Which Specialist Should You Consult?

Women with PME may benefit from being managed by a multidisciplinary team comprising:

General practitioner/family doctor

This is the first point of contact to visit if you are experiencing any problems. The doctor will assess your symptoms, and rule out any other medical condition, menstrual cycle, and overall health.

Gynaecologist

Gynaecologists specialize in the female reproductive system and provide a specific diagnosis, along with treatment options, related to PME.

Mental health professional (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or counselor)

If severe emotional or mental health symptoms are experienced, such as depression, anxiety, or panic attacks, it is advised to speak to a mental health professional for a comprehensive approach towards healing.

How to Prepare for the Doctor's Visit?

• Track your symptoms for at least 2 menstrual cycles before visiting your doctor. Write down any signs or symptoms you're experiencing. This will provide a clear overview of your health situation, the key to a better diagnosis.
• Note down the days you first notice your PME symptoms.
• Note down the days your PME symptoms stop or reduce.
• Track the dates of your period cycle.
• Record the severity of your symptoms.
• List key medical information, such as your past medical history, any current condition you're being treated for, and any medications you're taking.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Questions regarding symptoms:

• What’s the difference between PMDD and PME?
• What can I do to reduce the day-to-day impact of PME on my life?
• Could unmanaged underlying conditions, like anxiety or depression, be contributing to my PME symptoms?
• Does PME get worse over time, or can it improve with age or the right interventions?
• How common is PME?
• What’s the best way to track my symptoms?
• Will PME have any impact on my fertility or ability to conceive in the future?
• What typically happens to PME symptoms during pregnancy?
• If I currently have PME, is there a risk of it progressing to PMDD over time?
• Is PME a rare diagnosis?
• Am I more likely to have postpartum depression if I have PME?

Questions regarding treatment:

• Would you recommend that I consult a psychologist or psychiatrist as part of my PME treatment plan?
• Are hormonal pills the only medical option for treating PME, or are there other treatments available?
• Can lifestyle-based strategies or non-medication approaches help manage my PME?
• Does diet play a role in easing PME symptoms?
• Are there any supplements that have shown evidence of helping with PME?
• What are your thoughts on alternative therapies, like Homeopathy or Ayurveda, for PME?
• How often should we review and adjust the treatment plan or medications?
• Are there any long-term risks I should be aware of when undergoing PME treatment?
• Could PME have any impact on my fertility or reproductive health in the future?

Tip:
Remember, this is just a broad outline of how you can approach your doctor's appointment! Don't hesitate to ask any other questions that may occur to you during your visit.

Medically reviewed by: Dr Yash Bahuguna

Researched by: Dr Inara Isani

Written by: Avantika Sukhia