What is PMDD?
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with mental, emotional, and physical symptoms arising during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle each month.
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PMDD affects about 1 in 20 women between puberty and menopause. While symptoms are triggered by changing hormones, PMDD is not a hormone imbalance, rather it is an extreme sensitivity to fluctuating hormone levels across the menstrual cycle.
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Diagnosis is made through daily symptom tracking for two menstrual cycles.
PMDD Symptoms*
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A diagnosis of PMDD requires the presence of at least five of the following symptoms, one of which must be a "core emotional symptom​". These symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. A diagnosis of PMDD should not be made in anyone who is currently using hormonal contraceptives of any type.​
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Mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, sensitivity to rejection
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Irritability, anger, rage, interpersonal conflicts, or relationship issues
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Depression, feelings of hopelessness, feeling worthless or guilty; suicidal thoughts
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Anxiety, tension, or feelings of being keyed up or on edge
Core
PMDD Symptoms
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Decreased interest in your life
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Difficulty concentrating, focusing, or thinking; brain fog
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Tiredness or low-energy
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Changes in appetite, food cravings, or overeating
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Hypersomnia or insomnia
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Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
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Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, bloating or weight gain
* International Association For Premenstrual Disorders
Read more about PMDD and other premenstrual disorders at iapmd.org.