Women's Mental Health Specialist

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This condition causes both emotional and physical symptoms that can sometimes become debilitating.

If you suffer from PMDD, extreme changes in mood can interfere with your ability to work or maintain personal relationships with family and friends. You may also experience symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Extreme sadness
• Difficulties sleeping
• Changes in appetite

Physical symptoms of PMDD include chronic fatigue, breast pain, and bloating.

Symptoms of PMDD often occur a week to 10 days before you start your period and can last a few days through your period before getting better.

Treatment for PMDD may include behavioral counseling, improved diet, and use of medications, such as antidepressants or birth control pills.

What causes perinatal mental health issues?

Perinatal mental health relates to your mental and emotional health throughout pregnancy and during your postpartum months. Common issues that affect women during these times include anxiety and depression, which can worsen over time without proper treatment.

These conditions often result due to the biological changes that occur during and after pregnancy, especially with your hormones. As hormone levels fluctuate, you may be at increased risk for experiencing mental health issues.

Additionally, the lifestyle changes and new responsibilities that come along with a new baby can cause stress, tension, and adjustment disorders that worsens into depression and anxiety.

Dr. Olele can evaluate your condition and recommend lifestyle changes or behavior therapies to help you find relief. In some cases, antidepressant medications can be useful for a period of time to alleviate severe anxiety or depression that interferes with your usual activities, including caring for a new baby.

What if I have a mental health issue before becoming pregnant?

If you have an existing diagnosis of anxiety or other mental health disorder and wish to become pregnant, Dr. Olele can help guide you through the changes you need to make.

In some cases, medications that are prescribed for treating anxiety and depression shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. Dr. Olele works closely with you to determine the best course of treatment through your pregnancy and postpartum period to ensure good mental health.

If your anxiety or depression stems from difficulties getting pregnant, Dr. Olele can also provide recommendations for treatment to address infertility-related mental health issues.

How do miscarriage and infertility affect mental health?

The gut-wrenching emotions associated with miscarriage and infertility issues can take a toll on your mental health. For some, fertility issues and recurrent miscarriages can make you feel like you’re defective or that your life is going out of control, leading to feelings of shame and guilt.

There’s also worry about the social consequences resulting from miscarriages or infertility, such as feeling disconnected from or disapproved of by your family and friends.

Dr. Olele offers a safe environment for discussing your emotions, including fears about future pregnancies, to ensure you have the support you need to overcome the trauma. Talk therapy and other treatment options are available to address your anxieties and guilt so you can take positive steps toward the future.

You know yourself better than anyone. If you need help managing your mental health before, during, or after pregnancy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Olele by phone or through the convenient online booking system.

If you live in the greater Fairfax, VA, Alexandria, VA, Washington, DC areas be sure to ask about available telepsychiatry services.