🌿 What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
By Tannia Salazar, APRN| Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC
✨ Rooted in Care. Grounded in Calm. Focused on Your Healing.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a condition that can cause significant emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. While many people experience some degree of premenstrual symptoms (PMS), PMDD symptoms are more intense and can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, work, sleep, and overall well-being.
PMDD symptoms typically appear during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle — often in the week or two before menstruation — and improve once a period begins.
Symptoms can look different from person to person, but may include:
Increased anxiety or panic symptoms
Depression or low mood
Irritability or emotional sensitivity
Mood swings or feeling emotionally overwhelmed
Fatigue or low motivation
Difficulty concentrating or increased ADHD symptoms
Sleep changes
Changes in appetite
Feeling unlike yourself before your period
For some individuals, PMDD can feel confusing or isolating, especially when symptoms seem to fluctuate throughout the month. Many people describe feeling emotionally “back to themselves” once their cycle starts, only for symptoms to return again the following month.
PMDD is often misunderstood or dismissed as “just PMS,” but the emotional and physical impact can be very real. In some cases, existing anxiety, depression, ADHD, or stress-related symptoms may also worsen premenstrually.
Treatment for PMDD is individualized and may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy with a licensed therapist, symptom tracking, and collaboration with other healthcare providers when appropriate.
At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, care is collaborative, thoughtful, and tailored to the individual. The goal is to help patients better understand their symptoms, feel supported, and develop a treatment plan that improves daily functioning and quality of life.
Telehealth appointments are available across Connecticut, with in-person visits offered in Middlebury, CT.
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