Menstruation

We're working towards a better understanding of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) to reduce stigma and improve treatment and diagnosis.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder research

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder which is estimated to affect around 5.5% of people who experience periods. During the week before the onset of menstrual bleeding (aka. the luteal phase), people with PMDD experience severe mood symptoms that make daily activities difficult. These symptoms begin to improve within a few days after the onset of menstrual bleeding (the period).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) criteria for PMDD requires five of the main symptoms present for more than two menstrual cycles which severely affect social and daily functioning.

These symptoms are:

• depressed/severe low mood
• anxiety
• decreased interest in usual activities such as work, school, interacting with friends, hobbies
• lethargy, becoming easily fatigued, or a lack of energy
• hypersomnia or insomnia

PMDD is directly linked to the menstrual cycle – however, it is not a result of a hormone imbalance but is believed to be a severe negative reaction to the natural fluctuations of the hormones that occur in the cycle.

There are a variety of treatment options for PMDD, ranging from dietary/nutritional changes to medications to help stabilise mood. The effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and it is important to find the best methods or combination of methods that work for each person’s symptoms.

About the project

As part of the Reproductive Mental Health Programme, we are running the project PreDDICT: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - Indicators, Causes and Triggers.

The project aims to improve understanding of how genetic and environmental factors can help to identify individuals at risk.

Our overall long-term goal is to help improve the current approach to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and support for individuals experiencing PMDD. To do this we are also engaging with people with lived experience of the disorders to utilise their ideas and insights.

We will be recruiting participants who are currently or have previously experienced PMDD or severe PMS symptoms.

Participants will be asked to complete a 20 to 30-minute questionnaire which will ask questions about mental health, physical health, and their experience with PMDD. Later we will be re-contacting participants who are currently still experiencing symptoms and asking them to complete a mood monitoring diary for two consecutive months.

Some participants may also be re-contacted inviting them to provide a genetic sample in the form of a spit-kit via the post.