About 90 percent of the women experience at least a few premenstrual symptoms. Some of them suffer from severe discomfort, which can be disabling. This is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

It is a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and was earlier known as Late Luteal Dysphoric Disorder. This disorder has several cyclic physical, mental, and behavioral indications that primarily occur before menstruation and go away a few days later.

PMDD can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, PMDD medication, like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and oral contraceptives, are an effective approach to treating the condition and relieving its symptoms like pain and irritability. This comprehensive article aims to elaborate on types of PMDD medication that can be your relief companion. 

Medication for PMDD

There are numerous treatment options for PMDD, including medications. The right choice depends on your symptoms and severity. Based on these, a healthcare practitioner can prescribe the following medications to treat PMDD:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Pills for pmdd
Pills for pmdd

Currently, the first-line treatment of PMD is SSRIs. They are the gold-standard pharmacologic treatment for PMDD. These antidepressants work to relieve PMDD symptoms like anxiety and depression. These may include Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram, and Paroxetine. 

Normally, SSRI requires four to eight weeks to reach clinical efficacy in treating Depression and anxiety disorder. However, in the case of PMDD and PMS, their effect is rapid and effective, starting within days to a maximum of four weeks. These are taken intermittently to reduce side effects like weight gain.

Warning:
SSRIs can cause Serotonin Syndrome, which occurs when Serotonin levels get very high. This can cause symptoms like agitation, diarrhea, muscle twitching, sweating, and seizures. So, you should take SSRIs only according to prescribed doses and immediately report to a doctor if you observe any symptoms to avoid complications. 

Birth control pills

Birth control pills are popularly recognized to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, these medicines contain Estrogen and Progestin hormones, which play a significant role in relieving severe PMDD and PMS symptoms.

According to Cochrane.org, oral contraceptive pills that contain low-dose Estrogen with Drospirenone are the most effective treatment for PMDD. Since the symptoms get violent around the menstruation phase of the cycle, the hormones in the pills can prevent ovulation, maintaining hormonal balance.

Currently, Yaz is the only FDA-approved birth control pill for PMDD treatment and is used for relieving PMDD symptoms. Other birth control pills may also be helpful but have not been studied well. 

Even though birth control pills are safe to use, they can cause certain adverse effects in women. Some of the major side effects of birth control pills are as follows:

  • Headaches
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight gain
  • Breast tenderness
  • Mood swings
  • Risk of blood clots and heart problems

Further, the following people should avoid or consult a doctor before taking birth control pills to prevent complications:

  • A history of heart problems and blood clots
  • High blood pressure, blood cholesterol level, or Diabetes
  • A habit of smoking
  • Crossed the age of 35 
  • Women with a history of blood clots
  • Have a history of Uterine Cancer
Did you know? :
Approximately 5% to 8% of women have moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms causing functional impairment.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa)

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may be helpful in some women as they relieve PMDD symptoms by bringing a temporary state of Menopause. This treatment should only be prescribed if other treatments are ineffective and bring out no positive result in treating PMDD.

GnRHa can cause certain side effects in women, as follows:

Benzodiazepines

If the FDA-approved treatments for PMDD fail, then anxiolytics like Benzodiazepines can be useful. They are fast-acting drugs that are used during the second half of the menstrual cycle to treat PMDD anxiety. They should not be used daily as they can cause dependence. Some effective Benzodiazepines for PMDD are Alprazolam, Clonazepam, and Lorazepam. 

Sepranolone

Woman suffering from pmdd pain
Woman suffering from pmdd pain

Sepranolone is a PMDD-specific treatment for women. It is a new treatment developed as an injection for treating PMDD in women. Its main aim is to prevent PMDD symptoms from emerging. 

According to the MGC Center for Women’s Mental Health, Sepranolone 10 mg and 16 mg are administered subcutaneously during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It was found that Sepranolone 10 mg reduced PMDD symptoms more effectively than placebo.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Doctors also prescribe certain pain-relieving medications, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, to alleviate painful symptoms. These medications may help women find relief from painful cramps. Women can consult their doctor before taking these medications to relieve PMDD pain.

Can supplements help

Besides medications, there is limited evidence suggesting that certain supplements can relieve PMS/PMDD symptoms. These include multivitamins with antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex vitamins, along with minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Even calcium citrate, magnesium, and vitamin B6 supplements can be helpful. 

Conclusion

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe extension of PMS. It can cause extreme discomfort, pain, anxiety and depression. Fortunately, these symptoms can be treated with PMDD medication.

The first-line treatment choice is SSRIs such as Fluoxetine. Besides these antidepressants, oral contraceptives can also be helpful. Currently, Yaz is the only birth control pill that is FDA-approved for alleviating PMDD symptoms.

Further, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) and Sepranolone are also effective treatments. Some healthcare practitioners can also prescribe effective pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen, to relieve the painful symptoms of PMDD.

You should always consult a doctor and seek appropriate medical treatment suitable for you to ensure a faster recovery. With the right care, PMDD discomfort can be minimized, and functionality can be restored. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there medication for PMDD?

Yes, there are many medications for PMDD. The most commonly prescribed medicine for PMDD is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Further, birth control pills, such as Yaz, are also FDA-approved for treating severe PMDD symptoms. For relieving pain, a doctor also recommends painkillers like Ibuprofen. 

What is the best pill for PMDD?

The best pill for PMDD is a hormonal birth control pill. Yaz is the only FDA-approved birth control pill for PMDD treatment. Women with PMDD should consult a healthcare practitioner and seek medical guidance before using these pills or any other treatment method. 

What is the new drug for PMDD?

The new drug for PMDD is Sepranolone. It is a PMDD-specific treatment for women with PMDD. The treatment is available in an injection form. However, more studies and trials are required to fully understand its biological impacts. 

Can antidepressants be beneficial in PMDD? 

Yes, antidepressants such as SSRIs can be beneficial for women with PMDD as they are the gold standard treatment choice. SSRIs that can be effective include Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram, and Paroxetine. You should consult a healthcare practitioner before consuming these medications to avoid complications. 

What is the first line treatment for PMDD? 

SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are the first-line treatment for PMDD. Some of them are Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram and Paroxetine. Besides, oral contraceptives like Yaz are also used to manage PMDD symptoms. 

Citations:
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