Women's Integrated Healthcare, P.A. | Obstetrics and Gynecology

Three Types of Premenstrual Disorders

For the many euphemisms it is given, menstruation can be a cause of monthly dread and discomfort for many women. A woman’s cycle can be not only inconvenient but also preceded by uncomfortable premenstrual symptoms like mood swings, cramps, bloating and fatigue. While many premenstrual symptoms can be managed with at-home or over-the-counter remedies, some women may suffer from premenstrual disorders that require the medical attention of an ob-gyn. 

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): PMS is a broad description of the physical, emotional and behavior changes that can occur before menstruation. While the type and severity of symptoms experienced will vary between women, common symptoms of PMS include cramps, bloating, fatigue, irritability and breast tenderness.
• Dysmenorrhea: Also known as menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea presents itself as dull and painful sensations in the lower abdomen right before, and often during, menstruation. This cramping is caused by the contraction of the uterus as it expels the uterine lining. Severe cramps may be treatable with pain medication or hormonal birth control methods, which can reduce the frequency and severity of cramps. Cramps caused by an underlying condition like endometriosis can be remedied with surgery.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Caused by hormonal changes, PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a severe form of PMS that can cause women to feel severely depressed, irritable and tense in the days preceding menstruation. Symptoms of PMDD often mimic major depressive disorder and include binge eating, difficulty concentrating and panic attacks. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, medications and mood-stabilizing drugs may help to treat PMDD.

For more information about premenstrual disorders, please contact WIH. At Women's Integrated Healthcare, we combine the latest in technology in obstetrics and gynecology with compassionate care to provide for patients throughout the Grapevine, Keller and Alliance areas. For more information about the ob-gyn services and care we provide, please visit us online or call us today at (888) 870-5671.

Our patients come to us from around the DFW metroplex, including Grapevine, Keller, Alliance, Southlake, Highland Village, Lewisville, Irving, HEB, Arlington, Grand Prairie and the surrounding areas.

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