Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary D. Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP is the Chair of the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Indiana University.

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• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Overview
• PMDD Causes
• PMDD Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• PMDD Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medication
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Overview

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a particularly severe form of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Both PMS and PMDD cause disturbing symptoms during the second half, known as the luteal phase, of a woman's menstrual cycle. The symptoms tend to worsen over the week prior to the onset of the menstrual period and then improve within a few days after the period starts.

PMDD can cause a number of different symptoms, but fatigue, tiredness, mood changes, and bloating are common. About 3% to 8% of menstruating women are estimated to suffer from PMDD. In contrast to PMS, the symptoms of PMDD are severe enough to have a significant impact upon the woman's daily activities and functioning.

PMDD Causes

PMS and PMDD are believed to be caused by a complex interaction of the hormones produced by the ovaries during a normal menstrual cycle (estrogen and progesterone) with neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is believed to be important in the development of PMDD, and PMDD may be the result of alterations in brain serotonin levels. The exact mechanism by which neurotransmitters and hormones interact to cause PMDD is not yet understood.