Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

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Depression and the menstrual cycle

PMDD; Severe PMS

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation. The symptoms of PMDD are more severe than those seen with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

PMS refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5 to 11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually stop when or shortly after her period begins.

The causes of PMS and PMDD have not been found.

Hormone changes that occur during a woman's menstrual cycle appear to play a role.

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PMDD affects between 3% and 8% of women during the years when they are having menstrual periods.

Many women with this condition have:

• Anxiety
• Major depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Other factors that may play a role include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Being overweight
• Drinking large amounts of caffeine
• Having a mother with a history of the disorder
• Lack of exercise

Review Date: 12/22/2010
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).