Do I Have PMDD? Take Our PMDD Quiz Now

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder. Symptoms emerge during the premenstrual or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and usually subside within a few days after menstruation begins. PMDD affects approximately 5.5% of women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are of reproductive age.

Unlike a hormonal imbalance, PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone. It’s important to note that while PMDD is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not caused by abnormal hormone levels but rather by the brain’s sensitivity to these hormonal changes.

Individuals with PMDD are at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Many, but not all, have a history of depression or past trauma, such as sexual abuse. Currently, there are no blood or saliva tests to diagnose PMDD, although these tests can help rule out other underlying conditions. The only definitive way to diagnose PMDD is by tracking your symptoms daily over at least two menstrual cycles.

To be diagnosed with PMDD, you must experience at least five of the following symptoms, with at least one core emotional symptom (listed in bold):

• Mood swings or sudden feelings of sadness and tearfulness
• Persistent irritability or anger that may affect others
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or severe depression
• Increased anxiety, tension, or feeling on edge
• Decreased interest in usual activities (work, school, socializing)
• Difficulty concentrating or experiencing “brain fog”
• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Changes in appetite, food cravings, overeating, or binge eating
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, bloating, or weight gain

This PMDD quiz is for anyone who notices significant emotional or physical changes before their period and wants to understand whether they might be experiencing PMDD. It’s a self-assessment tool intended for personal use to help you recognize patterns in your symptoms.

Our PMDD symptoms quiz is based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This tool is designed to help you screen for the possibility of PMDD for personal use only. Please note that it is not intended to serve as a diagnostic tool.

Getting a PMDD diagnosis involves a few important steps, but most importantly, you need to track your symptoms with the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) daily for at least two menstrual cycles. This tracking helps healthcare professionals identify patterns linked to your menstrual cycle. For detailed guidance, read our Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a PMDD Diagnosis.