Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can significantly impact a woman’s daily life. It is more than just typical premenstrual symptoms; PMDD involves intense emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the week or two before menstruation and typically improve within a few days after the onset of menses. PMDD can affect a woman’s emotional and physical health, causing severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue.

PMDD occurs due to various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, and environmental influences. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to the sensitivity of some women to normal hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.

PMDD affects an estimated 3-8% of women of reproductive age who meet strict diagnostic criteria. However, many more women may experience milder forms of premenstrual symptoms. PMDD typically appears during a woman’s reproductive years and can occur at any time from the onset of menstruation until menopause. The symptoms must occur in at least three consecutive menstrual cycles and must subside within 4 days of the onset of menses to meet the diagnostic criteria.