What Is PMDD?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is not PMS. It is a serious mood disorder tied to the menstrual cycle that affects about 5-8% of women of reproductive age. PMDD causes severe depression, anxiety, irritability, and emotional instability in the one to two weeks before your period -- then lifts once your period starts. The pattern is predictable, but the symptoms are disabling.
Many people with PMDD have been told it is just PMS, or that they are being dramatic. It is neither. PMDD is a diagnosable condition with effective treatment options.
How We Treat PMDD
SSRIs are the first-line treatment for PMDD. Medications like Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram) are clinically proven to reduce PMDD symptoms -- often within the first cycle. There are two main approaches: continuous dosing (taking the medication every day) or luteal-phase dosing (taking it only during the symptomatic phase of your cycle). We figure out which approach makes sense for you.
If SSRIs alone are not enough, we can add other options or adjust the strategy. Some patients benefit from combining medication with hormonal management coordinated with their OB-GYN.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We start with a full psychiatric evaluation. We ask about your symptom pattern, cycle timing, medical history, and what you have tried before. Tracking your symptoms for one to two cycles before your visit is helpful but not required. The more data we have, the clearer the picture.
Insurance and Payment
PMDD evaluation and treatment are covered by most insurance plans. We accept Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Health First Colorado (Medicaid). Cash pay is also available.
When to Get Help
If you dread the week before your period -- if you feel like a different person, if your relationships suffer every month, if you cancel plans or call out of work because of how you feel -- that is PMDD territory. It is not something you just have to push through. The right medication can break the cycle.