<http://schema.org/articleBody>
" Is it PMS or PMDD? You probably don&amp;#039;t need us to tell you what PMS is\u2014the unmistakable bloating, cramps, breast tenderness and irritability (just to name a few symptoms) that can begin five to 11 days before your period. But premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is not as well-known. This more severe form of PMS was classified as a mental disorder in 1994 by the American Psychiatric Association. The main difference between run-of-the-mill PMS and PMDD is all in your head\u2014literally. PMS tends to cause mostly physical symptoms along with some moodiness; however, major mood swings that interfere with your daily life may be a sign of PMDD. What can you do about it? MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES -Keep a mood journal for at least two months to determine whether symptoms are related to your menstrual cycle. -Get plenty of sleep and take naps when you can if you&amp;#039;re exhausted. -Include plenty of complex carbs in your diet, limit salt and alcohol, and don&amp;#039;t skip meals. -Stay active. A brisk walk on most days has been shown to boost mood. -Limit caffeine. If you&amp;#039;re fatigued, you may be tempted to supersize that morning cup of coffee, but it will only make your symptoms worse. -Get adequate calcium. Research shows that calcium can help ease premenstrual symptoms; if you&amp;#039;re under 50, the recommended daily dose is 1,000 mg. CONSIDER MEDICATION -Try OTC drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for cramps and headaches. Brands like Midol, which contain a combination of acetaminophen, diuretics and small amounts of caffeine, can help control a variety of symptoms such as bloating, fatigue and cramping. -Ask about prescription drugs if you think you have PMDD. Certain antidepressants known as SSRIs, which include brands like Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft, are typically taken from mid-cycle until you get your period. What&amp;#039;s new? If you&amp;#039;re on birth control pills and you also have PMDD, ask your doctor about switching to a new low-dose brand called Yaz. Approved in April 2006, it&amp;#039;s been shown to be effective at managing PMDD symptoms. Yaz uses 24 days of active pills versus the typical 21 days, thus reducing hormonal changes throughout your cycle. Did you know? -PMS affects 75 percent of women, while only about 8 percent have PMDD. -If you have ever experienced postpartum depression or seasonal affective disorder, you&amp;#039;re more likely to suffer from PMDD. -If your mother or sister has PMDD, you&amp;#039;re more likely to have it too. Go to to download a daily record that will help monitor your mood, and to find a PMDD specialist near you. factsforhealth.org "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/womens-health/a18/checkup-pms/?src=shelter_footer>