PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe sensitivity to normal hormonal changes that causes intense mood, emotional, and physical symptoms in the week or two before menstruation.

PMDD is a distinct condition where severe mood and physical symptoms occur only during the luteal phase due to heightened sensitivity to hormonal shifts, whereas Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) involves the worsening of an existing condition — such as anxiety or depression — before a period, with symptoms still present but less intense at other times in the cycle.

Treatment for PMDD and PME focuses on reducing symptom severity and stabilising mood and physical wellbeing.
Options include lifestyle measures, such as regular exercise, good sleep routines, and stress-management strategies, alongside psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy.

Medications may also be used: SSRIs can be taken continuously or only in the luteal phase for PMDD, while PME often requires optimising treatment of the underlying condition in addition to cycle-based support.

Hormonal therapies, which include certain oral contraceptives or ovulation-suppressing treatments, may also help by reducing hormonal fluctuations that trigger symptoms.