4 Common Symptoms of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

When symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) first appear, they may really confuse you. The physical and emotional changes may be intense. You might feel like you suddenly developed a serious illness. And then, as fast as the symptoms start, they disappear, and you feel “normal” again.

Being able to recognize the symptoms of PMDD may help you get a diagnosis sooner. That can reduce the confusion and help you start treatment that relieves your symptoms. This is important since PMDD symptoms may be severe and lead to serious mental health concerns.

What are PMDD symptoms?

PMDD symptoms generally occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This is a two-week period that starts with ovulation (when the ovaries release an egg), and it ends with the start of the period. The symptoms are the result of a drop in hormones during this time.

You can categorize PMDD symptoms into four main categories:

1. Severe mood changes: Intense sadness, hopelessness, irritability, anxiety, anger, tension, feeling “out of control,” frequent crying, suicidal ideation

2. Loss of interest in the things you usually enjoy: Abandoning hobbies, isolating from others

3. Sleep changes: Struggling to sleep at night, feeling tired and sluggish during the day, frequent napping

4. Bodily pains: Severe menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, muscle aches, joint pains, bloating, digestive problems

Similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), these symptoms tend to ease once the period starts. They are often the worst in the five days leading up to the period.

What should you do if you’re having symptoms?

Whenever you are feeling changes in your mental health, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. Catching mental health concerns early may help prevent more serious issues (such as suidical ideation). Early diagnosis and treatment can also help improve treatment outcomes.

If you notice that you have mood changes that follow a pattern and seem to occur before your period, it’s worth bringing up PMDD to your doctor. This may help you and your doctor narrow down diagnoses so you can find an answer and start treatment sooner. Learn more about treatment for PMDD here.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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