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PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)

Also called: PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Severe mood symptoms before periods, like depression, anger, or anxiety, that ease once a period starts.

TreatmentSSRIs, birth control

Overview

PMDD causes severe depression, irritability, or anxiety in the week before periods.

Symptoms ease within a few days of the period starting.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Severe mood changes before periods
  • Severe mood symptoms the week or two before a period
  • Mood changes or cramps before a period

Less common

  • Trouble focusing
  • Feeling overwhelmed

When to get medical care

Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911.
Get care todayFeeling out of control.
See a doctor soonSymptoms.

Causes

Hormone sensitivity.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

Symptom diary.

Treatment

Track and treat.

Self-care

  • Exercise
  • Sleep
  • Track symptoms for 2 cycles
  • Exercise regularly

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
SSRIs
Mood

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Adults 20 to 40: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Treatment helps most people.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Would SSRIs or birth control help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.