PMS and PMDD Blood Test

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are conditions causing physical and emotional symptoms in the weeks before menstruation. They are caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly low progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The Progesterone Blood Test is the most important test for identifying hormonal imbalances contributing to PMS and PMDD symptoms.

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What causes PMS and PMDD?

PMS and PMDD are caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly involving progesterone and estrogen. During the luteal phase (the two weeks before your period), progesterone levels should rise after ovulation and then fall if pregnancy does not occur. When progesterone levels are too low or the ratio between estrogen and progesterone is imbalanced, it can trigger physical symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue, as well as emotional symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Women with PMDD experience more severe symptoms that significantly interfere with daily activities and relationships.

What is the best test for PMS and PMDD?

The Progesterone Blood Test is the most important test for PMS and PMDD because it measures your progesterone levels during the luteal phase of your cycle when symptoms typically occur. Low progesterone during this time is a key hormonal imbalance that contributes to both physical and emotional PMS and PMDD symptoms. The test should ideally be done about one week after ovulation (around day 21 of a 28-day cycle) when progesterone levels should be at their peak. Your healthcare provider can use these results along with your symptom patterns to determine if hormonal imbalance is the root cause and develop a targeted treatment plan that may include progesterone supplementation, lifestyle changes, or other hormonal therapies.

When should I get tested for PMS and PMDD?

You should get tested if you experience recurring symptoms in the week or two before your period that improve within a few days after menstruation starts. Common signs include severe mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings, or sleep problems that interfere with your work, relationships, or daily activities. Testing is especially important if your symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your life (which suggests PMDD rather than typical PMS), if over-the-counter remedies are not helping, or if you want to understand whether hormonal imbalances are contributing to your symptoms so you can pursue targeted treatment options.

What are the symptoms of PMS and PMDD?
PMS and PMDD symptoms typically appear 1-2 weeks before menstruation and improve within a few days after your period starts. Physical symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, food cravings, and sleep disturbances. Emotional and behavioral symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anger, anxiety, depression, crying spells, difficulty concentrating, and social withdrawal. PMDD causes more severe symptoms that significantly impact your ability to function at work, school, or in relationships, with intense mood symptoms like severe depression, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm that require immediate medical attention.
Who is at risk for PMS and PMDD?
Women of reproductive age are at risk for PMS and PMDD, with symptoms typically beginning in the 20s or 30s and potentially worsening as you approach perimenopause. Risk factors include a family history of PMS, PMDD, or mood disorders, a personal history of depression or anxiety, high stress levels, lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, and insufficient sleep. Women who have experienced postpartum depression or traumatic events may also be more susceptible to PMDD. The exact cause is not fully understood, but sensitivity to normal hormonal fluctuations combined with genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role.
What happens if PMS and PMDD are left untreated?
Untreated PMS and PMDD can significantly impact your quality of life, relationships, work performance, and mental health. Chronic untreated PMDD may lead to worsening depression, anxiety disorders, increased risk of suicidal thoughts, damaged personal and professional relationships, and difficulty maintaining employment. The recurring nature of symptoms every month can create a cycle of anticipatory anxiety and stress that compounds the hormonal effects. Physical symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances can also worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing symptoms effectively and preventing long-term psychological and social consequences.
Can PMS and PMDD be diagnosed with a blood test?
PMS and PMDD cannot be diagnosed with a blood test alone, as they are primarily diagnosed through clinical evaluation of your symptom patterns and their timing in relation to your menstrual cycle. However, blood tests like the Progesterone Test play an important supporting role by identifying hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will typically ask you to track your symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles to establish a pattern, and then may order hormone testing to check progesterone levels during the luteal phase. The blood test results, combined with your symptom diary and medical history, help confirm whether hormonal factors are involved and guide the most appropriate treatment approach.
How are PMS and PMDD treated?
Treatment for PMS and PMDD depends on symptom severity and may include lifestyle modifications, supplements, medications, or hormonal therapies. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress reduction, adequate sleep, and dietary modifications (reducing caffeine, salt, and sugar) can help mild to moderate symptoms. Supplements such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and evening primrose oil may provide relief. For more severe symptoms, treatment options include hormonal birth control to regulate hormone fluctuations, progesterone supplementation if levels are low, antidepressants (particularly SSRIs which can be taken continuously or just during the luteal phase), and anti-inflammatory medications for physical symptoms. PMDD may require more aggressive treatment with continuous SSRI therapy or hormonal suppression.
How can I prevent PMS and PMDD?
While you cannot completely prevent PMS and PMDD, you can reduce symptom severity through consistent lifestyle habits. Maintain regular exercise (at least 30 minutes most days) to boost mood and reduce physical symptoms, follow a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while limiting caffeine, alcohol, salt, and sugar, and ensure adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly). Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or therapy can help regulate your nervous system response to hormonal changes. Track your menstrual cycle and symptoms to anticipate difficult days and plan accordingly. Some women find that taking calcium (1200 mg daily) and magnesium supplements throughout the month helps prevent symptoms from developing.
What natural remedies help with PMS and PMDD?
Several natural remedies may help alleviate PMS and PMDD symptoms when used consistently. Calcium supplementation (1200 mg daily) has been shown to reduce mood swings, food cravings, and physical symptoms. Magnesium (200-400 mg daily) can help with bloating, breast tenderness, and mood symptoms. Vitamin B6 (50-100 mg daily) may improve mood and reduce fluid retention. Herbal remedies like chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) may help balance hormones, while evening primrose oil can reduce breast pain. Regular aerobic exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have all shown benefits for managing symptoms. Dietary changes like eating small, frequent meals, increasing complex carbohydrates, and reducing caffeine and alcohol can also help stabilize blood sugar and mood throughout your cycle.
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Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

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This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
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We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
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If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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