The disorder requires that the patient experience 5 of the following symptoms prior to menses for a period of 1 year. These symptoms should not be present to any significant degree during other time of the month. Women who have premenstrual dysphoria do have an increased likelihood of developing major depressive disorder and postpartum disorders.
Many women find there are certain things that they can do to reduce their symptoms.
It is often helpful to establish a calender which demonstrates the relationship between their mood and menstrual cycle. Women who have mood symptoms throughout the month should be treated for Major Depressive Disorder. Women may be able to improve symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoria. Exercise Aerobic exercise may improve mood and reduce irritability, though controlled studies are lacking. Maintaining a calender may allow women to anticipate this problematic time of month.