PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
A severe form of premenstrual syndrome that brings big mood changes, like depression, anger, or anxiety, in the 1 to 2 weeks before a period.
Category: Conditions
What is PMDD?
If your mood drops hard in the same week every month, PMDD is worth asking about. It follows your menstrual cycle. Symptoms start after ovulation and ease within a few days after your period begins. In between, the mood changes can be strong enough to disrupt work, studies, or relationships. Then they lift, until next month.
Key things to know
It isn't caused by abnormal hormone levels. It seems to come from your brain reacting strongly to normal hormone shifts. Common symptoms are sadness, irritability, anxiety, feeling out of control, poor sleep, and bloating. The DSM-5 asks for daily symptom tracking across at least 2 cycles to confirm it.
- Symptoms come in the 1 to 2 weeks before a period.
- They ease within a few days after it starts.
- It's much more severe than common PMS.
- Diagnosis needs daily tracking across 2 cycles.
- SSRIs, some birth control pills, and CBT can all help.
What helps
Treatment works. SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, help many people, and some take them only in the second half of the cycle. Some birth control pills help, and so does CBT. A gynaecologist or psychiatrist can help you choose. Tracking your mood and cycle every day is a good first step.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
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This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.