Feb
28
PMT – real or over diagnosed?
Mood changes that may occur during the premenstrual cycle have received many labels over the years, premenstrual tension (PMT),then premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and most recently in the update of the psychology bible, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM), it is referred to as Premenstrual Disorder (PMDD). Yes ladies, your monthly menstrual cycle now consists of a disorder should you suffer any form of mood change during your cycle!
That got your attention didn’t it! I am tired of hearing this label and the implications that it brings.
This post is actually the first in a series of posts I will write on regarding over diagnosis by the medical and psychiatric community. Over diagnosis is of great concern not only because of the potential unnecessary use of harmful pharmaceuticals to manage what would otherwise be normal behavior if environmental and stress factors were taken into consideration. Additionally is the label that over diagnosis places on people especially those that are most vulnerable.
Back to the premenstrual cycle. Despite the commonly held belief that women experience negative mood during the premenstrual cycle, a recent review of 47 studies in this areas found in fact that these studies did not provide evidence of a specific premenstrual negative mood syndrome in the general population. Nearly 40% found no association of mood with any menstrual cycle period, and only 15% indicating an association of negative mood with premenstrual phase.
it’s all about the negative
It is suggested that the general focus of previous research has been on the negative premenstrual changes rather than the positive aspects, especially in western cultures that set expectations on women being both productive and reproductive. A focus on the negative aspects tends to categorize and stigmatize what is a naturally occurring event for over ½ the world’s population at particular time in their lives. In fact two studies selected in the review reveal that women who were thought to be menstruating were, “less competent, less likable, less energized, less sexually appealing, more irritable, angry and sad”.
Such attitudes are difficult to understand today, but, a focus on the negative aspects, pharmaceutical companies and the medical profession ever increasingly supplying and prescribing premenstrual antidepressants, it’s no wonder that such attitudes exist.
Many women also believe the negative hype turning to OTC and other prescription solutions. The power of the mind-body connection is also strong leading negative expectations to become self-fulfilling.
but really it’s stress
However research has found that those hit the hardest by symptoms are those women with increased stress in their lives. The emotional effect of these stressors peak or express themselves as the body’s hormones change and these effects are often wrongly diagnosed or dismissed as PMS. These emotions are a reaction to life’s strains and stresses. It is high time to put this myth, and over diagnosis, to bed and let women of all ages to be proud of their bodies at all times of the month.
Positive wellness techniques that help
There are many positive psychology and wellness techniques that can help women manage stress and teach themselves to express their emotions and feelings in a balanced way throughout the month, none of which involve antidepressants and all of which are likely to create positive outcomes and positive mood. Here are a few that I use and recommend.
Aromatherapy – provides a loving solution to any physical pain experienced pre or during your menstrual cycle. Blend a mixture of various essential oils known for soothing and nurturing the body, with your favorite carrier oil. Effective blends include: clary sage, marjoram and lavender or jasmine.
Restorative Yoga – In Ayurveda the premenstrual cycle is considered an invitation to bring your mind and body back into balance. Asana’s that help restore and balance include
- Supta Baddha Konasana
Photo: Megan Parton
- Adho mukha svanasana- Downward dog
- Inversions such as shoulder stand and head stand – the rush of blood to the head immediately calms mind and therefore body
- Viparita Karani – Legs-up-the-Wall Pose with sacrum on a bolster
- Twists – to help flush hormones that may be stagnating throughout the body
Meditation or guided imagery such as Yoga Nidra
Practicing gratitude and positivity – gratitude journal and best possible self diary
Help others who have more immediate concerns during their menstrual cycle by donating to Huru International, who supply sanitary napkins to young girls and women in Kenya who otherwise would have to miss school when they have their period.
Be well
Angie
