People with PMDD report a wide variety of physical, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive symptoms; usually, the behavioral and emotional symptoms are the most prominent.[1] Some common symptoms include irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, fatigue, body aches, and bloating. These symptoms are severe enough to cause serious distress or interference with daily activities and only occur during the late luteal and very early follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms tend to be at their worst 3 to 4 days before through 3 days after menstruation.[2]
Additional symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating and decreased interest in usual activities
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite, including food cravings and binge eating
- Feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Joint or muscle pain
- Hot flashes
- Cramps, constipation, nausea, or vomiting
- Fluid retention, including swelling and periodic weight gain