Knowledge Centre
ConditionsDraft: awaiting clinical review
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
A severe form of premenstrual symptoms with significant mood changes in the days before a period.
Overview
PMDD causes severe emotional and physical symptoms in the second half of the cycle, which ease within a few days of the period starting.
It is thought to affect around 5% of people who menstruate.
What is well established
- Diagnosis is based on a symptom diary kept over at least two cycles, which the cycle tracker can help with.
- Effective treatments exist and are best discussed with a clinician.
Uncertain or emerging evidence
- PMDD appears to involve unusual sensitivity to normal hormonal changes rather than abnormal hormone levels, but the mechanism is not fully understood.
When to seek help
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 999 or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice about your own circumstances. Clinical review pending.