Understand the concern
Premenstrual symptoms can affect mood, sleep, appetite and the body. Severe symptoms may be described as PMDD and deserve treatment.
What assessment may involve
A diary across two cycles helps show timing and impact. Record symptom-free days as well as difficult days.
Care options to discuss
Regular sleep, activity and stress support may help. Discuss psychological therapy, hormonal treatment or antidepressants when appropriate.
These are discussion points, not a prescription. Suitability and availability vary.
Practical next steps
Track mood and physical symptoms alongside period dates for at least two cycles if you can. Include days when you feel well. A pattern helps distinguish symptoms linked to the cycle from symptoms present most of the month. Do not delay help for severe distress while collecting a diary.
Follow-up and decisions
Bring the diary and identify the symptom affecting you most. Ask about self-care, talking therapy and medicine choices, including possible side effects. If mood symptoms severely affect daily life, ask whether a more severe premenstrual condition or another mental-health condition needs assessment.
A question you may have
Should severe mood symptoms wait until my next cycle?
No. Seek help promptly; immediate danger to yourself needs emergency support.
Prepare for your appointment
What to record
Keep a symptom diary across at least two cycles.
Questions worth asking
Could this pattern be PMS, PMDD or another condition?
Which treatment fits my mood symptoms and contraception needs?