A severe hormone sensitivity disorder where emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms occur in the luteal phase and resolve after menstruation begins.

Milder premenstrual symptoms that do not cause the functional impairment seen in PMDD.

When an existing condition worsens significantly before your period.

The 10–14 days before your period when PMDD symptoms appear.

The phase after menstruation ends and before ovulation. Most people with PMDD feel stable here.

The midpoint of the cycle; PMDD symptoms often begin shortly after ovulation.

The brain’s intense reaction to normal hormonal fluctuations — the root cause of PMDD.

Emotional or physical reactions triggered by estrogen changes.

A strong reaction to rising progesterone levels after ovulation.

A drop in serotonin during the luteal phase that worsens mood, anxiety, and sleep.

Fluctuations that impact motivation, focus, and emotional reward.

Difficulty managing emotions, leading to exaggerated emotional responses.

Sudden, intense irritability or anger during PMDD.

Feeling deeply hurt by perceived rejection or criticism during PMDD.

Unwanted, distressing thoughts that disappear once menstruation begins.

Feeling disconnected from your surroundings.

A sense of detachment from oneself during PMDD episodes.

Difficulty thinking clearly, remembering, or focusing during the luteal phase.

Difficulty starting tasks, organizing, planning, or making decisions.

Sensitivity to noise, lights, movement, or social interaction.

Feeling unsure about relationships due to hormonal emotional changes.

The instinct to isolate due to overwhelm or emotional fatigue.