Menstruation
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder estimated to affect around 5.5% of people who menstruate. In the week before menstrual bleeding begins (the luteal phase), people with PMDD experience severe mood symptoms that interfere with daily life. These symptoms typically begin to ease within a few days of the menstrual bleed (period) starting.
To meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) criteria for PMDD, at least five of the core symptoms must be present across more than two menstrual cycles and must significantly impact social and daily functioning.
These symptoms are:
- depressed/severe low mood
- anxiety
- decreased interest in usual activities such as work, school, interacting with friends, hobbies
- lethargy, becoming easily fatigued, or a lack of energy
- hypersomnia or insomnia
PMDD is directly tied to the menstrual cycle, but it is not caused by a hormone imbalance. Instead, it is thought to reflect a severe sensitivity to the natural hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the cycle.
Treatment options for PMDD vary widely, from dietary and nutritional changes to medications that help stabilise mood. What works can differ considerably from person to person, so finding the right approach — or combination of approaches — is an important part of managing the condition.
About the project
As part of the Reproductive Mental Health Programme, we are running the project PreDDICT: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - Indicators, Causes and Triggers.
This project aims to improve our understanding of how genetic and environmental factors may help identify individuals at risk of PMDD.
Our long-term goal is to improve how PMDD is diagnosed, prevented, treated, and supported. To achieve this, we are working alongside people with lived experience of the condition, drawing on their insights and perspectives to shape the research.
We are recruiting participants who currently experience, or have previously experienced, PMDD or severe PMS symptoms.
Participants are asked to complete a questionnaire taking around 20 to 30 minutes, covering mental health, physical health, and personal experiences of PMDD. Those who are still experiencing symptoms may later be invited to complete a mood monitoring diary over two consecutive months.
Some participants may also be contacted separately and invited to provide a genetic sample by post, in the form of a saliva kit.
Take part
By taking part in PMDD research, you can help us learn more about these life-changing conditions.
We are looking for volunteers to help us with a range of research projects. Read more about our studies that are currently recruiting.