The Basics

What is PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe and often debilitating hormone-related condition that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It typically appears one or two weeks before your period begins.

Though it’s often confused with PMS, PMDD is way more intense. It’s classified as a mood disorder and is recognised in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)¹, putting it in the same category as clinical depression or anxiety in terms of seriousness.

How does PMDD show up?

PMDD symptoms are not simply 'heightened PMS' (Refer to PME for that). They’re distinct, often overwhelming, and can include:

Intense irritability, anger, or mood swings.
Sudden bouts of anxiety or panic.
Depressive episodes, including feelings of hopelessness.
Low energy, fatigue, or a sense of being emotionally drained.
Difficulty focusing or remembering things (brain fog).
Disrupted sleep, either insomnia or oversleeping.
Physical discomfort like breast tenderness, bloating, or joint pain.

In this section, we’ll explore the mechanisms behind PMDD, available treatment options, therapeutic interventions, and practical tools to help you manage symptoms with greater clarity.

References