- Understand the different phases of the menstrual cycle, including the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase, and how hormonal changes during these phases affect your body and mood.
- Know the symptoms of PMS and PMDD, and learn to distinguish between them to seek appropriate treatment, which can significantly improve your quality of life.
- Discover various treatment options for PMS and PMDD, from lifestyle modifications and natural remedies to pharmaceutical interventions like SSRIs, and how these can help manage symptoms effectively.
Dr. Sarah Williams provides a comprehensive overview of the menstrual cycle, detailing the hormonal changes that occur during the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these phases and the normal variations in cycle length and symptoms. Dr. Williams explains that PMS, which affects up to 80% of women, involves symptoms in the luteal phase that significantly impair daily functioning. She also distinguishes between PMS and the more severe PMDD, which affects about 2% of women and includes five or more symptoms, including mood-related symptoms.
Dr. Williams discusses potential causes of PMS and PMDD, noting that while estrogen and progesterone levels are similar in women with and without PMS, the difference lies in the body's sensitivity to these hormones and their impact on neurotransmitters like serotonin. She outlines the importance of diagnostic testing, including hormone levels and thyroid function, to rule out other conditions. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and natural supplements like chasteberry to hormone replacement therapy and SSRIs, emphasizing a personalized approach to managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
