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Hers: Defining Mental Health Series; PMS & PMDD

Instagram post for Hers: Defining Mental Health series

Caption: For some, mood swings are more than just “that time of the month.” Scroll through to learn more about PMS and PMDD.

Slide 1:

PMS
/ˌpiː.emˈes/

Noun

Short for premenstrual syndrome, PMS is defined as the presence of physical and behavioral symptoms before the start of the menstrual cycle.

Slide 2:

Common mental symptoms:

  •  Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Depressed mood

Slide 3:

Common physical symptoms

  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Breast pain

Slide 4:

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is more severe than PMS, with debilitating symptoms each month.

Slide 5:

If you find yourself feeling depressed, anxious, and/or irritable every month before your period, you may have PMS. 

If you find yourself unable to function because of these symptoms, you might have PMDD.

Slide 6:

Treatment:

PMS

  • Exercise
  • Meditation
  • Vitamins and herbs

PMDD

  • Birth control
  • SSRIs
  • Psychotherapy

Slide 7:

If you think you have PMDD, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss options for treatment.