What is PMDD?

Mar 6

2 min read

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Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – ever heard of it?

Despite affecting 1.6% of women worldwide, which translates to over 31 million women, PMDD remains largely unknown. If you’ve seen Vicky Pattison speaking about it on social media or watched Kristina Goodsell open up about her struggles on Married at First Sight, you might have heard the term. But what exactly is PMDD, and why should we all be talking about it?

PMDD Explained

PMDD is a chronic mood disorder that’s directly linked to the menstrual cycle. However, it’s far more severe than the commonly known PMT (premenstrual tension). This condition has the power to profoundly disrupt a woman’s life—it’s not just about "bad periods." PMDD can leave women feeling completely out of control, leaving them with self harming and suicidal thoughts, it impacts their emotions, relationships, and daily life.

For some, PMDD feels like being trapped in a fog so dense that it’s hard to even recognise something is wrong. Life can feel heavy, hopeless, and unmanageable, with many women assuming this is just how things are.

What Are the Symptoms of PMDD?

PMDD symptoms typically occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is the time between ovulation and the start of your period. These symptoms often ease after menstruation begins. Some common signs include:

Severe mood swings – from heightened irritability to debilitating sadness
Depression and feelings of hopelessness
Anxiety and overwhelming tension
Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
Crying spells or heightened emotional sensitivity
Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
Physical symptoms like headaches, joint pain, and bloating

PMDD Is Not Just PMS

One of the biggest misconceptions about PMDD is that it’s just severe PMS. While PMS can be unpleasant, PMDD is far more intense and debilitating. Women with PMDD often experience significant disruptions in their work, relationships, and mental health. It’s even classified as a mental health disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Why Awareness Matters

Despite its prevalence, PMDD is often under-diagnosed and misunderstood. Many women suffer in silence, believing their symptoms are a normal part of life. Unfortunately, medical professionals frequently dismiss their experiences, attributing them to stress or general hormonal fluctuations.

Raising awareness is crucial. With better understanding, more women can recognise the signs of PMDD and seek the help they need. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatments are available, but the first step is knowing that PMDD exists.

If you suspect you or someone you know may have PMDD, don’t hesitate to seek help. Speak to a trusted healthcare professional, track your symptoms over multiple cycles, and advocate for yourself. You deserve to feel better. There are many PMDD help pages on Facebook and on Instagram checkout @the.pmdd.collective and @iapmdglobal. These are just two, there are many more.