— STEPS TO DIAGNOSE —

PMDD has only recently been recognized as an official diagnosis in the medical and mental health communities. Because of this, many healthcare providers have not received training in PMDD, and they may not be aware that the condition exists. They often don’t know how to begin a treatment for PMDD. Therefore, the ideal place to start when seeking diagnosis/treatment is to find a provider near you who knows what PMDD is and how to treat it.

Health care providers, as well as YOU, diagnose this condition based on the reoccurrence and severity of symptoms, along with the process of elimination of your health and behavioral conditions. Medical and psychiatric evaluations are typically used in combination in order to diagnose PMDD.  

As part of the diagnosis, PMDD must be distinguished from a premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying depressive and/or anxiety disorder. A diagnostic sign of PMDD is the notable difference in the frequency of moderate-to-severe symptoms during the follicular phase (as compared with the luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle—whereas other depressive disorders occur throughout the cycle.

PMDD is a chronic condition that worsens over time until the woman reaches menopause, although symptoms can disappear during pregnancy.

Preparing Ahead of Time

When visiting a provider, bring in your previous labs, records and journal documentation. For most providers, bringing in history of treatment for premenstrual or other disorders will help them to treat you more efficiently.

Stay as organized and prepared as possible for all appointments. Being prepared and clear on what your intentions are for every appointment will help you get what you need.

I had to learn my own “art” of working with doctors. This art has taken me years. Initially, when I began working with doctors, I felt helpless. Doctors would tell me, “nothing is wrong, it’s all in your head.” The general prescription for treatment advised was birth control pills and Anti Depressants. I felt like i was getting nowhere. As all things refine with practice, years later I did eventually get the diagnosis, help and treatment that I needed. I spent thousands of dollars.

I have learned through experience that most doctors don’t work with PMDD or understand it. I have come to realize that it has been up to me to take more responsibility. We must learn what PMDD is and how it directly affects our lives. It is valuable to learn where it comes from and when it first expressed itself in our life (i.e. possibly something traumatic turned on the PMDD switch). Possibly it’s genetic—your mother and/or your grandmother may have had PMDD.

Knowing the source and having the Awareness helps. Gathering and acquiring tools in order to feel stable is essential. Often times, it takes various therapies, medications and treatments.

Staying persistent with your doctors is key. Bring them information and share your research and findings with them. You may find yourself teaching them something new. It could be a win-win. Your doctor is a bridge for you to manage a life with PMDD, or a life PMDD free.

*Request your records as soon as possible. Often you will need to sign a release of information form before records can be picked up or sent to your new provider.