What should you know about PMS and PMDD?

PMS may include bloating, breast tenderness, headache, tiredness, irritability, low mood, food cravings, or sleep changes in the days before bleeding. PMDD involves marked mood symptoms such as severe irritability, sadness, anxiety, or feeling out of control, often alongside physical symptoms. The symptoms tend to ease after the period starts, although the pattern is personal.

A clinician looks at timing, severity, and impact rather than one isolated symptom. Keeping a daily record across menstrual cycles can show whether symptoms reliably appear before bleeding and improve afterward. Other conditions, including depression or anxiety, can overlap with premenstrual symptoms, so an assessment helps separate them.

Track symptoms, bleeding, sleep, medicines, and their effect on work, study, relationships, and self-care. Regular movement, consistent sleep, balanced meals, and reducing alcohol may support wellbeing. Treatment can include talking therapy, medicines that affect serotonin, or hormonal options; the right choice depends on symptoms, health history, contraception needs, and pregnancy plans.

Discuss options such as the [Combined Pill](/treatments/contraception-and-family-planning/combined-pill/) with a qualified clinician. Do not start, stop, or change prescription treatment without advice.

Arrange a medical review when symptoms repeatedly interfere with daily activities, relationships, or attendance at work or school, or when self-care is not enough. Seek urgent help if you may harm yourself, feel unable to stay safe, or have severe distress. In an immediate crisis, contact local emergency services or a trusted person who can stay with you.

Ask how your symptom pattern fits PMS or PMDD, what to record, which treatments suit your health history, and what side effects or warning signs should prompt contact. If mood symptoms occur outside the premenstrual phase, ask whether another condition needs assessment.