Tag: PMDD

PMS and PMDD can both occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. But what is the difference between PMS and PMDD and what are the treatments available? Read on to find out.  Quick facts: What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to your period. For many people, PMS is a familiar but manageable part of the menstrual cycle, with up to 90% of women and people who menstruate experiencing it at some point.  PMS can vary from person to person, with some people just experiencing mild symptoms, with others suffering from more extreme symptoms that can affect their daily lives. What are the most common symptoms of PMS? There are a combination of physical and mental symptoms that can be associated with PMS. Some of the most common symptoms include: What is PMDD? Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical hormone-based mood disorder. that affects mood, behaviour, and physical wellbeing in the days leading up to your period. While PMS exists on a spectrum, PMDD sits at the most severe end. What makes PMDD distinct is not just the symptoms themselves, but how disruptive they can be. People often describe feeling like a completely different version of themselves in the second half of their cycle, with changes that affect their ability to work, maintain relationships, or carry out daily routines.  These symptoms follow a clear cyclical pattern, typically emerging after ovulation, intensifying in the week before a period, and easing shortly after menstruation begins. This predictable timing is one of the most important clinical clues and one of the reasons PMDD is often misunderstood or missed altogether. PMDD is estimated to affect up to 5.5% of the population in the UK who menstruate, which adds up to over a million. That is 1 in 20  people. What Are the Main Symptoms of PMDD? PMDD can present a wide range of emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms.  The main symptoms of PMDD include severe mood swings, irritability or anger, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Many people also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes. Symptoms occur in the luteal phase  or premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle and subside within a few days of menstruation due to the brain’s sensitivity to the natural rise and fall of progesterone and oestrogen. Recognising these patterns is key to understanding whether what you’re experiencing could be PMDD. 🌪 Emotional & Mood Changes  🧠 Cognitive & Psychological 🛌 Physical & Sensory Symptoms In the most severe cases of PMDD, some people may experience suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts. If you need urgent help for your mental health you can contact the Samaritans 24/7 helpline, or Mind’s crisis resources. What Does PMDD Actually Feel Like? PMDD is often characterised by a shift in emotional and psychological state that can feel difficult to control or explain. Unlike PMS, where symptoms may feel uncomfortable but manageable, PMDD can feel overwhelming and, at times, debilitating. Many people report intense mood changes, including persistent low mood, anxiety, irritability, or a sense of being emotionally overwhelmed. There can be a loss of interest in things that would usually bring enjoyment, alongside difficulty concentrating or making decisions. For some, these changes are accompanied by intrusive or distressing thoughts, and in more severe cases, feelings of hopelessness or suicidal ideation, which is why PMDD is recognised as a serious medical condition. Importantly, these symptoms are cyclical. They tend to resolve once the period starts, sometimes quite suddenly, which can make the contrast between phases of the cycle feel even more pronounced. It’s also important to note that PMDD can occur even in people who do not bleed regularly. For example, individuals using a hormonal coil or those who have had a hysterectomy but still have functioning ovaries may still experience PMDD symptoms, as hormonal cycling continues. What Causes PMDD?  PMDD is often misunderstood as a hormonal imbalance, but current research suggests something more nuanced. Most people with PMDD have hormone levels that fall within the typical range. Instead, the condition appears to be driven by an increased sensitivity in the brain to the normal hormonal changes especially linked to oestrogen and progesterone that occur across the menstrual cycle, particularly after ovulation.  There is also evidence to suggest a genetic component. Individuals with PMDD are more likely to have a family history of the condition, as well as mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.Variations in genes involved in hormone regulation and serotonin signalling may increase susceptibility, helping to explain why some people experience more severe reactions to hormonal shifts than others. Emerging research and lived experience also point towards a potential link between PMDD and neurodiversity. Some neurodivergent individuals, including those who are autistic, report more intense or difficult-to-manage symptoms. This may be related to differences in how the nervous system processes stress, sensory input, and emotional change. It is important to note that neurodiversity does not cause PMDD, but it may influence how symptoms are experienced and perceived. Stress is another key factor. Chronic stress can disrupt the body’s hormonal and neurological balance, particularly through its effects on cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This may amplify sensitivity to normal hormonal fluctuations and worsen the emotional and physical symptoms associated with PMDD.  Mental health history also plays an important role. Individuals with a history of trauma, anxiety, or depression may be more vulnerable to PMDD, and symptoms can often overlap or intensify during certain phases of the cycle. This does not mean PMDD is purely psychological, but rather that it sits at the intersection of hormonal and mental health processes. Beyond the brain and hormones, there is growing interest in the role of inflammation. Some studies have found elevated inflammatory markers in people with PMDD, suggesting that inflammation may interact with hormonal sensitivity and contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, and brain fog. Nutritional […]