Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) symptoms checklist
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Summary: PMDD is a severe, hormone-related mood disorder that affects up to 8% of women* and people assigned female at birth during their reproductive years.It can cause significant distress and functional impairment. Unlike the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which tend to be significantly milder, PMDD symptoms are intense, cyclical, and can disrupt daily life. We’ve put together a comprehensive checklist below to help you identify PMDD symptoms, understand the differences between PMS and PMDD, and take the first steps toward effective support and relief.
What is PMDD
PMDD is a mental health condition characterised by severe emotional and physical symptoms that occur one to two weeks before menstruation (during the luteal phase) and pass shortly after menstruation begins. PMDD symptoms are more severe than PMS and can significantly impact work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
PMDD can cause symptoms such as headaches, joint and muscle pain, as well as severe mood disturbances, including anxiety, anger, depression, and suicidal feelings. It can also contribute to overeating and sleep problems.
PMDD symptoms checklist
To be diagnosed with PMDD, you should experience at least five of the following symptoms, with one or more being mood-related. The symptoms should be cyclical, appearing during the luteal phase and resolving with menstruation.
Emotional and cognitive symptoms
- Severe mood swings
- Irritability or anger that may affect others
- Depressed mod, feelings of hopelessness, or self-critical thoughts
- Anxiety, tension, or feeling on edge
- Decreased interest in usual activities (work, school, hobbies)
- Difficulty concentrating, or 'brain fog'
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Physical symptoms
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in appetite, overeating, or specific food cravings
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, headaches, joint or muscle pain, bloating, or weight gain
In order for an individual to meet the criteria for PMDD, their symptoms must not be caused by another medical condition and must significantly interfere with day-to-day functioning.
PMS vs PMDD: Understanding the difference
PMS and PMDD both occur in the premenstrual phase, but PMDD is distinguished by the severity and impact of its symptoms.
PMS |
PMDD |
| Mild to moderate symptoms | Severe, debilitating symptoms |
| Emotional and physical discomfort | Significant mood disturbances, including depression and anxiety |
| Minimal impact on daily life | Substantial interference with work, relationships and social activities |
| Symptoms manageable without medical intervention | Often requires medical treatment and support |
Understanding these differences is crucial for seeking appropriate care and support
When to seek help
PMDD is a recognised condition, and effective treatments are available. If you’re experiencing PMDD symptoms and they’re interfering with your daily life, make an appointment to see your GP or another trusted healthcare professional. Do track your symptoms over at least two menstrual cycles before your appointment, as it will help with the diagnosis. If you’re diagnosed with PMDD, you may be advised to try lifestyle changes, therapy, or medication, or a combination of them. The sooner you get help, the sooner your quality of life will start to improve.
Next steps
Understanding PMDD is the first step toward managing it. If you suspect you have PMDD, consider the following actions:
- Track your symptoms: Maintain a daily record of your emotional and physical symptoms to identify patterns.
- Consult a healthcare provider: Share your symptom diary with a doctor or specialist to discuss diagnosis and treatment options.
- Explore treatment options: Discuss potential treatment, including lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication.
Remember, you're not alone, and support is available.
In this article:
- We explored what PMDD is and how it differs from PMS.
- We shared a comprehensive checklist of PMDD symptoms, including emotional, cognitive and physical indicators.
- We offered guidance on symptom tracking and when to seek support.
Further reading:
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.
*At Evelyn, we often use the word ‘women’ in our articles as a shorthand to describe the people in our community and others who experience PMS and PMDD symptoms. We acknowledge that not everyone affected by these conditions identifies as a woman, and we want to be clear: Evelyn is for anyone navigating the hormonal challenges associated with PMS and PMDD, regardless of gender identity.
We welcome people of all identities and expressions to our community. We are committed to fighting for access to better hormonal health education, support, and treatment for everyone who needs it.
In our educational content, we aim to be both inclusive and medically accurate. Most scientific studies relevant to PMS and PMDD have been conducted with cisgender female cohorts. As a result, using the term ‘women’ often best reflects the language used in the available research. When we refer to ‘women’, it is in this context – not as an exclusive definition of who can be affected.
Within our community, we strive to reflect the diverse voices of those living with PMS and PMDD – including trans men, non-binary and gender non-conforming people – and we will continue to evolve our language as the conversation around hormonal health expands.