What is PMDD?
PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is not just bad PMS. It is a real condition where normal hormone changes before your period cause severe depression, anxiety, anger, or mood swings. About 5-8% of women of reproductive age have it. A lot of women deal with it for years before anyone gives it a name.
PMDD can make you feel like two different people. Half the month you are fine. The other half, everything is harder -- your mood, your patience, your ability to handle normal life. That pattern is not something you have to just live with.
How We Treat PMDD
SSRIs work well for most women with PMDD. Some take them every day. Others only take them during the luteal phase -- the two weeks before their period. We help you figure out which approach works for you.
We commonly prescribe sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and escitalopram (Lexapro). If SSRIs are not the right fit, we try other options. If hormonal treatment is part of the plan, we work with your OB-GYN.
What to Expect
We ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and how bad they get. If you have been tracking your mood on a calendar or app, bring that -- it is really helpful. If not, we may ask you to track for a cycle or two so we can see the pattern clearly.
Insurance and Payment
PMDD treatment is covered by most insurance. We accept Blue Cross NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and NC Medicaid. Cash pay is available.
When to Get Help
If you dread the week before your period. If your mood drops on a schedule every month. If the people around you notice the pattern even when you try to hide it. If you have been told it is just PMS and you know it is worse than that. PMDD is treatable. Most women feel better within one or two cycles of starting the right medication.