Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a condition that resembles premenstrual syndrome. Both conditions occur immediately before menstruation and include both physical complaints and changes in the woman’s emotional state. The difference between the two conditions is the extent of the symptoms. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is characterized by much more severe and pronounced changes. It causes very serious mood disturbances, severe depression, irritable mood or anxiety a week or two before the onset of menstruation. Symptoms disappear over the next 2 to 3 days. Women of reproductive age are prone to this condition. It could affect up to 5%-10% of them. Other symptoms of the disorder include extreme anger, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, crying, mood swings and trouble sleeping. Affected women often lose interest in the world around them, the people in it, and their daily tasks. They are constantly tired, often overeat or experience uncontrollable hunger. They may have problems with memory, concentration and focus, lack of a clear and clear mind. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder can also cause physical changes. Women often have a feeling of fullness in the chest, great tenderness in the same area, cramps, bloating, headaches and muscle or joint pain. The appearance of acne, inflammation of the skin, itching, appearance of herpes, as well as other skin changes is characteristic. Some of the affected women complain of headaches, dizziness, fainting spells, extreme sensitivity of the limbs, numbness or a stabbing sensation. Vascular symptoms include sudden bruising after minor trauma and palpitations. In some cases, respiratory allergies or infections occur. A number of affected patients also report decreased coordination, impaired libido, hot flashes and dysmenorrhea. Sometimes vision changes or eye inflammation are present. All these symptoms affect the quality of life of women. There are different methods of dealing with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Some take anti-depressants, even though these are now believed to be ineffective. Many specialists prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to their patients to keep serotonin levels high in the brain. Others recommend oral contraceptives, which lower female sex hormone levels. It is also possible to apply various alternative methods of treatment, through evening primrose, essential free fatty acids or ginkgo biloba. However, the effectiveness of these herbal products is not clearly defined. It is important for women to know that they can be harmful when taken in large doses. In addition, some interact with other drugs and can interfere with their action. Physical pain and discomfort can be relieved by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,and various methods are recommended to deal with stress, such as yoga and meditation. Women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder should lead a healthier lifestyle, eat a proper and balanced diet according to their needs and be physically more active. In some of them, the condition progresses over time and may disappear only after the onset of menopause. For this reason, longer treatment is required. Sources: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Premenstrual-Dysphoric-Disorder.aspx