Reproductive Mental Health
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Most women experience some form of physical, emotional, and mental changes before the start of their periods known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
However, for approximately 5% women these changes are very distressing and have a significant impact on their daily lives. The symptoms can range from extreme mood fluctuations, increase in interpersonal conflicts, anxiety, and fatigue. During this time, women could take impulsive decisions like quitting their job, leaving their families, and even contemplating suicide
This severe form of PMS is called Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It has a similar impact on the quality of life as any other chronic health condition. It is also strongly associated with suicidality. Due to the chronic distress and serious impairment of an individual in various spheres of functioning, PMDD was included as a full category in DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders) in 2012.
Symptoms of PMDD can get worse over time and /or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause. It is likely that you will get relief from symptoms of PMDD if you are pregnant.
If you think you could be suffering from PMDD, get in touch with our experts for accurate diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms.
Symptoms of PMDD
A diagnosis of PMDD requires the presence of at least five of these symptoms, one of which must be a "core emotional symptom" (one of the first four symptoms listed in bold).
Menopause
Menopause is the time that marks the end of the menstrual cycle. The occurrence of menopause can only be determined in retrospect and women are considered postmenopausal, after 12 months without any periods. Menopause typically occurs in late 40s and 50s; with the mean age in India being 46 years.
Around 20% of women in India experience early menopause in the age of 40-44 years, while 2% women experience menopause below the age of 40 years known as premature menopause.
The most reliable indicator of menopause is changes in your menstrual cycle. Other common symptoms include hot flashes, insomnia, heavy or prolonged bleeding, vaginal dryness, muscle and joint pain and anxiety or depression.
Management of menopausal symptoms depends on their severity and it varies from one woman to another. 10-15% of women have no symptoms at all while for others these symptoms may cause a significant impact on their day to day functioning. If your symptoms are bothersome and you need an expert advice, book an appointment with our team for support.
Postpartum depression (PPD)
A new baby brings a lot of emotions in a mother’s life; boundless love, joy and happiness. However, some women experience a complete roller coaster of feelings including depression.
Postpartum depression is a common, more severe, long-lasting form of depression as compared to the gentler baby blues experienced by a lot of new mothers. It is defined as an episode of major depression disorder with the onset during pregnancy or 4-6 weeks postpartum. However, it may occur within one year post birth of a child.
Around 14-16% of women suffer from PPD worldwide and research estimates that around 50% of cases remain undiagnosed.
If PPD is not managed timely, it could have adverse short-and long term outcomes for both mother and child. This includes poor bonding between mother and child and developmental issues in the offspring. Around 5% of women with PPD develop treatment resistant depression. More alarmingly, suicide remains the leading cause of maternal deaths between 6 weeks and 12 months after child’s birth.
The good news is that PPD can be prevented and treated effectively if right support and guidance is provided to mothers. Our team can help you navigate this new journey so that you can take care of yourself and your family effectively.
Postpartum depression symptoms may include:
