics also might play an important role in PMDD. Studies have shown that identical twins are more likely to share the disorder (93 percent) than non-identical twins (fraternal) (44 percent), and daughters of mothers with PMDD are more likely to have it themselves(http://www.pmdd.factsforhealth.org), which makes complete sense as to why my mother and grandmother also have experienced symptoms of PMDD.

Also recent research indicates women suffering from PMDD may produce less of a hormone that normally helps women react to stress: allopregnanolone(http://i-medreview.subportal.com). Allopregnanolone is a hormone metabolite of the female hormone progesterone. It is a neuroactive metabolite of progesterone and a barbiturate-like modulator of central gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors that modify a range of behaviors, including the stress response (http://www.biopsychiatry.com/allopregnanolone.htm).

PMDD is treated through medications, such as Sarafem (a form of Prozac), and other antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, analgesics, hormones and diuretics. Psychobehaviorla patterns including exercise and psychotherapies (cognitive-behavioral, coping skills training, relaxation) also is another method for treatment. (http://www.pmdd.factsforhealth.org/treatment/index.html). The most mild treatment for PMDD is through nutrition. It is suggested the woman's diet be modified through increase of complex carbohydrates, protein and limit her intake of sugar, alcohol, tobacco, salt and caffeine. Nutritional supplements including extra calcium, magnesium and optivite should be increased. (http://pmdd.factsforhealth.org/treatment/nutritional.html) Severe treatment may include surgical removal of the ovaries. Taking out the ovaries creates a post menopausal state that, in itself, may be associated with unwanted and perhaps unhealthy side effects. In addition to health issues with menopause, surgery itself has risks.

There have been arguments claiming that PMDD is a made up disorder and does not really exist. Some doctors think PMDD is just an excuse for bad behavior in women. (http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct02/pmdd.html)  All I have to say to that is whether or not PMDD is real or made up, I know from first-hand experience that there are women out there suffering like I did. As I mentioned before, I am one of the lucky to not have this disorder to an extreme. I know what I felt inside and I know how depressed and devastated I became around my period. There are other women out there today who are experiencing symptoms just like mine, and possibly even worse symptoms. The most important thing is to give women help if they seek it.

To see if you could possibly have PMDD, print out this symptom chart by Sarafem, fill it out for at least two menstrual cycles and take it with you to your gynecologist.

PMDD is still somewhat a new disorder that has not had much research done on it. Until it gets brought in the limelight, one can only find select information on PMDD.