If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
Overview
Symptoms ease after the period starts.
Tracking helps diagnosis.
When to get medical care
Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonSevere mood changes before periods.
Causes
Caused by sensitivity to hormone changes.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause severe mood symptoms the week or two before a period. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Severe mood symptoms like depression, anxiety, rage, or hopelessness in the week or two before a period, easing once it starts.
What you can do at home
- Track symptoms.
- Exercise.
Medicines
SSRIs and some birth control.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by symptom diary.
Questions you may be asked
- Timing
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Symptom tracking
Prevention
Healthy habits.
- Exercise
- Sleep
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.