Finding a PMDD Specialist in New York City

Finding a PMDD Specialist in NYC: Clinics Providing Life-Changing Care

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS causing extreme mood swings, depression, irritability, and anxiety in the weeks leading up to a woman's period. These debilitating symptoms can greatly disrupt work, relationships, and overall functioning.

While PMDD is estimated to impact 5% of menstruating women, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to lack of awareness. The good news is NYC has some leading PMDD specialists providing transformative care.

The Urgent Need for PMDD Specialists

PMDD is not simply "bad PMS." It is a real psychiatric disorder triggered by hormonal fluctuations. Women with PMDD do not just experience temporary moodinessthey undergo an extreme psychological state each month.

Many lose days of productivity, damage relationships, or contemplate suicide because of the severity of symptoms like rage, hopelessness, fatigue, and dissociation in the lead-up to menstruation.

Despite the huge impact on quality of life, many ob-gyns lack training to recognize PMDD. Women often struggle alone for years before their symptoms are properly diagnosed and treated.

Seeing a PMDD specialist can help women finally achieve relief with personalized treatment approaches.

The Benefits of Visiting a PMDD Specialist

PMDD specialists have advanced training in identifying this disorder and providing evidence-based treatment options tailored to each woman's needs.

Here are some of the benefits of seeing a PMDD specialist:

Correct diagnosis based on tracking symptoms and mood
Testing to rule out other medical conditions contributing to symptoms
Comprehensive treatment plans including medications, supplements, therapy
Referrals to mental health professionals familiar with PMDD
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatments
Validation and emotional support through the journey

Women report finally feeling understood, hopeful, and equipped to manage PMDD after connecting with an empathetic specialist.

Where to Find PMDD Specialists in NYC

Fortunately, New York City has a number of clinics with providers knowledgeable about accurately diagnosing and compassionately treating PMDD.

Here are some of the leading PMDD and menstrual health specialists in New York City:

Columbia University Medical Center

The Columbia Women's Health Practice takes a multidisciplinary approach to PMDD with psychiatrists, ob-gyns, therapists, dieticians and social workers. Treatment options include SSRIs, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), nutritional plans, and diaphragmatic breathing.

NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone's Judy Woo, MD is considered one of the foremost PMDD specialists in the country. She conducts cutting-edge research and has appeared on shows like 60 Minutes to advocate for PMDD awareness. Her compassionate team provides medication, supplements, CBT, and personalized care.

Mount Sinai PMDD Treatment Program

Program founder Catherine Hansen, MD specializes in using cognitive behavioral therapy tailored for PMDD. This evidence-based psychotherapy helps women change thought patterns and behaviors to better manage symptoms and skillfully respond to hormonal shifts.

Jake Women's Health, PLLC

The clinic was founded by Elizabeth Jake, MD who has a special interest in menstrual disorders. She publishes and lectures internationally on PMDD. Dr. Jake's multi-pronged approach includes hormonal treatments, SSRIs, nutritional counseling and supplements.

What to Expect at Your PMDD Specialist Visit

So what happens when you book an appointment with a PMDD specialist?

The first visit usually lasts 60-90 minutes to allow for a thorough evaluation. The doctor will:

Review your menstrual, mood, and medical history
Have you fill out PMDD mood symptom questionnaires
Perform a physical exam and order any needed tests
Discuss treatment options like medications, supplements, therapy referrals
Provide instructions for tracking your mood to monitor PMDD
Schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust treatments

Ongoing visits are important to continually evaluate and refine your treatment regimen. Most women need 2-3 follow-up visits over a few months to find their optimal mix of coping strategies.

PMDD Treatment Options with Specialists

Some of the most common PMDD treatment approaches provided by specialists include:

Antidepressants

SSRIs like Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro may stabilize mood, anxiety, irritability when taken in the luteal phase (after ovulation until menstruation).

Hormonal Birth Control

Methods like the pill, patch, ring or shot can regulate cycles and limit hormonal fluctuations. Some choose to use estrogen supplements along with birth control to boost mood.

Supplements

Helpful supplements may include calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, chasteberry, evening primrose oil, and turmeric curcumin.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT provides tools to counteract negative thought patterns and develop skills for coping with PMDD mood swings and anxiety.

Stress Reduction

Relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and diaphragmatic breathing can ease mood symptoms.

Diet Modifications

Eliminating caffeine, alcohol, salt and processed foods may improve PMDD symptoms in some women.

The specialist will get to know you in depth to determine which combination of the above approaches is right for your situation and lifestyle. Many women find a multi-pronged strategy works best for sustained relief.

Don't Suffer in Silence - See a PMDD Specialist

If you continually experience PMDD symptoms like severe irritability, depression, or anger before your period, don't assume it's something you just need to live with.

Reaching out to a PMDD specialist for diagnosis and personalized treatment could finally provide you with real relief. New York City has some excellent clinics with providers dedicated to effectively managing this debilitating disorder.

No woman needs to cope alone with the turmoil PMDD brings each month. Specialist care is life-changing and brings new hope for reclaiming your life and wellbeing.

FAQs

What are the main symptoms of PMDD?

PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, anxiety, fatigue, trouble focusing, food cravings/overeating, feeling overwhelmed or out of control.

How is PMDD diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves tracking symptoms over at least 2 menstrual cycles. A specialist counts PMDD if at least 5 symptoms significantly impact functioning in the week before your period.

Does PMDD get better with age?

For many women PMDD symptoms tend to improve with age as hormone levels shift. But some still struggle with difficult symptoms into their 40s and 50s.

Can you still have PMDD on birth control?

Yes, many women using hormonal birth control still experience PMDD. The synthetic hormones may not fully prevent shifts in the luteal phase.

Is PMDD a form of depression?

PMDD can induce temporary depressive episodes monthly but is considered a distinct disorder. The depression is triggered by the menstrual cycle rather than occurring spontaneously.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.