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Can a doctor treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) on Maple?

Yes, a Maple doctor can help you treat PMS and PMDD on Maple. A PMS or PMDD diagnosis can often be made after the doctor learns more about your history of physical and emotional discomfort around the time of your menstrual cycle. If you seem to be at risk for any other emotional or physical complications, the doctor may suggest further tests, either through Maple or in person.

Can I get a prescription on Maple?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the onset of physical and emotional discomfort approximately one week before the beginning of menstruation. Most notably, PMS can cause mood swings in the days leading up to menstruation. PMS symptoms usually disappear when menstruation begins.

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder is a period of severe emotional disturbance leading up to menstruation. PMDD causes symptoms of depression, anxiety and irritability that usually lessens when menstruation begins.

Women with PMDD often experience serious declines in their mental health that make it difficult for them to carry out daily tasks and socialize with friends, family and colleagues.

What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and PMDD symptoms are similar, but the main difference is that PMDD symptoms are much more severe. PMS causes mild depression and manageable anxiety. As a result, PMS treatment can sometimes be as simple as making a few changes to everyday habits like exercise and diet.

PMDD can cause feelings of deep anxiety and depression that are often hard to overcome, and sometimes lead people towards self harm. That’s why antidepressants are often a recommended PMDD treatment.

What are the symptoms of PMS and PMDD?

PMS symptoms include:

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Tender breasts
  • Acne
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Food Cravings
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain

PMDD symptoms include:

  • Deep fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Crying outbursts
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Panic attacks
  • Trouble socializing/disinterest in other people
  • Food cravings
  • Tender breasts
  • Bloating
  • Cramps
  • Joint Pain
  • Muscle Pain
What causes PMS and PMDD?

The cause of PMS and PMDD are still unknown. Some studies relate a drop in serotonin — which is a chemical our brains release when we’re happy — to hormonal changes that happen in the body before menstruation begins. This might be the reason mood instability happens so often during PMS and PMDD.

How are PMS and PMDD treated?

Both medicine and lifestyle changes can be treatments for premenstrual syndrome. Some PMS symptoms, like nausea, can be treated with over the counter medications. Mood swings related to PMS can sometimes be reduced by increasing exercise, proper rest, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Sometimes people need prescription medication to help rebalance their emotions. In this case, antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) might be prescribed, usually as treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Zoloft and Celexa are examples of SSRIs used as PPMD medication.

How long does PMS last?

PMS usually lasts for about 7-14 days before the start of menstruation.

PMDD and PMS can mimic other disorders like depression, so to differentiate, it’s important to ensure that feelings of low mood are only happening in the weeks leading up to menstruation. If these feelings are more constant, the mood imbalance may be chronic, and not correlated to PMS or PMDD.

What is Maple?

With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare app for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

You simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Our doctors can assess symptoms, and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.

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Treatable conditions

Mental health

Our doctors are available to provide advice and treatment for common mental health conditions.

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Doctors can advise on family planning and treat conditions, including urinary tract infections and erectile dysfunction.

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