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Journalism of Courage
Singer Neha Bhasin recently opened up about her ongoing battle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), shedding light on a condition that often goes undiagnosed but significantly impacts those who experience it.
In a heartfelt note posted on Instagram, she shared the psychological and emotional challenges that PMDD brings, a condition far more severe than the commonly known Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). “I put on 10 kgs for the 1st time in my life. And I already suffer from body dysmorphia. And I was healing from an on and off eating disorder. Anti-depressants made sure I put on more weight. I would sit in the dark all alone for 10 hours a day during my episodes. I am now getting better. I have help and I have bad days but I am learning to cope and hope,” she wrote.
She added, “I was caught by paps on the road, in cafes, on my way to the gym. When I loathed at the very sight of how I looked. I was only body-shamed, constantly brutally shamed. She goes to the gym. It’s not working, they said. I was simply depressed and in constant body pain I’d sit in the gym and cry if I’d not move. I’d have less dopamine and serotonin. If I moved more I’d have cramps and fatigue.”
This highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the distinction between PMS and PMDD.
Dr Vinutha G, senior consultant obstetrics and gynaecology and women health expert at Athreya Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are both conditions related to the menstrual cycle, but they differ significantly in terms of severity, particularly regarding psychological and emotional symptoms.”
She adds, “PMS affects up to 75% of menstruating individuals to some extent, as noted in a review published in The Lancet. Symptoms are typically mild to moderate and include physical complaints like bloating, breast tenderness, and mild mood changes such as irritability or sadness. These symptoms are temporary and generally do not interfere significantly with daily functioning.”
“PMDD is a more severe condition affecting 3-8% of menstruating individuals, according to The American Journal of Psychiatry. It is recognised as a depressive disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders),” notes Dr Vinutha.
Unlike PMS, PMDD symptoms are debilitating, significantly impacting daily life and relationships. The emotional toll of PMDD often mirrors major depressive or anxiety disorders but occurs cyclically, typically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (7-10 days before menstruation).
Effective strategies include both medical and lifestyle interventions, says Dr Vinutha:
| Category | Treatment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Medications | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Medications like fluoxetine and sertraline are considered first-line treatments for PMDD. Studies in The New England Journal of Medicine show that SSRIs can significantly alleviate emotional and physical symptoms by modulating serotonin levels. |
| Hormonal Therapies | Birth control pills that suppress ovulation, particularly those containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, can stabilise hormonal fluctuations and reduce PMDD symptoms. | |
| GnRH Agonists | For severe cases, medications like leuprolide can suppress ovarian function, mimicking menopause. These are usually a last resort due to side effects like bone density loss. | |
| Lifestyle Modifications | Diet and Exercise | Reducing caffeine, sugar, and alcohol while incorporating regular physical activity has been shown to mitigate PMDD symptoms, as reported in The Journal of Women’s Health. |
| Stress Management | Mindfulness, yoga, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) help individuals manage emotional stressors associated with PMDD. | |
| Supplements | Calcium and Vitamin B6 | Calcium (1,200 mg daily) and Vitamin B6 have demonstrated efficacy in reducing mood-related symptoms in studies published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. |
| Support Networks | Joining Support Groups | Joining support groups or seeking therapy can provide a safe space to share experiences and develop coping strategies. |
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
