Keep a daily symptom diary for at least two consecutive periods. Your doctor compares that record with DSM‑5 criteria, rules out thyroid or mood disorders, and may order basic labs for hormones or anemia. 

Although medical professionals refer to PMDD as an endocrine disorder because it relates to your hormones. But PMDD causes mental health symptoms as well as physical ones. For these reasons, PMDD is listed as a mental health problem as the DSM-5 criteria are included in the diagnosis.

You should see a healthcare provider when mood swings or physical pain significantly affect your life, relationships, and career. Seek urgent help if you ever think of harming yourself. 

While preparing for the consultation, you can focus on the following questions:

• Why do I have PMDD?
• What’s the best treatment for me?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• Do I need birth control?
• Can I track progress in the application? 

Ready for your virtual visit? Speak to a doctor now!

If you’re diagnosed with PMDD, then for most women, symptom control would likely always require medical treatment from a doctor. Lifestyle changes can help with overall therapy. Our telehealth platform provides care without an office visit, including online prescriptions and certified doctor’s notes for work and school. 

Here are some self-care tips for managing PMDD:

• Use a calendar or app to monitor symptoms and plan activities around high and low symptom days.
• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, warm baths, or aromatherapy.
• Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep, keep a consistent sleep routine, and create a calm sleep environment.
• Focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, salt, and sugar.
• Connect with others through online or local PMDD support communities, or speak to a therapist.
• Include things like uplifting music, nature walks, journaling, positive affirmations, or time with pets and loved ones.

Both start in the luteal phase, but PMS causes mild‑to‑moderate discomfort. PMDD causes intense mood swings and anger issues that might disrupt work, school, or relationships. Think of PMDD as a disabling form of PMS that meets psychiatric diagnostic standards and almost always needs medical treatment.

Only a licensed physician can determine the best antidepressant for PMDD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Escitalopram (Lexapro), remain the first line of treatment for people experiencing depression symptoms. Your doctor chooses based on prior response, side‑effect profile, and drug interactions. Learn more about our medications here.

During the week before your period, you might feel sudden rage, hopelessness, crying spells, or panic along with breast pain, bloating, and fatigue. Symptoms fade within two or three days of menstruation, then return the next cycle unless treated.

Symptoms often peak in the late 20s and 30s, then improve after menopause. Perimenopause can temporarily intensify them because hormone swings are greater. Ongoing monitoring lets you adjust your plans according to your life stage.

While there is no permanent natural cure, daily exercise, a calcium‑rich diet, omega‑3s, and supplements like chaste berry may lessen cramping and mood shifts. Remember, however, supplementation and dietary changes can only support your journey. They won’t replace the need for evidence‑based care.

You can’t stop the hormonal trigger entirely, but you can work on how it may have its impact. Track cycles, stay active, maintain steady blood sugar with balanced meals, and manage stress early. Regular check‑ups with our doctors allow you to adjust treatment according to your current health condition. Please visit a clinic or hospital if you feel any severe symptoms.