Is PMDD considered a mental illness?

Is PMDD a mental health problem? PMDD is commonly defined as an endocrine disorder, meaning that it is a hormone-related disorder. But as well as physical symptoms, people with PMDD also experience a range of different mental health symptoms such as depression, suicidal feelings and anxiety.

What is the best medicine for PMDD?

Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — which include fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) and others — have been successful in reducing mood symptoms. SSRIs are the first line treatment for severe PMS or PMDD .

Does PMDD get worse with age?

Do PMS Symptoms Get Worse With Age? If PMS symptoms are only meant to last from days 16-28, then why am I feeling them from day 1? “There is no evidence to suggest, at present, that PMS symptoms change dramatically during a person’s lifetime,” Dr. Brayboy says.

How long do PMDD symptoms last?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a health problem that is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but is more serious. PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before your period starts. Symptoms usually go away two to three days after your period starts.

Does PMDD qualify for disability?

You may be entitled to job-protected leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when leave is needed due to the symptoms of PMDD. You may also be entitled to receive reasonable accommodations at work under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What hormone imbalance causes PMDD?

Although not proven by medical research, some of the more holistic clinicians and doctors suspect that too high levels of estrogen versus too low levels of progesterone are a cause for PMDD. This condition is referred to as Estrogen Dominance.

What can trigger PMDD?

What causes PMDD? Experts don’t know why some women get PMDD. Decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones after ovulation and before menstruation may trigger symptoms. Serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood, hunger and sleep, may also play a role.