Premenstrual Disorders: A Resource From a PACC Member’s Health Journey

Premenstrual disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s health and wellbeing, yet they aren’t always well understood.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder that affects an estimated 5% of people with ovaries. While it’s sometimes confused with PMS, PMDD is much more severe and can have a profound impact on daily life.

PMDD can cause significant emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, including depression, intense anxiety, irritability, fatigue and brain fog. Symptoms typically occur during the luteal, or premenstrual, phase of the menstrual cycle – roughly one to two weeks before a period – and usually improve shortly after menstruation begins.

The severity of these symptoms can significantly disrupt work, relationships, social life and overall wellbeing. PMDD isn’t simply more severe PMS – it is a distinct disorder that can require individulaized treatment and support.

When I was diagnosed with PMDD, I had never even heard of it, and it turned out neither had most of my health care team.

As I navigated treatment, the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) was a profoundly helpful educational resource.

IAPMD connected me with peer support groups, which I found incredibly helpful.

Later, when my own health journey ultimately led to surgery, I found its preparation considerations and checklists for before and after surgery helpful. It also provided tools such as a post-surgical menopause tracker, which helped me see how I was responding to hormone replacement therapy.

Note: For this PACC member, IAPMD provided information, practical tools and connections to peer support as they navigated their own individual health journey. Surgery is not a first-line treatment for PMDD. IAPMD notes that it is reserved for people who have not gained relief through evidence-based treatments.

For education and information about PMDD and other premenstrual disorders:

International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD)
iapmd.org/about-pmds

The PMDD Project
thepmddproject.org