We have been made to believe that females and mood swings are as inseparable as peas and carrots. However, latest studies point out that female moodiness has a reasonable cause. The mood swings that have been characteristic of women are considered a symptom of premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. This is a major depressive disorder which causes sudden mood changes in women, particularly those who are in their late 30s to mid 40s.

If you know someone who exhibits symptoms of PMDD, you might want to understand first what she is going through before you get irritated with her moodiness.

Causes

Up to this day, science has not offered a clear explanation as to why PMDD happens. The belief is that the hormones secreted by the ovaries during different stages of the menstrual cycle interact with neurotransmitters in the brain. Although the ovarian hormone levels of women with PMDD are normal, it is possible that the response of the brain to the fluctuation in hormone levels is atypical. Studies also prove that PMDD is not due to personality traits. Thus a woman who exhibits moodiness is not exactly innately unfriendly.

Other factors that may trigger PMDD include alcohol abuse, too much weight, and drinking lots of caffeine. Genetics could also play a role, as women who have a family history of the disorder are more likely to suffer from PMDD. Lack of exercise could also trigger this malady.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PMDD include severe mood swings with periods of crying. A woman who suffers from PMDD has no interest at all in doing daily activities and entering or sustaining relationships. She is always lackluster and sad, even to the point of entertaining suicidal thoughts.  When she is depressed, she could go into binge eating.

PMDD causes a woman to go through panic attacks. She is always irritable and angry, and her emotional outbursts affect the people around her. She also has difficulties sleeping and concentrating.

In terms of physical symptoms, PMDD is characterized by breast tenderness, bloating, and joint and muscle pain.

Treatment

There is no laboratory test that can singlehandedly diagnose PMDD. Doctors usually rely on the conduct of a complete physical examination, medical history, and psychiatric evaluation to determine if a woman has PMDD.  Women are advised to keep a diary of symptoms to help their physicians tell whether they have PMDD or not.

Treatment of PMDD includes antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI. One drug that falls under this category is Prozac.  It acts on the chemicals called serotonin that is found in the brain.

The management of PMDD begins with a healthy lifestyle. Women who have this disorder are advised to eat healthy foods like vegetables and fruits. They are also prohibited from taking alcohol and sugar and limiting their intake of sugar and salt. To lessen the severity and frequency of the symptoms, it is recommended that they regularly exercise. Changing of sleep habits may also help them sleep better instead of taking medicines for insomnia.