Approaching your GP about PMDD
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Summary: Talking to your GP about PMDD can feel daunting, but preparation makes all the difference. This guide explains how to approach your appointment with confidence — from checking whether your doctor has experience with PMDD, to preparing questions, tracking your symptoms, and understanding what information supports diagnosis. Since PMDD often takes years to identify, arriving informed and organised can help speed up that process. While your GP helps you explore medical treatment options, Evelyn’s three step Supplement Routine provides hormone-free, clinically backed nutritional support designed to ease PMDD symptoms naturally and help you feel more balanced day to day.
Ask the receptionist whether the doctor you're booking in to see has experience with PMDD
PMDD is still widely misunderstood, even by doctors. On average, it can take up to six healthcare professionals and 12 years to diagnose PMDD. Since many PMDD symptoms are psychological, people can often be misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety and personality disorder. So, remember that you’re within your right to ask if your doctor has come across PMDD before, and if they’re familiar with the condition. If they’re not, ask if anyone else at the practice is. Although it’s not essential you see a GP who has diagnosed PMDD before, if someone is available who has, it can be helpful to know and book in with them.
Think about what questions you want to ask
You might be very clear on what you want to discuss with your GP, but appointments are typically very quick, and we’re only human, so we’re bound to forget to ask certain questions (especially if we’re nervous about the subject). Making a list of the topics you’d like to chat about, or some simple, notes can be helpful. This might cover:
- General questions you’d like their advice on, such as how many people they see and treat with PMDD
- Why you think you might have PMDD, and where you’ve been reading up on it
- Whether any other causes need to be ruled out
- Treatment options – traditional as well as alternative – and the pros and cons for you, considering your personal health history
- If you need contraception, whether you can combine your contraceptive needs with your PMDD treatment
- If you’re breastfeeding, whether the suggested treatments are safe for you and your baby
- If you will need a referral to another medical specialist
- Whether or not you’ll need an additional/future appointment
Take as much information as you can
For further support, read our 70-page guide on PMS, PMDD and seeing the GP
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional about any health concerns.