Scientific Breakthrough Uncovers ‘Cell Disorder’ in PMDD Sufferers

In a scientific breakthrough for women’s mental health, NIMH – National Institute Of Mental Health studies recently uncovered a cell disorder in women with PMDD. (a mood disorder affecting women’s mental health) The studies revealed how cells process sex hormones in PMDD sufferers making them different to those women with PMS on a molecular level.

Explaining PMDD

Women who have Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), find that this is not your average monthly symptoms. PMDD is a disabling condition, causing women to experience the symptoms of PMS but on a much higher level affecting their mental health and overall wellbeing.  In comparison, PMS can be dealt with easily, however, women who have PMDD dread going into ovulation (when symptoms begin) saying that these symptoms are extremely difficult to manage most times. They look forward to the start of menses which is the relief for PMDD symptoms disappearing as if a switch is flicked back on.

PMDD sufferers experience the extremities of the following symptoms affecting their mental health, wellbeing and ability to function causing them to lose quality of life:  breast tenderness and swelling, anxiety, irritability, (Dysphoria) depression, cramps, exhaustion, behavioural issues, preferring isolation over social activities, feeling overwhelmed with a loss of interest in usual activities, bloating, hot flashes, headaches or migraines, foggy brain, neck aches, joint and muscle pain. The symptoms affect their ability to function at home or at work on certain days during ovulation.  Symptoms can last a week or two.

Figures show that between 2% and 5% of women have PMDD. However, 4 in 10 women suffer from PMS.

Scientists Discuss The Research & Findings

Research into mood-related disorders of women linked to the menstrual cycle began after the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) stated that women with PMS should be offered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers found that a molecular mechanism in women with PMDD made them more sensitive to the sex hormones; oestrogen and progesterone.  Researchers hope this new evidence and research revealing the complex role of genes in PMDD can help women with their reproduction linked mood disorders.

The study was published in the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry showed that cutting off oestrogen and progesterone stopped symptoms of PMDD in women with the condition. When hormones were re-introduced PMDD returned.

Comparing white blood cells in women with PMDD and those without, researchers were able to confirm the impact of a woman’s cellular response to sex hormones.

Sources

1. National Institutes of Health – Sex hormone-sensitive gene complex linked to premenstrual mood disorder
2. Further reading: PMDD Not Your Average Monthly Symptoms

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