The faces of PMDD

Real women. Real lives. Real PMDD.

PMDD can create two drastically different realities within the same person – from clarity and joy, to despair and emotional crisis. These shifts are profound, cyclical, and often life-altering. PMDD affects 1 in 20 women, yet remains widely misunderstood, misdiagnosed and frequently unnamed.

Through photography, film and lived experience, The Faces of PMDD shares the stories of those who live across both sides of the cycle.

View our Digital Journal >

I'd say not being able to get out of bed is actually the bare minimum; the better side of it. Because it's really, really intense.

I get intrusive thoughts like I'm unloved, I'm not attractive, no one wants me, things that I wouldn't usually believe, and thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore. I’m not able to just exist.

Savannah J.

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What is PMDD?

You’re not imagining it and it’s not “just your period.”

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe hormone-related condition affecting around 1 in 20 women. Symptoms occur in the days before a period and can include extreme mood changes, anxiety, depression, rage, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.

Because symptoms ease once a period starts, PMDD is often misunderstood or dismissed as “just PMS”.

It isn’t.

  • 1 in 20

    women have PMDD, and

    8 in 10

    experience PMS

  • On average it takes

    12 years

    to get a PMDD diagnosis

  • 50%

    women say their pain has been ignored or dismissed

PMDD is often invisible

Many women spend years being told they’re “too sensitive”, “unstable”, or “just hormonal”. Their symptoms are minimised, mislabelled, or misunderstood. PMDD remains underdiagnosed and rarely spoken about honestly.

The Faces of PMDD campaign exists to make the invisible visible – to show what PMDD actually feels like, through real women and real lived experience.

To join the campaign, share your story and tag @WeAreEvelyn #FacesOfPMDD

  • Liz

    "My follicular phase is always amazing. I feel really positive, really happy, like I'm invincible. I feel like superwoman!"

    Read Liz's story

  • Toni

    "I’d go from being angry with my bags packed to being so upset because I actually didn't want to leave"

    Read Toni’s story

Hear our voice

PMDD stays misunderstood because too many women suffer in silence.

Every story shared helps someone else recognise what they’re experiencing or understand what someone they love is going through.

Let's make PMDD visible

Everyone who takes part in The Faces of PMDD helps amplify a truth that’s too often hidden. Behind every smile is someone living with the other side of PMDD. By sharing your story – in words, images or moments – you help make the condition visible and recognisable to others.

To join the campaign, share your story and tag @WeAreEvelyn #FacesOfPMDD

  • Share your story in writing

    A few sentences or a longer reflection. First name or anonymous, it’s up to you.

    Share your story

  • Open to sharing a video?

    Some stories are easier to tell out loud. If you’re open to video, we’d love to support you.

    Get in touch

Join our community

You’re not alone. Our WhatsApp community is a self-managed, peer-led space, created by and for people navigating the ups and downs of PMS and PMDD.

Join our community

Support getting a diagnosis

Getting a PMDD diagnosis can take years - and many people are dismissed or misdiagnosed along the way. We’ve created a practical guide to help you prepare for GP appointments and advocate for yourself.

Download the Diagnosis & GP Guide

Supporting someone you love with PMDD

PMDD doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it - it can impact relationships, families, and friendships too.

Because PMDD is often invisible, it’s easy for others to misunderstand what’s really going on. Our relationship guide is designed to help partners, friends, and loved ones better understand and support someone living with PMDD.

How to support someone with PMDD:

- Believe them, even when it’s hard to understand

- Remember symptoms are cyclical - this isn’t “who they are”

- Avoid minimising (“it’s just hormones”, “it’ll pass”)

- Ask what support looks like for them

- Learn the signs so tough days don’t come as a surprise

Download the Relationship Guide