So...How Common Is PMDD
Here's the thing...PMDD is not rare, but it's rarely taken seriously.
It’s actually way more common than most people (including doctors) realize.
Research suggests that around 3–8% of people who menstruate have PMDD-level symptoms.
That’s not “one in a million.”
That’s closer to 1 in 20.
But current research doesn't paint a realistic picture when it comes to just how common PMDD is.
The reality is, it's way more common than we think.
PMDD is often misdiagnosed as bipolar or other mood disorder. Some sources estimate around half of severe cases get labeled as something else.
If that's the case, the “official” 3–8% is almost definitely an undercount. A big one.
The real number is probably closer to 12%, maybe more, but we don’t have clean data because misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis are so common.
There's a lot of people that have been told they have “treatment-resistant depression,” “rapid-cycling bipolar,” “severe anxiety,” or “personality issues” that might actually have cycle-based PMDD that nobody bothered to track.
💡 So… What Do You Do If This Sounds Like You?
If you’re reading this and thinking,
“Okay hi, this might be me, what now?” here’s a gentle starting point:
- Track your cycle + symptoms for at least 2–3 months
- Notice if the worst emotional days always line up with the week before your period
- Bring that pattern to a doctor, therapist, or psych and say the words:
“I’m wondering if this could be PMDD.”
You deserve real answers. I believe there's a doctor out there willing to help you find them. If there's anything I can help you with personally, feel free to use the green chat button on the bottom right hand side of the screen.
If you suspect you might have PMDD, take our PMDD Quiz.
