There are several emotional and psychological challenges associated with PMS and PMDD. At present, science does not have direct causes of PMDD, but thankfully, there are therapeutic measures in the form of reproductive psychiatry and counseling.
Understanding PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the emotional and physical symptoms that women experience each month, usually one to two weeks prior to a period. This is thought to be a normal cycle related to hormonal changes, which tend to get worse a few days before a period and then ease after that. This affects anyone who menstruates.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS, one that tends to affect women who are in their childbearing years and has a significant impact on daily function. The symptoms typically appear around one week prior to PMS and end a few days following a period. However, the symptoms last longer than what women experience during PMS and are so severe that they can interfere with daily function. The symptoms can also manifest at unexpected times throughout the month.
This is considered an abnormal reaction to the menstruation-induced hormonal changes that cause severe reductions in serotonin rates, causing mood symptoms severe enough that they mimic those in a bipolar disorder or depressive disorder. While anyone can develop PMDD, it is more likely in people who have a history of PMDD in their family or a history of mood disorders or depressive disorders.
What is Reproductive Psychiatry?
NYU reproductive psychiatry is a subset of psychiatry that focuses on helping women meet their mental health needs, specifically those related to the reproductive cycle.
The Role of a Reproductive Psychiatrist
With reproductive psychiatry, NYC professionals will start with diagnostic assessments to help diagnose the symptoms that can occur specifically at different reproductive transitions in a woman’s life, such as:
- Postpartum depression
- Postpartum psychosis
- Mood conditions during pregnancy
- Perimenopause
- Emotional changes resulting from menopause
- Reproductive loss
- Infertility
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
As part of the services received, reproductive psychiatry and counseling services can extend to:
- Preconception planning helps those who are dealing with reproductive loss or infertility, in particular, plan for conception while also providing the emotional support needed for mental health conditions and symptoms surrounding that transition.
- Medication management for women who are struggling with things like postpartum depression or psychosis and need to find the right type of medication to manage severe symptoms of things like co-occurring PMS or PMDD while also breastfeeding.
- Family support and education for women who are dealing with mood conditions during pregnancy or the emotional changes brought about by menopause.
Treatment Approaches in Reproductive Psychiatry for PMS and PMDD
What is reproductive psychiatry as it relates to PMS and PMDD? It is a form of psychiatry that can provide women with effective treatment options that extend to medication, psychotherapy, counseling, lifestyle modifications, and holistic approaches to manage symptoms.
Diagnostic Evaluation
With this type of reproductive psychiatry and counseling, you can expect to start with a diagnostic evaluation. This is a critical part of achieving the right type of treatment plan. A psychiatrist will help determine what conditions you are struggling with and rule out other potential explanations for certain symptoms. All of this goes a long way toward finding personalized treatment.
Medication Management
After receiving your diagnosis, NYU reproductive psychiatry services will extend to medication management where necessary. Some of the most common medications can include antidepressants.
SSRIs are the most common category of medications that women take daily, but for PMDD or PMS, they are typically only taken around two weeks before a period to help manage the symptoms.
Other medications can include SNRIs, benzodiazepines, or birth control pills. In some cases, your reproductive psychiatry NYC service might actually discuss taking birth control pills without a break or changing the break to help you relieve symptoms.
Psychotherapy and Counseling
In terms of psychotherapy and counseling, you might get recommendations for things like cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you identify and change negative views you might have about your symptoms as well as your self-esteem.
Educational counseling can be an important tool as well, giving you more information about the reasons behind certain lifestyle modifications or the effectiveness of stress management techniques.
Psychotherapy and counseling can help you recognize things like personal triggers that might contribute to your symptoms so that you know not to discuss things like finances when your symptoms are high because it’s a trigger for you that might make symptoms worse.
Lifestyle Modifications and Holistic Approaches
When you work with reproductive psychiatry specialists, you can get help with lifestyle modifications and holistic approaches to manage your symptoms, such as:
- Diet changes
- Nutritional supplements
- Herbal remedies
- Over-the-counter medications for symptoms like headaches or joint pain
All of these can help keep blood sugar stable, which can help with your energy and mood levels.
This is often combined with recommendations on stress management techniques such as aromatherapy, meditation, mindfulness, or yoga to help you avoid emotional triggers when you experience PMS or PMDD.
Other lifestyle modifications and holistic approaches extend to making sure you get enough sleep, making sure that you exercise regularly to help reduce depression symptoms and manage stress, and cutting down or stopping things like alcohol consumption or smoking.
Integrating Reproductive Psychiatry into Overall Healthcare
If you are interested in reproductive psychiatry, there are several ways that you can incorporate it into your overall healthcare plans.
- Make sure that you collaborate with other healthcare providers. If you are participating in reproductive psychiatry and counseling, be sure that your OBGYN knows about this and that your primary care physician is informed.
- Be sure to create a personalized plan that integrates things that are appropriate to your physical fitness level or personal preferences.
Challenges in Treatment and How to Overcome Them
There can be challenges in treatment, particularly things like stigma and misunderstandings, as well as navigating your insurance and accessibility.
One of the ways that you can overcome these challenges is to spread more education about PMS and PMDD reproductive psychiatry and the benefits that it can have. Open discussions about these resources can help avoid misunderstandings.
When you search for a reproductive psychiatrist, use resources and directories that provide networks and major centers like NYU to locate the professionals in your area. The right facilities will help you navigate your insurance by reviewing insurance benefits with you and explaining what is covered under your plan and what might still have to be covered out of pocket.
If you are unable to find locations that have in-person meetings or you are more limited because you are at home with a new child, breastfeeding, or otherwise unable to travel, you can find virtual options as well.
Conclusion
What is reproductive psychiatry? It is a specialized field that helps to treat several needs for women related to reproductive stages in life, including the psychiatric aspects of PMS and PMDD. Consider reproductive psychiatry as a viable option for comprehensive care.