Coping With PMDD Each Month
A clinical diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) leaves many women searching for methods and treatments to help them in coping with PMDD.
While researchers have barely scratched the surface of this severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and have run very few clinical trials, there has been success in alleviating the symptoms in many women through combinations of medication, nutrition and psychobehavioral therapy.
Nutrition There is a reported link between PMDD and lower levels of serotonin, which has an impact on feelings of well-being, that indicates eating foods that increase these levels are beneficial.
The foods to eat are rich in Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium and Tryptophan.
Foods rich in Omega 3 and 6 also play a role in increasing serotonin and should be incorporated into the diet.
These can be found in many complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and leafy green vegetables.
It is also productive to reduce intake of stimulants and foods that inhibit the production of serotonin: alcohol, caffeine, refined carbohydrates, sugar and tobacco.
Medication There is not, yet, one single medicine that will treat all the symptoms of PMDD.
Depending on the specific symptoms experienced by the sufferer, managing PMDD can be made easier with pain relievers, anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants or with the use of certain brands of birth control pills.
There is not much information to verify the use of herbs, though some trials have shown Chaste Tree to be helpful with anger, mood swings, irritability and sore breasts.
Psychobehavioral Therapy This method of treatment incorporates aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation therapy.
Anxiety can be one of the symptoms of PMDD, but even when it is not a direct symptom anxiety and stress are secondary symptoms that stem from the frustration of coping with the other severe, and often disabling, results of PMDD.
This form of therapy introduces new skills in dealing with PMDD symptoms on a mental basis and changing negative thought patterns.
While researchers have barely scratched the surface of this severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and have run very few clinical trials, there has been success in alleviating the symptoms in many women through combinations of medication, nutrition and psychobehavioral therapy.
Nutrition There is a reported link between PMDD and lower levels of serotonin, which has an impact on feelings of well-being, that indicates eating foods that increase these levels are beneficial.
The foods to eat are rich in Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium and Tryptophan.
Foods rich in Omega 3 and 6 also play a role in increasing serotonin and should be incorporated into the diet.
These can be found in many complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and leafy green vegetables.
It is also productive to reduce intake of stimulants and foods that inhibit the production of serotonin: alcohol, caffeine, refined carbohydrates, sugar and tobacco.
Medication There is not, yet, one single medicine that will treat all the symptoms of PMDD.
Depending on the specific symptoms experienced by the sufferer, managing PMDD can be made easier with pain relievers, anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants or with the use of certain brands of birth control pills.
There is not much information to verify the use of herbs, though some trials have shown Chaste Tree to be helpful with anger, mood swings, irritability and sore breasts.
Psychobehavioral Therapy This method of treatment incorporates aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation therapy.
Anxiety can be one of the symptoms of PMDD, but even when it is not a direct symptom anxiety and stress are secondary symptoms that stem from the frustration of coping with the other severe, and often disabling, results of PMDD.
This form of therapy introduces new skills in dealing with PMDD symptoms on a mental basis and changing negative thought patterns.
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