Do I Have PMDD?
- Amy Simpson
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever felt like a completely different person in the lead-up to your period: more anxious, more reactive, more overwhelmed? you’re not alone. And you’re not imagining it.
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is not just “bad PMS”
It’s a severe, cyclical condition that can impact your mood, your energy, your relationships, and your quality of life. It can feel like you’re living in two bodies: one that functions well for part of the month, and one that turns against you before vanishing the moment your bleed begins.
Clinically, I see a huge increase in PMDD after birth and during the very early stages of perimenopause (which at the moment are colliding, see Motherhood)
If this sounds familiar, please know there is support. And you are not broken.
Understanding PMDD
PMDD is a mental health condition that affects around 5–8% of menstruating people, though many go undiagnosed. It’s characterised by intense psychological symptoms like anxiety, rage, depression, or hopelessness, that arise in the luteal phase (the week or two before menstruation), then ease or disappear entirely once bleeding begins.
You might feel fine for part of the month, then suddenly find yourself:
Feeling highly emotional or sensitive
Experiencing conflict in relationships
Struggling with motivation or focus
Battling physical symptoms like headaches or bloating
Questioning your sense of self or stability
These symptoms are real. They are not “just” hormones.
PMDD and Brain-fog, attention, and impulse control
Cognitive symptoms like brain fog, poor concentration, or difficulty thinking clearly are a significant but often overlooked part of PMDD. Research has shown that women with PMDD experience measurable changes in attention and impulse control across their cycle, particularly in the luteal phase (the two weeks before a period).
In one study comparing women with and without PMDD, participants completed tasks that tested attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The results showed that those with PMDD had more difficulty focusing and were more prone to impulsive reactions, especially as they moved into the late luteal phase.
These changes in cognitive function were linked to other common PMDD symptoms, such as irritability and mental fatigue. Interestingly, those who preferred more deliberate decision-making styles also showed greater struggles with attention during this time, suggesting that PMDD may temporarily impair even well-developed coping strategies. This helps explain why some people with PMDD feel unlike themselves or "mentally off" for part of the month, it's neurological.
PMDD and ADHD - common comorbidity
Women with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience depression and anxiety than men with ADHD, and their depressive episodes tend to begin earlier, last longer, and be more severe. Research suggests that ADHD increases the risk of developing depression, with hormonal changes across the lifespan such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause creating windows of heightened vulnerability for mood disorders.
Despite this, there’s still limited research exploring how ADHD interacts with hormone-related conditions like PMDD, postpartum depression, and menopause-related mood shifts. Early studies indicate that women with ADHD may be more vulnerable, and their symptoms can be more intense and harder to treat. This points to an urgent need for more awareness and tailored support for neurodivergent women navigating hormonal transitions across the lifespan.
Support for PMDD you can start right now
In my clinical practice, I approach PMDD gently and holistically, addressing both the biological drivers and the emotional toll it takes. Here are some of the core strategies you can try right now
1. Protein-Rich, Blood Sugar–Balanced Diet
Blood sugar stability is essential for mood and hormone regulation. Protein at every meal supports neurotransmitter production (like serotonin and dopamine), which are often disrupted in PMDD. Protein can calm the nervous system and reduce internal volatility.
2. Cycle Awareness and Symptom Tracking
PMDD doesn’t look the same in everyone. Tracking your cycle helps us identify your personal symptom window, uncover triggers, and tailor support to your unique hormonal rhythm. I use the Kindara App with my patients.
3. Nervous System and Supporting Sleep
Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have to stabilise mood and detoxify hormones, but many with PMDD struggle to get enough of it. Check out my previous blogs on how to achieve a better night sleep:
4. Movement To Reduces Inflammation
Exercise isn’t about intensity, it’s about consistency. Exercise will reduce inflammatory markers, improve brain chemistry, and improve resilience through the luteal phase.
5. Individualised Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine offers beautiful support for the cyclical brain changes of PMDD. Some herbs help modulate how your brain responds to fluctuating hormones, while others support energy, mood, detoxification, and sleep. We also address common nutrient deficiencies.
You Are Not Broken, You Are Cyclical
Symptoms are messages. PMDD is not a sign that your body is failing, it’s a sign that your system is under strain and needs support.
Let’s Work Together
If you suspect you’re living with PMDD, ADHD, or struggling with challenging moods and anxiety, I'd love to support you to find steadiness in your cycle:
Amy is a degree-qualified naturopath dedicated to helping busy, tired clients regain their energy and vitality.
She combines evidence-based naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to empower clients on their journey to optimal health. Whether it’s reclaiming energy, balancing hormones, resolving digestive issues, or enhancing overall well-being and longevity, her personalised approach focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of health concerns. With a Bachelor of Health Science, ongoing studies in a Master of Advanced Practice, and full membership in the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, Amy offers a unique blend of traditional wisdom and science to support individuals and families at every stage of life.
References (examples, I have a huge database of ongoing research as I plan to complete mt PhD)
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