Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a debilitating condition that impacts a significant percentage of individuals who menstruate. Often confused with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), PMDD presents more severe physical and emotional symptoms that can dramatically disrupt daily life. The symptoms typically emerge during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subside shortly after menstruation begins. If you are suffering from PMDD, WCWCW (Women’s Comprehensive Wellness Center for Women) in Bethesda, Maryland, offers specialized, compassionate care to help you regain control over your health and well-being.
Our team of experts, with extensive experience in women’s and reproductive psychiatry, takes a personalized approach to diagnose, treat, and manage PMDD. We’re committed to offering cutting-edge treatment plans that are uniquely tailored to each individual’s specific needs and circumstances. Whether you are located in Maryland or seeking telehealth services in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Florida, our clinicians are here to provide relief from the debilitating symptoms of PMDD.
The symptoms of PMDD can severely affect not only your physical health but also your emotional and mental well-being. Common psychological symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even episodes of depression. Physically, many experience fatigue, bloating, headaches, joint pain, and breast tenderness. What makes PMDD particularly challenging is how these symptoms interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities.
While PMS might cause discomfort, PMDD can feel overwhelming. At WCWCW, we understand that PMDD can leave you feeling out of control. By recognizing the severity of these symptoms and identifying them early, you can begin the journey toward effective treatment.
If you regularly experience these symptoms in the week leading up to your menstrual period and notice a marked improvement after your period begins, you may be dealing with PMDD. Our specialists at WCWCW can guide you through a proper evaluation and diagnosis to confirm PMDD and help you understand how to manage your condition.
At WCWCW, we take a holistic approach to diagnosing PMDD, beginning with an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. Often, we recommend that patients document their daily symptoms over a two-month period to capture the patterns of PMDD more accurately. This detailed tracking allows our specialists to discern the difference between PMS and PMDD and tailor a treatment plan based on your specific experiences.
Our diagnostic process includes:
While the exact cause of PMDD remains unclear, researchers believe it is linked to abnormal reactions to hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which occur during the menstrual cycle. These hormonal changes can affect the brain’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.
At WCWCW, our team of reproductive psychiatry specialists is dedicated to helping you understand the underlying causes of your condition. By targeting the hormonal imbalances and neurotransmitter disruptions that lead to PMDD, we can create more effective, long-term treatment strategies that relieve both the physical and emotional symptoms of the disorder.
Treating PMDD requires a multi-faceted approach that is personalized to fit your lifestyle, symptoms, and overall health. Our team at WCWCW offers a comprehensive treatment plan that may include a combination of lifestyle modifications, psychotherapy, medication, and stress management strategies. We recognize that each patient’s needs are unique, and our treatments are designed with that in mind.
One of the first steps in managing PMDD is making changes to your lifestyle. Diet, exercise, and stress management all play a role in minimizing symptoms. Our clinicians will work with you to develop healthier habits that can reduce the severity of PMDD symptoms.
For some individuals, medication may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms of PMDD. Our clinicians may prescribe:
In conjunction with lifestyle changes and medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from PMDD. This type of therapy helps patients reframe negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms to better manage emotional symptoms.
At WCWCW, we are committed to offering specialized care for individuals experiencing premenstrual disorders like PMDD. Our team of experts in reproductive psychiatry and psychotherapy takes an integrative, compassionate approach, recognizing that each patient’s experience is unique.
We carefully diagnose PMDD, identifying risk factors and understanding how these contribute to mood disorders and PMS symptoms. Our personalized treatment options are designed to help patients effectively manage symptoms and achieve the best possible outcome.
With telehealth services available in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Florida, along with in-person care in Bethesda, Maryland, we provide flexible options to ensure patients receive the support they need, wherever they are.
Our goal is to help you have your PMDD treated while improving your overall quality of life. Contact us today.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Women’s & Reproductive Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Sexual Health
In-Person care in Bethesda, MD
Telehealth appointments in Maryland, Virginia, DC,
Florida and Michigan
