SPM y síntomas del ciclo

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

Solo en inglés por ahora

PMDD is a severe form of PMS that mainly affects mood in the week or two before a period. It is a recognised medical condition, and treatment can help.

What PMDD is

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It mainly affects mood. It can cause intense low mood, anxiety, irritability or anger in the week or two before a period. Symptoms usually ease 2 to 3 days after bleeding starts. Up to 5% of women of childbearing age have PMDD.

Why it happens

PMDD is not a hormone imbalance. People with PMDD have normal hormone levels that rise and fall as usual through the cycle. But their brain reacts strongly to these normal changes. Serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain whose levels change across the cycle, may also play a part. Some people seem to be more sensitive to these shifts than others.

Signs of PMDD

Mood signs include lasting irritability or anger that affects other people, deep sadness or despair, tension or anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings and crying often. You may lose interest in daily life and relationships, find it hard to focus, feel very tired, sleep badly, feel out of control, or have strong food cravings or binge eating. Physical signs such as bloating, tender breasts, headaches and joint or muscle pain can also happen. Some people have thoughts of suicide. The key feature is timing: symptoms build before a period and fade once it starts.

How it is diagnosed

There is no blood test for PMDD. Instead, a doctor will usually ask you to record your symptoms every day for at least 2 cycles. This shows whether they follow the pattern of your cycle. A diagnosis needs 5 or more symptoms, including at least one mood symptom. Recording your mood and symptoms each day in Ciclo, alongside your period dates, gives you a clear record to bring to the appointment.

Treatment and support

Several treatments can help. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one option. Some people are offered certain contraceptive pills. Over-the-counter painkillers can ease physical symptoms. Stress management, such as relaxation techniques and making time for activities you enjoy, can also help. A doctor may also suggest a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). If first treatments do not help, you can be referred to a specialist.

Getting help and staying safe

See a doctor or nurse if premenstrual symptoms affect your work, relationships or daily life. PMDD can bring thoughts of suicide, even if you feel well at other times of the month. If you are thinking about harming yourself, get emergency help or contact a crisis line now. If you feel you might act on these thoughts, call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department. It can also help to tell someone you trust how you are feeling.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are thinking about harming yourself, get emergency help or contact a crisis line now.