Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

More Than PMS: Understanding and Treating Severe Hormone-Linked Mood Swings

What Is PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe, hormone-related mood disorder affecting women and people assigned female at birth during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, typically the one to two weeks before menstruation begins. While many experience mild premenstrual symptoms (PMS) like irritability or bloating, PMDD is far more intense. It can cause crippling mood shifts, anxiety, anger, depression, and even suicidal thoughts that interfere with work, relationships, and daily life.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we offer comprehensive, neuroscience-based treatment for PMDD that supports both brain health and hormonal balance.

 

Common Symptoms of PMDD

PMDD symptoms typically begin after ovulation and resolve within a few days after menstruation starts. They may include:

Emotional & Mental Health Symptoms:

Physical & Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)

  • Appetite changes or food cravings

  • Breast tenderness or bloating

  • Joint or muscle pain

  • Headaches

  • Sensitivity to rejection or conflict

 

What Causes PMDD?

PMDD is believed to result from an abnormal brain response to natural hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Contributing factors may include:

  • Neurotransmitter sensitivity, especially to serotonin

  • Inflammation and oxidative stress

  • Genetic predisposition or family history

  • Chronic stress or trauma, which sensitizes the nervous system

  • Underlying mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, or ADHD

At Alleviant, we also assess for thyroid dysfunction, gut health imbalances, and micronutrient deficiencies, which can worsen PMDD symptoms.

 

How We Treat PMDD at Alleviant

We go beyond symptom suppression. Our integrative treatment model focuses on root causes, whole-person healing, and long-term relief.

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Comprehensive Psychiatry (In-Person or Telehealth)

Our psychiatry services provide thoughtful evaluation and personalized treatment to support emotional stability, improve daily functioning, and promote long-term mental wellness.

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Medication Management

When appropriate, medications may help reduce urges and improve impulse regulation.

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Brain stimulation therapies designed to retrain and stabilize brainwave activity, which is helpful for improving mood regulation.

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Therapy (In-Person or Telehealth)

We offer trauma-informed therapy options such as CBT and DBT for mood regulation, mind-body therapies for stress resilience, and cycle tracking and education to anticipate and prepare for symptoms.

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Spectral EEG (sEEG)

We use a non-invasive scan to evaluate brainwave imbalances in mood-regulating areas so we can target your care effectively.

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Health Coaching (Telehealth)

We address underlying factors like inflammation, gut health, nutritional imbalances, or hormonal issues that can heighten stress reactivity and compulsive behavior.

Is It PMDD or Something Else?

PMDD is often misdiagnosed as depression, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder. But the key difference is timing. PMDD symptoms are cyclical, intensifying in the luteal phase and resolving with menstruation.

At Alleviant, we help you clarify the diagnosis with tracking tools, hormone testing, and brain mapping, so your treatment is precise and personalized.

 

You’re Not Overreacting. Your Brain and Body Are Speaking.

If your cycle feels like an emotional rollercoaster that derails your life every month, you deserve real support. PMDD is not just “bad PMS.” It’s a real, treatable condition.

Click below to schedule an appointment or call your nearest Alleviant clinic location. Our team is here to listen, guide, and help you stabilize your mood, reclaim your energy, and feel like yourself again.

Schedule Your Appointment

Schedule an appointment today by calling us at (866) 951-4325 or by clicking below.

In-person and virtual visits are available.

Insurances Accepted

Logos of various health insurance companies, including Aetna, Allwell, Ambetter, Arkansas Medicaid, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, GEHA, Humana, Magellan Health, Medicare, Optum, QualChoice, TRICARE, UnitedHealthcare.

This is not an inclusive list as we are in-network with most major insurances.