PMDD: When Your Cycle Feels Like It’s Running Your Life
Most people have heard of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Bloating, mood shifts, maybe some irritability. Annoying? Yes. But manageable for the most part especially with the right supports.
Now, what if what you’re experiencing is not just PMS, but something that hijacks your entire week or two before your period? Mood swings that feel like they come out of nowhere. Irritability that scares you. Rage outbursts. Hopelessness that disappears the moment your cycle resets. That’s not “just hormones.” That could be PMDD, also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
SO what is PMDD.. actually?
It’s a hormone-related mood disorder that impacts about 5–8% of people with menstrual cycles.
Here’s the thing: it’s not “bad PMS.” It’s a different condition. Symptoms are more intense, more disruptive, and they follow a very clear pattern:
They show up during the luteal phase (about 1–2 weeks before your period).
They fade once your period begins.
They repeat. Every. Single. Month. and it is exhausting, to put it lightly.
Common Symptoms of PMDD
Everyone’s experience looks a little different, but here are some of the heavy-hitters:
Mood swings that feel out of control
Anger or irritability that feels bigger than the situation
Hopelessness, sadness, or shame that lifts once your period starts
Anxiety or panic spikes
Brain fog, trouble focusing, forgetfulness
Physical discomfort: bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint pain
If you’ve ever felt like two completely different people depending on where you are in your cycle…you’re not imagining it.
Why PMDD Is So Often Missed
Because it mimics other mental health struggles. Depression. Anxiety. Even bipolar disorder. That’s why so many people go years before ever hearing the word PMDD. Also, lets face it.. Womens health is still understudied.
What helps? Tracking your cycle and your symptoms. A simple daily check-in (mood, energy, physical notes) over a couple of months can paint a clear picture. You can use free apps on your phone that makes tracking as simple as possible.
Living With PMDD
Here’s the truth: living with PMDD is exhausting. But it’s not hopeless. There are ways to make it easier.
Lifestyle supports → quality sleep, steady nutrition, gentle movement, some folks find relief with supplements
Therapy → to process the emotional impact and build coping strategies, identifying some triggers to rage, sadness, etc
Medication → SSRIs or hormone-based treatments can provide relief for some women
Cycle awareness → planning for “high-symptom” days so you can give yourself more margin and compassion, as well as gather your supports such as a partner, letting them know what to expect.
PMDD doesn’t mean you’re weak, dramatic, or failing. It means your body and brain respond differently to hormonal shifts—and that deserves care, not shame.
If this sounds familiar, you don’t have to keep white-knuckling through it each month. There are names for what you’re experiencing. There are supports available. And there are people (hi 👋) who will take you seriously and help you find relief, and personalized strategies to your symptoms.
✨ If you’re wondering whether PMDD could be part of your story, therapy can help.
I support women navigating cycle-related mental health challenges so they can feel steadier, find relief, more understood, and less alone.
📍 Take Flight Therapy & Supervision offers virtual therapy across Pennsylvania. Click the button below to schedule a free consult!!