PMDD

The irritability, bloating and food cravings that occur with PMS cause many women great discomfort each month. But anywhere from 3 to 5 percent of menstruating women experience a more severe form of PMS, called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). While experts often debate the validity of the distinction between PMS and PMDD, it is nonetheless diagnosed in a small number of cases.

To be diagnosed with PMDD, a woman must experience at least five PMS symptoms during the period between ovulation and menstruation, and one of the five symptoms must be:

• markedly depressed mood
• noticeable anxiety or tension
• sudden sadness or tearfulness
• persistent anger or irritability

The other symptoms can include:

• lack of interest in activities
• lack of energy
• change in appetite
• insomnia or fatigue
• headache
• joint or muscle pain
• bloating
• weight gain
• breast tenderness

Some doctors recommend a variation of the antidepressant drug Prozac, called Sarafem, to treat some of the emotional symptoms of PMDD.