As well as helping women through the menopause transition, Norfolk Menopause GPs (Dr Ahlund, Dr Cary and Dr Healy) specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) including the most severe variant Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
Most of us will be familiar with PMS, the emotional and physical symptoms that are common between ovulation and menstruation. These symptoms vary on a spectrum from mild and easily manageable to very severe. When symptoms are severe enough to disrupt everyday life and interfere with relationships and work they may represent PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).
PMDD is not due to ‘abnormal’ hormones, but to the brain’s response to normal cyclical hormone fluctuations. It can develop at any time during reproductive life and maybe ‘masked’ by hormonal contraception. Hormonal fluctuations in the perimenopause may exacerbate the problem, as may some HRT preparations.
Sadly PMDD often goes unrecognised and untreated. It is thought to affect between 3-5% of women worldwide and around 10% of sufferers are so distressed by their symptoms that they contemplate suicide. For these women, it is imperative to seek urgent support and to remember there is evidence based treatment available to help.
To reach a diagnosis of PMDD it is important to have accurate symptom tracking for at least 2 cycles. We can help support you to start this process in clinic, or if you would like to start this before we see you please click on the link below to download the tracker from IAPMD (the International Association of PMD)
IAPMD – Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms
Please rest assured that PMDD is a manageable condition, you should not need to struggle through each month. Options include non-hormonal and hormonal approaches together with psychological and lifestyle measures. Drs Ahlund, Cary and Healy are all professional members of IAPMD, we follow their guidelines to ensure your care is evidence based. Complex cases can be discussed at IAPMD monthly specialist meetings and our monthly Norfolk Menopause meetings to ensure a consensus of opinion regarding best management.
