What Is PMDD?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe hormonal mood disorder -- not just bad PMS. It causes intense depression, anxiety, irritability, and emotional swings in the 1-2 weeks before your period. Symptoms usually ease within a few days of your period starting, and then the whole cycle begins again.
PMDD affects about 5-8% of women of reproductive age. It can strain relationships, interfere with work, and make half of every month feel like a different version of yourself. A lot of women are told it is just hormones or just stress, which delays getting real help.
How We Treat PMDD
We start by making sure the diagnosis is right. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and thyroid conditions can all produce overlapping symptoms. A careful evaluation helps us sort that out.
For confirmed PMDD, SSRIs are the most effective treatment. Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram) can be taken daily or only during the luteal phase -- the 10-14 days before your period. Luteal-phase dosing works faster for PMDD than for depression, often within a few days.
If SSRIs are not the right fit, we explore other medication options. Every patient is different, and we work with you to find what actually helps.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We will ask about your symptoms, their timing relative to your cycle, and how they affect your daily life. If you have been tracking your symptoms over a few cycles, that is very helpful -- but not required. We can often begin treatment at the first appointment.
Insurance and Payment
PMDD evaluation and treatment are covered by most insurance plans. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and AHCCCS. Cash pay is available.
When to Get Help
If you notice a clear pattern of mood changes tied to your cycle -- if you feel like a different person the week before your period, if it is affecting your relationships or your ability to work -- you deserve to know why and to get treatment that works. PMDD is a recognized medical condition, and effective treatments exist.