Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
What is Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a hormone-related mood disorder that happens every month. It’s caused by sensitivity to hormone changes, with symptoms typically appearing 1-2- weeks before menstruation begins and improves a few days after it starts.
Unlike Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), the symptoms of PMDD are more disruptive and can significantly affect various aspects of a person’s daily life.
+ What are the symptoms of PMDD?
Key symptoms include:
- Core Emotional/Behavioural Symptoms:
- Severe Irritability or Anger: Potential for conflicts with others.
- Depressed Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or deep sadness.
- Extreme Anxiety/Tension: Feeling “on edge” or overwhelmed.
- Mood Swings: Sudden tearfulness or sensitivity to rejection.
- Reduced Interest: Less interest in daily activities and hobbies.
- Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating or feeling in a “brain fog”.
- Suicidal Thoughts: Intense distress.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue: Extreme lack of energy or lethargy.
- Appetite Changes: Overeating, binge eating, or specific food cravings.
- Sleep Changes: Hypersomnia (sleeping too much) or insomnia.
- Physical Pain: Breast tenderness, headaches, joint or muscle pain.
- Bloating: A feeling of weight gain or abdominal swelling.
Support
UK PMDD Support
A private Facebook support group to give and receive advice, share experiences and meet other sufferers in the UK.
Information and Resources
National Centre for Mental Health explain what Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMSS is.
IAPMD – PMDD
Further information on PMDD, symptoms and causes.
IAPMD also have a self-screening tool to help determine if you may have Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) or Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).
Mind – PMDD
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can have a big impact on mental and physical health.
If PMDD is affecting your life, take a look at the Mind information.
Mind – Treatment for PMDD
There are different treatments available for PMDD. You and your doctor should decide your treatment together.
The decision should be based on how bad your PMDD symptoms are, your personal preferences, and whether you plan to get pregnant.
Mind – Self-Care for PMDD
There are some things you can try to reduce the impact of PMDD on your life.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If something doesn’t feel possible for now, try something else or come back to it another time.