Every year on July 29th, the world celebrates World Wolf Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about wolves and their importance in the ecosystem. However, there’s another reason why this day is important.

World Wolf Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about an illness that affects women and is commonly referred to as the “wolf.” In this article, we’ll explore the illness behind the name and how it affects women.

What is the “Wolf?”

The “wolf” is a colloquial term used to describe a condition that affects women. Its official name is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and it’s a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

PMDD affects about 5% of women of reproductive age. While PMS is a condition that affects many women, PMDD is much more severe and can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life.

Symptoms of PMDD

PMDD is characterized by a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Physical symptoms may include:.

Cramping
Headaches
Joint or muscle pain
Bloating or weight gain
Breast tenderness
Fatigue

The emotional symptoms of PMDD are perhaps the most challenging to deal with. Some of the emotional symptoms of PMDD include:.

Irritability, anger, or increased conflict with others
Tension or anxiety
Depressed mood
Loss of interest in usual activities
Mood swings, sudden tears
Feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control

Causes of PMDD

While the exact cause of PMDD is unknown, experts believe that the condition is linked to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.

Women with PMDD may be more sensitive to the fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone that occur during the menstrual cycle. Other factors that may contribute to PMDD include:.

Genetics
Environmental factors
Chemical imbalances in the brain
Stress
Past traumatic experiences

Diagnosing PMDD

Diagnosing PMDD can be challenging since many of the symptoms overlap with other conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Typically, a healthcare provider will evaluate a woman’s symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other conditions. A healthcare provider may also ask a woman to keep a symptom diary to track her symptoms for several months to help with diagnosis.

Treating PMDD

There’s no cure for PMDD, but several treatments can help manage the symptoms. Treatment options for PMDD may include:.

Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques can help reduce the severity of PMDD symptoms.
Medications: Antidepressants, hormonal birth control, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help manage the symptoms of PMDD.
Therapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may help women with PMDD manage their emotional symptoms.

Conclusion

PMDD, commonly referred to as the “wolf,” affects about 5% of women of reproductive age. The condition is a severe form of PMS and can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life.

While there’s no cure for PMDD, several treatments can help manage the symptoms. If you’re experiencing severe physical and emotional symptoms before your period, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms.

With proper treatment, women with PMDD can regain control of their lives and reduce the impact of the “wolf.”.