Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

During the last week before menstruating, for most of the menstrual cycles occurring during the course of a year, there have been at least five of the following symptoms which have disappeared shortly after commencing menstruation:
- Significantly low mood;
- Marked anxiety or a feeling of being on edge;
- Fluctuating moods - suddenly feeling sad, rejected or tearful;
- Feeling persistently angry or irritable;
- Loss of interests in usual activities;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Decreased energy or feeling of fatigue;
- Altered appetite, usually increased with cravings;
- Significantly increased or decreased sleep;
- A feeling of being out of control;
- Physical symptoms such as abdominal bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain and weight gain.
In order for the problem to be considered a disorder there has to be a significant disturbance in functioning.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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