Women Describe Severe Monthly Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Women diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder say the condition brings severe psychological and physical symptoms in the one to two weeks before each period. Annika Waheed, 42, has lived with PMDD for more than eight years. She described spending two weeks of every month with suicidal thoughts that ended the morning her period started.

"It is like the Grim Reaper coming for us every month. You can feel it, and there is nothing you can do about it," she said.

PMDD causes severe anxiety, depression and distress beyond typical premenstrual syndrome. Physical symptoms include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, heart palpitations and bloating. Katie Cook, 21, was diagnosed in 2025 after tracking her symptoms for years.

" Lily Rose Winter, 31, has tried multiple treatments without major relief and is considering chemical menopause.

The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders estimates more than a million women in the UK may be affected, though only a fraction have received a diagnosis. Dr Lynsay Matthews from the University of the West of Scotland led development of a suicide prevention tool now available to clinicians.

The model asks about menstrual cycle patterns to help identify when mental health symptoms are linked to hormonal changes. Dr Helen Wall, a GP in Bolton who specialises in women's health, said short appointment times make it difficult to obtain a full history from patients who often present in crisis.

Treatments include antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives such as the Mirena coil, and hormone-blocking injections. Some women consider chemical menopause or ovary removal. Annika Waheed is using hormone-blocking injections. She said symptoms return within minutes when the medication wears off.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said women with PMDD "have been failed for far too long" and that symptoms are too often dismissed or normalised. The renewed Women's Health Strategy aims to ensure women are listened to from their first appointment.