Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

What is PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects mood, energy, and daily functioning in the weeks leading up to a menstrual period. PMDD is not “just being emotional” — it is a real, diagnosable condition that involves significant hormonal sensitivity and can deeply impact mental health and relationships.

What You Might Experience with PMDD

• intense mood swings or irritability

• sadness, hopelessness, or increased anxiety

• feeling overwhelmed or out of control

• difficulty concentrating

• fatigue, sleep changes, or appetite changes

• physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, or cramps

• Symptoms typically appear during the luteal phase (before menstruation) and improve once the period begins.

How We Can Help

At The Village, we support individuals experiencing PMDD through:

• individual therapy focused on mood regulation and self-compassion

• nervous system education and coping skills

• learning DBT and mindfulness tools

• support groups and community spaces

• resources and referrals for medical evaluation when helpful

We focus on validating your experience, reducing guilt, and helping you build skills to care for yourself during the hardest parts of the cycle.

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You’re Not Alone

PMDD can feel isolating — especially when others minimize it or don’t understand why “that time of the month” feels unbearable. Many people describe feeling like a different version of themselves for part of every month.

You are not weak.
You are not “too much.”
You are not imagining it.

There is a whole community of people living with PMDD, learning about their bodies, and finding ways to care for themselves with compassion rather than shame. Support exists, and you deserve it.