“I’ve been on Viibryd for 2 months, and 80% of my PMDD symptoms went away almost immediately,” said a member of Belle Health community. “While SSRIs aren’t for everyone, I highly recommend getting a genetic test to see if they might work for you.”
The question of what remedies and treatments to use for PMDD is one that many women and AFAB individuals grapple with. While some prefer natural treatments, many healthcare providers suggest using SSRIs due to the substantial body of research supporting their efficacy.
However, Belle Health wanted to go beyond the clinical studies and hear directly from those who have experienced PMDD firsthand. We reached out to our community to gather their personal opinions and experiences with SSRIs. In this blog post, we delve into the question: Are SSRIs the best solution for managing PMDD?
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that causes significant emotional and physical symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Individuals with PMDD may experience extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety, as well as physical symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. These symptoms can be debilitating, impacting daily life and relationships.
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Remedies Options for PMDD
Managing PMDD often requires a multifaceted approach, tailored to the individual’s symptoms and needs. Various treatment options are available, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions. Here, we will explore some of the most common treatments:
Lifestyle Changes
- Diet and Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help manage PMDD symptoms. Reducing caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake is also recommended.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help alleviate both the emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD. Activities like yoga, walking, and swimming are particularly beneficial.
- Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is crucial. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can improve sleep patterns.
Medical Treatments
- Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills, patches, or rings can help regulate hormonal fluctuations that trigger PMDD symptoms. However, these are not suitable for everyone and can have side effects.
- Supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, may help reduce symptoms.
“My daily supplement routine includes magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin D, omega 3, and vitamin C. I also use Vitex Berry occasionally, as it helps with hormone balance. I do believe incorporating this into my daily routine has helped. It hasn’t solved the problem, but it has definitely helped!” (community statement)
SSRIs: A Prominent Treatment for PMDD
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often considered one of the most effective treatments for PMDD. SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil), work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help alleviate mood-related symptoms.
How SSRIs Work
- SSRIs help balance serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation.
- These medications are typically taken daily, but some women may benefit from taking them only during the luteal phase (the two weeks before menstruation).
Effectiveness of SSRIs
- Studies have shown that SSRIs can significantly reduce the emotional symptoms of PMDD, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.
“I’ve been on Viibryd for 2 months, and 80% of my PMDD symptoms went away almost immediately. I’m no longer sleeping for hours during the day or experiencing severe mood swings and crying spells. I feel less angry and agitated, have fewer panic attacks, and do less overthinking during the luteal phase. Now, it feels like I have regular PMS. While SSRIs aren’t for everyone, I highly recommend getting a genetic test to see if they might work for you.” (community statement)
“I have been on generic Zoloft for four years. It has been amazing in helping me along my journey. I also have anxiety, so I take it throughout the month. Life changing for me!” (community statement)
- Many women report improvements in their overall quality of life while taking SSRIs.
“Escitalopram SSRI has helped level me out. Been taking for 6/7 months along with a multitude of vitamins and greens which has helped.” (community statement)
“I found research indicating that Prozac was the best option for PMDD. I asked my doctor to take me off all other medications and started taking Prozac daily. It worked great for 10 years. No other medication had worked for me, and I had tried about eight different ones!” (community statement)
Side Effects of SSRIs
“I’ve tried Zoloft, which caused me to gain 30 pounds and was much harder to stop than to start. I also tried Prozac, which gave me constant headaches, trouble sleeping, and actually caused me to lose weight. Wellbutrin made me feel constantly irritated. SSRIs did not suit me well, so I decided to stop them all and take herbal supplements daily instead.” (community statement)
“I’ve tried Zoloft as well, but I couldn’t tolerate the side effects even for a day. Since then, I’ve been exercising more and paying close attention to what I consume. While there are still months when the symptoms are difficult to manage, I do feel better overall.” (community statement)
“Taking an SSRI turned my life into a hellish nightmare. I developed high liver enzymes, adrenal problems, and experienced very protracted withdrawal. It was the worst decision of my entire life, and I worry about the long-term consequences for others.” (community statement)
Conclusion
While SSRIs are considered one of the best solutions for managing PMDD symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. By combining medical treatments with lifestyle changes, many women find significant relief from PMDD and can lead healthier, more balanced lives.
