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The symptoms I suffer in between periods are intolerable: I have PMDD
What you need to know:
I get hot, bloated, nuseated, depressed and withdrawn, among other discomforts. Some times these last a week in between my periods, other times it goes on for months without relief. I have been told I have a hormonal disorder, writes Sharon M. Omurungi.
The monthly periods are a welcome, although at times uncomfortable, reassurance for a woman in their reproductive years that every thing is alright with their system. It is therefore more comfortable for most women when these monthly periods show up.
In my case, however, even this reassurance is not enough to avert my wishes for “no periods” sometimes. In all honesty, periods are in my case one of thoses things I dread the most and wish could find a way around.
Once you have heard the hell the menstrual cycle puts me through, you will understand my predisposition.
When it started
Two years after starting my periods, I started to suffer severe symptoms lasting about a week or two, immediately before my period, each month. I suffered high temperatures, sometimes feeling like my body was literally on fire. I had severe headaches, joint pains, backache and a bloated feeeling in the abdomen.
My breasts, which have more recently also began to itch, would hurt so bad that I would not bear anything touching them.
There were times during these episodes when I got a huge appetite and others when I could not even bear the smell of food. And about a year ago, I also developed hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness).
No conclusive diagnosis
When these discomforts first started, I sought medical attention each time, where I was subjected to all sorts of blood tests that always yielded negative results. About four months ago, I developed “new” symptoms that made me think I was actually pregnant. This time, they came a week after my period.
There was a funny pain in my lower abdomen, unlike not the usual menstrual cramps. I would have abrupt headaches (as if I had been hit by something), nusea and saliva collected in my mouth all day. There were muscle pulls in my calf that lasted not less than 30 minutes.
I had a backache, chest pain and nipples that stuck out no matter the weather. I urinated every 20 minutes, regardless of how much liquid I had consumed.
Pregnant maybe
With these combined with a moody temperament, random pimples and a severe constant urge to sleep that saw me miss work sometimes, I was convinced I was pregnant.
But, a home pregnancy test turned out negative, although the symptoms persisted. In fact, they went two weeks into the third until I had my next period. That is to say that I had had a full uncomfortable spell without a pain free day between my periods!
I thought I would run mad without a diagnosis in sight and everyone looking at me like I was exaggarating. I was depressed and distracted, until I just thought to try the gynaecologist ain case it had something to do with my periods considering its timing.
You have PMDD
I was told I was suffering from a condition called Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
I was advised to eat more fruits and vegetables and also exercise. I have been given medication to help me with the depression and to keep me alert.
However, the drugs seem to be worsening the hypersomnia and also making me very weak and dizzy. When I shared with another gynaecologist, he frankly told all the medication will not help until I conceive.
Now, that was scary because conception is soemthing I preferred to do at my own pace. I have sought counselling to help with the general condition meanwhile.
What is Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). According to pmdd.factsforhealth.org, although these two conditions share some symptoms, PMDD is different from PMS. PMDD is a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are linked closely to the menstrual cycle. PMDD comes a few days, say 10 days, to one’s period and goes away as soon as they start menstruating or immediately after a period.
Causes
The exact cause of this condition is not yet known, but Dr Asa Ahimbisimbwe, a gynaecologist with International Hospital Kampala (IHK), says it could be caused by hormonal changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
However, a general practitioner, Dr Vincent Karuhanga, says PMDD is associated with an imbalance in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to send messages from one area of the brain to another.
He says serotonin influences a number of psychological and other body functions.
According to webmd.com, serotonin influences approximately 40 million brain cells, either directly or indirectly. The areas influenced include mood, sleep, sexual desire and function, appetite, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behaviour.
Statistics
Dr Karuhanga says there is no research that has been carried out on this condition. Therefore, facts like the prevalency of the condition remain unknwon. “I have no statistics either, but in a month, I get about three to four women suffering from PMDD,” says Dr Denis Kinene, a gynaecologist at Kampala Hospital.
Solution
Since the cause is not known, the doctors have come up with a few different solutions that they say can help in curbing the condition but not to entirely cure it.
Diet: Dr Karuhanga says one’s diet can help in improving the condition. He recommends good foods rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and low in protein to improve on memory and mood.
Exercise: Dr Ahimbisibwe encourages patients to do regular exercises. However, if one may not have time for the exercise, the doctor says they can keep an active physical life.
Psychological support: Karuhanga recomments counselling to help one relax and cope better saying PMDD sufferers usually develop suicidal tendencies.
Medication: Sufferers will most likely be prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, painkillers and diuretics (also known as water tablets). “Also, contraceptive pills are administered for a patient to help control the mood swings,” says Ahimbisibwe adding that these will usually be prescribed for at least three months before effecting relief.
Conception: Dr Kinene says the best solution to this condition is to conceive, although Karuhanga cautions that this is also no guarantee as the condition may return after child birth. Research has also shown that after menopause, the symptoms vanish.
Most importantly, the doctors say a patient suffering from PMDD needs support from family and friends. As Dr Karuhanga says, PMDD is considered a disorder because some patients may be thought mad/crazy.
PMDD symptoms
• The physical symptoms of PMDD will include breast tenderness or swelling, headaches, joint or muscle aches, a bloated feeling in the abdomen, and/or weight gain.
• The non-physical symptoms include depression, self-deprecating thoughts, suicidal tendencies, feelings of hopelessness, tension, anxiety, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, increased sensitivity to rejection, persistent anger or irritability, increased interpersonal conflicts, insomnia (lack of sleeplessness), hypersomnia ( excessive sleepiness), decreased interest in usual activities like work, school and social events, difficulty in concentrating, lack of energy, change in appetite, or specific food cravings.
