Dear Readers-

PMDD is real.  This is a constellation of symptoms that affect women and their families up to two weeks before the period.  There are mood and physical changes that at times can be embarrassing and disabling.  It ranges from bloating, to foggy brain to mood instability and often women are not aware of it until after the period starts.   It is REAL and hormonal and tends to get worse up to menopause.  There are things that can be done to help but also stress management and lifestyle changes and simply awareness can make a big difference.  What was once called PMS is now called PMDD,  premenstrual mood dysphoria.  Talk about it and get some help if it is affecting your QOL- quality of life.   Dr N