World Mental Health Day: PMS & PMDD

blog

Oct 9

Menstrual Health is Mental Health

This World Mental Health Day, weʼre highlighting the undeniable connection between menstrual health and mental health. Throughout the menstrual cycle, our bodies undergo powerful hormonal shifts that influence key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—both of which play a major role in mood, sleep, and stress regulation.

In the luteal phase, when estrogen and progesterone levels rapidly decline, many people who menstruate become more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and moodswings. Two menstrual health conditions can emerge during this time: PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

What is PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur in the days leading up menstruation. Symptoms typically onset 1-2 weeks before menstruation and resolve within a few days of the start of your period. Most people who menstruate experience at least one symptom of PMS.

Physical Symptoms: bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, acne, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, food cravings

Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms: irritability, mood swings, anxiety or sadness, brain fog, sleep disturbances, increased sensitivity to pain, changes in sex drive

Is PMS treatable?

For most, PMS symptoms are mild to moderate and can often be managed without medical treatment. Common approaches include over-the-counter pain relievers and lifestyle adjustments—like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, good sleep, and stress management.

If your symptoms feel overwhelming or you’re unable to find relief, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor to screen for PMDD.

What is PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe and sometimes debilitating form of PMS that affects an estimated 3–8% of people who menstruate. Like PMS, symptoms typically begin 1–2 weeks before your period and subside within a few days after bleeding starts. PMDD includes many of the same physical symptoms as PMS (such as bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue), but what sets it apart is the intensity and impact of its emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms: intense irritability or anger, severe depression or hopelessness, extreme mood swings, heightened anxiety, difficulty functioning in daily life, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

While PMS may bring temporary sadness or low energy, PMDD can trigger profound depression and hopelessness that makes everyday activities—work, school, relationships—feel overwhelming or impossible. Because symptoms are so severe, PMDD often causes significant disruptions across social, romantic, and occupational areas of life.

Who is at risk for PMDD?

Anyone who menstruates can develop PMDD, but certain factors increase the risk:

Family history of PMS or PMDD
Personal or family history of mood disorders (such as depression or postpartum depression)
Limited access to information or treatment options for PMDD
Cigarette smoking

Is PMDD treatable?

Yes! While PMDD can be challenging, effective treatments are available.
Management often combines lifestyle strategies with medical treatment:

Lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep, balanced nutrition, stress reduction) may provide some relief.
SSRI antidepressants are considered one of the most effective treatments, especially for mood-related symptoms.
Hormonal birth control pills may also help regulate symptoms by stabilizing hormonal fluctuations.

Breaking the Silence

For too long, conversations about periods, PMS, and PMDD have been dismissed or stigmatized, leaving many to struggle in silence. But your experiences are real, valid, and worthy of care. Talking openly about how the menstrual cycle impacts mental health helps break down shame and creates space for compassion and support.

No one should feel alone in navigating the emotional and physical challenges that can come with their cycle. By sharing stories, seeking care, and normalizing these conversations, we move closer to a world where menstrual health is seen, understood, and supported as an essential part of overall well-being.

Sara™is here to help.

We know menstrual health can oftentimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built Sara to be your comprehensive period partner. By logging your daily mood and symptoms, Sara can help you spot patterns in your menstrual and mental health, and offer guidance on seeking medical help if needed.

Sara is here to support you—because your experiences are valid, and taking care of your cycle is taking care of your mental health. Start tracking with Sara to uncover these connections.