PMDD Therapy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

You’re not alone in the changes you are experiencing. We are here to help you take control.

What is PMDD?

PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, affects many women and those with vaginas completely unknowingly. This chronic disorder is a severe condition that involves extreme emotional and physical symptoms that accompany the luteal phase (the 1-2 weeks before your period) of the menstrual cycle. It is important to note that this disorder is not PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) because it makes daily life functions nearly impossible and markedly disrupts coping and regulation as well as interpersonal relationships. While those with PMS may experience mostly physical symptoms and some minor mood issues during their luteal phase, these symptoms are not debilitating.

It is estimated that about 3-8% of women meet criteria for a PMDD diagnosis, though that number is possibly higher due to oversight of symptom comorbidity, misdiagnosis and lack of research. PMDD affects women mostly in their 20’s and 30’s but can also begin as early as adolescence when menstruation begins. As women face significant changes in their hormones across a lifetime, age and development play a crucial role in monitoring and diagnosis.

How do I know if PMDD Therapy is right for me?

If you have wondered about impairments in mood and functioning but have been unable to track consistency in your symptoms or have tried medication for depression, anxiety or ADHD but had little improvement, you may be experiencing PMDD.

Symptoms of PMDD include:

Severe emotional and mood disturbances

Extreme and unpredictable mood swings

Pervasive negative emotions (sadness, irritability, anger/rage, anxiety, depression, hopelessness)

Difficulty concentrating

Fatigue

Unusual food cravings

Sleep problems

Physical pain like bloating, headaches, nipple and breast tenderness

PMDD and ADHD, a gnarly pair

Recent research suggests a connection between women who suffer from ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder) and PMDD. While much more research is still needed, current findings suggest a link between fluctuations in the hormone estrogen and dopamine function in the brain. The week or two before your period, following ovulation, estrogen levels begin to drop. This drop in estrogen levels leads to a change in dopamine levels in the brain.

Conversely, when estrogen is available in the brain (think the week after your period when energy is high, sex drive is more present and memory is improved), dopamine synthesis, release and receptor availability/decreased reuptake is occurring. The increase in estrogen leads to an increase in dopamine levels, subsequently enhancing your mood, memory, motivation, reward center activity and executive functions like attention.

It is important to note that issues with the above aspects of cognitive and emotional health accompany PMDD as hormones shift and estrogen and dopamine levels drop leading to exacerbated ADHD symptoms on top of PMDD.

Women who meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis have a significantly higher predisposition for also having PMDD. If you have any of the above issues and have been diagnosed with ADHD, talk to your doctor immediately. They may be able to refer you to a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in PMDD and ADHD.

Age and the Evolution of PMDD

There are many factors that contribute to PMDD including hormone shifts related to menopause and pregnancy, family history of mood disorders and a genetic predisposition for PMDD (someone in your family also suffers from severe PMS or PMDD). Many do not know that experiences like abortion are also believed to play a role in the development of PMDD, though more research is still needed.

Moreover, as PMDD has so many facets and so much knowledge goes into understanding the disorder, it can seem entirely overwhelming to navigate diagnosis and treatment alone. At Inner Body Works we have therapists who are trained, culturally-aware and here to support you along your journey. You don’t have to go through this alone, we are here for you.