PMDD

With PMDD, mental health symptoms before a period are particularly severe and affect functioning and quality of life. They may include marked low mood, irritability, anxiety or rapid mood changes. This goes beyond having a bad day or feeling slightly irritable.

Diagnosis is based on several factors, including timing, symptoms and effects on daily life. A symptom checklist or an app cannot establish it alone. Healthcare professionals also consider other mental health symptoms and whether they occur throughout the month. Help should be based on how you are doing.

With PMDD, symptoms occur before a period and usually resolve when bleeding starts or during the first days. Notice both when symptoms appear and when they improve.

If you struggle throughout the month, there may be other or additional causes. You deserve help in that situation too. A doctor can assess what may explain your symptoms.

Symptoms can make it difficult to manage school, spend time with other people or do everyday activities.

To assess PMDD, it is useful to record symptoms over several menstrual cycles so the pattern becomes clearer.

A doctor can review what you have tried and what affects you most. Options may include support with coping strategies, certain antidepressants or hormonal treatment. The appropriate approach is assessed individually, especially for young people.

Ask for a specific plan: What will you try, what benefits and side effects are expected, and when will you review it? Speak up early if you feel worse. Severe or dangerous thoughts need immediate attention, regardless of where you are in your cycle. You should receive help for your current situation while the pattern is investigated.

If you are thinking about harming yourself or ending your life, tell a trusted adult or healthcare professional immediately. In Norway, call 113 if there is an immediate suicide risk. Call the out-of-hours medical service on 116 117 when help cannot wait. Ask someone to stay with you while you get help.