--- title: "PMDD symptoms: signs, cause and what helps" description: "A week of despair, rage or low mood every month, gone once your period starts? That can be PMDD. The symptoms, the diagnosis and what helps." url: https://myperiod.app/en/blog/pmdd-symptomen lang: en date: 2026-11-09 publisher: PERIOD. B.V., Amsterdam --- [Back to blog](https://myperiod.app/blog) [Symptoms](https://myperiod.app/blog/categorie/symptomen) · 6 min read # PMDD symptoms: signs, cause and what helps [Lees dit artikel in het Nederlands](https://myperiod.app/blog/pmdd-symptomen) PERIOD. team · November 9, 2026 **Short answer:** PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe form of PMS. In the week before your period you get intense symptoms, such as low mood, rage, anxiety or despair, that seriously affect your work or relationships. Within a few days of your period starting, they fade. About 3 to 8 in 100 women have it. It is a recognised condition and it can be treated. ## What is PMDD? PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It has been in the psychiatric handbook DSM 5 since 2013 and in the World Health Organization's ICD 11 since 2022. So it is not overreacting and not just "a bad week". The difference with [PMS](https://myperiod.app/en/blog/pms-symptomen-herkennen) is severity: with PMDD, your life stops for a while every month. Also read [the difference between PMS and PMDD](https://myperiod.app/en/blog/pms-vs-pmdd-verschil). ## PMDD symptoms Symptoms usually start in the week before your period, in the luteal phase. Doctors look at eleven symptoms. For a diagnosis you have at least five, including at least one from the first list. ### Mood - Sudden mood swings, crying out of nowhere or feeling extra sensitive to rejection - Strong irritability or anger, often with more conflict - Very low mood, hopelessness or harsh self criticism - A lot of anxiety, tension or the feeling you cannot cope ### Body and behaviour - Less interest in things you normally enjoy - Trouble concentrating - Tiredness and low energy - Eating much more or much less, or strong cravings - Sleeping a lot or sleeping badly - Feeling overwhelmed - Physical symptoms such as sore breasts, headaches, joint pain or bloating ## How do you know if it is PMDD? There is no blood test for PMDD. The pattern decides: symptoms come before your period, fade once it starts and are almost gone just after. That is why the guideline asks you to record your symptoms every day for at least two cycles. It also helps your doctor see whether it could be something else, such as depression that gets worse before your period. You can keep those daily notes in a cycle app. In PERIOD. you log your mood and symptoms per day and see them next to your cycle, so you can show your GP the overview. ## What causes PMDD? With PMDD, your hormone levels are usually no different from other women's. Research suggests your brain reacts more strongly to the normal changes in oestrogen and progesterone, partly through serotonin. Genetics and earlier traumatic experiences may also play a part. The exact cause is not fully known yet. ## What helps with PMDD? There are several treatments. Your GP or gynaecologist will look at what suits you. - **SSRIs:** certain antidepressants often work quickly for PMDD, sometimes even when taken only in the second half of your cycle. - **Hormonal treatment:** some contraceptive pills, especially with drospirenone, can help. For severe symptoms there is sometimes a treatment that pauses your cycle for a while. - **Cognitive behavioural therapy:** helps you deal with the symptoms differently. - **Lifestyle:** regular movement, enough sleep and less alcohol and caffeine give some women a little relief. With PMDD that is usually not enough on its own. Read more about supplements in [supplements for PMS: what really works](https://myperiod.app/en/blog/supplementen-bij-pms-wat-werkt-echt). ## When to see your GP See your GP if symptoms affect your work, relationship or daily life. Take your notes with you. **If you are thinking about suicide, do not wait.** Call your local emergency number or crisis line, in the UK Samaritans on 116 123. Such thoughts are more common among women with PMDD, and there is help. *Sources: American Psychiatric Association, DSM 5; World Health Organization, ICD 11; International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD); Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Green top Guideline 48. This article is general information, not medical advice.* ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between PMS and PMDD? PMS causes annoying symptoms that are usually manageable. With PMDD the symptoms are so intense that your work, relationships or daily life suffer, mainly because of the mood symptoms. ### Does PMDD go away on its own? Symptoms fade every month around your period, but return as long as your cycle continues. Without a menstrual cycle, such as after menopause, it usually stops. Treatment can reduce symptoms a lot. ### How common is PMDD? About 3 to 8 in 100 women who menstruate, depending on how it is measured. ### Can PMDD get worse around menopause? It can. In [perimenopause](https://myperiod.app/en/menopause) your hormones fluctuate more and some women notice their symptoms increase. Talk to your doctor about it. **Want to see if your symptoms follow your cycle? [Download PERIOD. on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/period-cycle-period-tracker/id6757947793) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.myperiod.android).** Want to understand your cycle better? [Why PERIOD. is the period tracker that never sells your data](https://myperiod.app/free) ## Keep reading [Heavy periods and iron deficiency: when is bleeding too much?How much blood do you normally lose during your period, when is it 'heavy', and why do heavy periods so often cause iron deficiency? With concrete warning signs and what to do.Read more](https://myperiod.app/en/blog/zware-menstruatie-en-ijzertekort)[Missed period and not pregnant: 10 possible causesYour period is missing but the test is negative. From stress and weight change to PCOS, thyroid issues and contraception: the most common causes and when to see a doctor.Read more](https://myperiod.app/en/blog/menstruatie-blijft-weg-oorzaken)[The real reason behind your bad skin, energy dips and fluctuating libidoSpending hundreds on skincare without results? Discover how your menstrual cycle affects your skin, energy levels, and libido.Read more](https://myperiod.app/en/blog/de-ware-reden-achter-je-slechte-huid-energie-dips-en-wisselend-libido)