Premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms are severe enough to be debilitating, interfering with both job and social activities.  It is still unknown what really causes or leads to premenstrual dysphoric disorder, but several theories have been purposed.  The two most likely theories deal with the regulation of ovarian hormones.  The first theory places the cause on a deficiency in progesterone causing an imbalance in the estrogen ratio.  The second theory places the blame on serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain.  This theory hypothesizes that the ovarian hormone function is the problem not an imbalance causing problems with serotonin in the brain producing the exaggerated emotional issues that occur during premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms include depressed mood to point of even suicidal ideation, anxiety, irritability to anger issues, breast pain generally with bloating, headaches, severe cramping, and can have an increase in blood loss.  It is important to check for other conditions that could aggravate already present premenstrual symptoms.  A medical evaluation is important to determine appropriate treatments and to diagnose appropriately.  Hormonal therapies can be very effective if used correctly and in adequate doses.