PMDD
Severe mood and physical symptoms in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
About this condition
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe form of premenstrual disorder in which mood becomes markedly low, irritable or unstable during the luteal phase, then lifts within days of a period starting. Alongside the mood change there is often anxiety, exhaustion, poor sleep, pain and difficulty concentrating. The effect on work and relationships can be substantial.
Diagnosis relies on prospective symptom tracking across at least 2 cycles, because the timing is what distinguishes PMDD from other mood disorders. Treatment includes SSRIs taken continuously or only in the luteal phase, hormonal suppression of ovulation, and in severe treatment resistant cases specialist gynaecology input.
Treatments people usually try first
These are the treatments commonly offered in the UK for this condition. A specialist doctor will want to know which of them you have tried, and what happened.
- SSRI antidepressants, continuous or luteal phase only
- Combined hormonal contraception used continuously
- Oestradiol with progestogen protection under specialist care
- GnRH analogues with add back therapy in severe cases
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for PMDD
- Symptom tracking across cycles to confirm the pattern
Could medical cannabis be appropriate?
People with this condition sometimes ask whether medical cannabis could be appropriate for them. That is a question for a specialist doctor, who will look at your diagnosis, your history and everything you have already tried before saying anything either way.
Medical cannabis is an unlicensed prescription only medicine in the UK. It is considered only where a diagnosed condition has not responded adequately to conventional treatment, and it is never a first step. We cannot tell you in advance what might be prescribed, and UK law does not allow us to describe or advertise any medicine on this website.
What we can do is assess you properly and be honest with you. If a specialist doctor does not think this route is right for you, they will say so, and they will explain why.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment and eligibility.
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