Understanding You Causes for PMS and PMDD
No-one really knows what causes PMS or PMDD but many factors may be involved, including changes in the hormone levels within the body in the lead up to your period, changes to chemicals in the brain and even family history1. The important thing to remember is that 80 per cent of women experience symptoms such as cramping, bloating, moodiness and depression before they get their period - you're definitely not alone2. While a much smaller percentage of women (3-8 per cent) experience PMDD3, its estimated 89 per cent of these women go undiagnosed4.
Every day, research is identifying new ways to help treat the emotional and physical symptoms of PMS and PMDD such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, food cravings, breast tenderness, bloating, and headaches. It’s best to speak to your doctor about the most up to date treatment option that’s best for you.
References
- Clayton AH., Symptoms related to the menstrual cycle: diagnosis, prevalence, and treatment. Journal of Psychiatric Practice. 2008;14(1):13-21.
- Galaxy Research (2008) PMS Study, prepared by Galaxy Research for Bayer Australia.
- Pearlstein TB, et al., Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with a new drospirenone-containing oral contraceptive formulation, Contraception 2005;72: 414– 421.
- Halbreich U, et al., The prevalence, impairment, impact, and burden of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD), Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2003;28:1-23.
www.understandingyou.com.au is a national contraceptive health education program in Australia endorsed by Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia and supported via an unrestricted educational grant by Bayer Australia Limited. The contents do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Bayer Australia.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
