What Is PMDD?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder -- PMDD -- is not PMS with a fancier name. It is a severe hormonal mood disorder that causes deep depression, intense anxiety, irritability, and emotional instability in the 1-2 weeks before your period. Symptoms usually lift within a few days after your period begins, only to return the next month.
PMDD affects about 5-8% of women of reproductive age. It can damage relationships, derail work, and make you feel like two different people depending on where you are in your cycle. Many women suffer for years before getting a proper diagnosis because their symptoms get written off as stress or normal hormonal changes.
How We Treat PMDD
The first step is confirming the diagnosis. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and thyroid conditions can all produce overlapping symptoms. We take the time to get it right so your treatment actually targets the problem.
For PMDD, SSRIs are the first-line treatment. Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram) are the most commonly used. What makes PMDD treatment unique is that these medications can be taken only during the luteal phase -- the 10-14 days before your period. For PMDD specifically, SSRIs work much faster than they do for depression, often within days rather than weeks.
For patients who do not respond to SSRIs, we explore other medication options and work together to find what brings relief.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We will talk about your symptoms, when they happen relative to your cycle, and how they impact your life. If you have been tracking your symptoms over a few cycles, that is very useful -- but we can work with you even if you have not. Treatment can often begin at the first visit.
Insurance and Payment
PMDD evaluation and treatment are covered by most insurance. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and AHCCCS. Cash pay is available.
When to Get Help
If your mood predictably crashes before your period. If relationships suffer every month. If you feel like yourself only half the time. You are not imagining it, and you do not have to muscle through it. PMDD is a medical condition with real treatments that work. Reach out and let us help.