PMDD treatment (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

A MinuteClinic provider can review your medical history, conduct a physical examination and refer you for laboratory or imaging studies as needed. They will help identify the cause of symptoms and recommend a treatment plan specific to you. If necessary, a MinuteClinic provider can refer you to a specialist for further premenstrual dysphoric disorder treatment.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

The exact cause of PMDD is not known. Changes in hormones can cause lower levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood, which may contribute to PMDD. Risk factors include:

• Family history of PMS or PMDD
• Personal or family history of mood disorders like depression and postpartum depression
• Cigarette smoking or prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke in the home

There are several ways a health care provider can diagnose PMDD. A health care provider will review your medical history and may conduct a pelvic exam. They may also run diagnostic tests to evaluate your mental health.

What do the numbers mean?

• 5.6% or below means normal
• 5.7 to 6.4% indicates prediabetes
• 6.5% or above means diabetes

PMDD treatment options include:

• Changes in diet: Reduce the amount of salt you eat to help ease bloating, breast tenderness and water retention. Add a mix of leafy greens and fruit to increase iron and B vitamins. Increase your consumption of complex carbs and foods with calcium like yogurt and milk to help stabilize mood. You should also consider limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are effective PMDD treatment medications that alleviate headaches, menstrual cramping, breast tenderness and other forms of physical pain.
• Vitamin supplements: Vitamin D, vitamin B6 and magnesium may help ease physical and emotional symptoms.
• Exercise: Regular activities like walking and other movements may help fight against depression, restlessness and insomnia caused by PMDD.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs can help alleviate severe anxiety and depression caused by PMDD. They may also be an effective treatment for mood swings that may be a symptom of PMDD.
• Therapy: A health care provider may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, a specific type of talk therapy, to help you navigate the emotional challenges of PMDD.

If you’re experiencing PMDD symptoms that affect your quality of life, there are different treatment options available. This can include prescription medicines or other therapies that don’t rely on medicine. A MinuteClinic provider can help determine the right treatment for you.