Finding A Provider
Finding a Health Care Professional to Treat PMDD and/or PME
PMDD has only recently been formally recognized as an “official” diagnosis in the medical and mental health communities, and PME (Premenstrual Exacerbation) currently remains a research diagnosis only. Due to this, some healthcare providers have not yet received training in PMDD or PME - they may not be aware that the conditions exist, and they often don’t know where to begin in treating them.
Therefore, finding a healthcare provider who is well-informed on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for Premenstrual Disorders can be challenging, but there are providers out there who can help you - so don’t give up!
We have created this page to help you:
(1) Find a clinician who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan
(2) Start the conversation with your doctor about PMDD/PME and
(3) Provide your doctor with the information needed for an informed diagnosis and treatment plan.
IAPMD Provider Directory
IAPMD has a searchable Provider Directory where PMD-aware healthcare professionals are listed. Please note that this directory has been reviewed and restarted in Fall 2023, so it is not comprehensive but will continue to grow in the coming months/years.
When to See Your Doctor
If symptoms of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, suicidal ideation, mood swings, rejection sensitivity, anger/rage, or irritability fluctuate across your menstrual cycle or premenstrual symptoms severely interfere with your ability to function and maintain employment or interpersonal relationships - it’s time to seek help.
Which kind of doctor do you see to treat PMDD/PME?
GPs/PCPs, gynecologists, endocrinologists, and psychiatrists are all providers who can assist you with evidence-based treatments. While the ideal provider would be one who is trained and experienced in treating Premenstrual Disorders - these can be rare, so it’s important to be open-minded to finding a provider who is willing to learn and help you.
Which provider you decide to see may differ depending on the severity of your symptoms, what treatments you have already tried, your personal choice, where you are in your journey, and which providers you have access to in your healthcare system. It also depends on your preference for the treatment/intervention/assistance you wish to try.
For initial treatment, such as first-line treatments (SSRIs and/or recommended Birth-control pills), you do not need to see anyone with specialist training in PMDs, as these are routinely prescribed for a number of conditions by GPs/PCPs and gynecologists.
You should see qualified practitioners for options such as talking therapy and CBT/DBT.
For treatments such as chemical menopause or surgery, gynecologists, endocrinologists, or psychiatrists (especially those interested in reproductive mental health) can help.
Some countries also have PMS & Menopause specialists, often treating those with PMDD.
Providers who know about PMDD may also be knowledgeable about PME, so asking about their work with PMDD is probably the best place to start.
You can print out a copy of the treatment guidelines for providers here.
Some things to consider:
It can be helpful to see a PMDD-aware psychologist/psychiatrist if you are unsure if you have PMDD and/or PME so they can help make a differential diagnosis (making the correct diagnosis between conditions that look similar).
If you have gynecological symptoms in addition, a gynecologist may be a better fit so they can ensure you are receiving the correct treatment for multiple conditions.
The ideal scenario in treating Premenstrual Disorders is collaborative care, giving the patient both treatment and arming them with skills to understand, manage and cope with symptoms and their impact. Unfortunately, this is not often the case within treatment settings - leaving patients being ‘bounced’ between services which is incredibly frustrating.
Finding a doctor
Here are a few options to help you find a doctor who knows how to treat PMDD/PME:
Search the IAPMD Provider Directory - View our growing online resource of providers knowledgeable about Premenstrual Disorders. View the directory here.
Ask your GP/PCP for recommendations - Ask for referrals: Ask your family doctor to refer you to a good gynecologist or psychiatrist specializing in treating PMDD/PME or with a keen interest in women’s mental health.
Ask peers - There are many support groups online - consider joining some and ask the members for recommendations in your vicinity.
TIP: Using the search bar in Facebook Groups to search for your location can be really useful in finding previous conversations/recommendations. e.g., ‘Manchester’ or ‘Missesota.’
Internet search - It is so much easier now to find information online. Searching www.google.com/search?q=pmdd+doctor+near+me / www.google.com/search?q=pmdd+provider+near+me can often find some results near you. Of course, you should do your own research into any particular provider/clinic you find.
However you find a provider, do your research - Look at the providers’ qualifications, reviews, and experience to ensure you are comfortable with their level of knowledge and what they can offer you. The levels of knowledge of the professional you see can vary greatly, so you may feel more comfortable researching in advance of any appointments to make sure the provider is the right fit for you.
Getting the most out of your appointment
If you are looking to gain a diagnosis - practitioners will want to see at least two months of symptom tracking to make a diagnosis of PMDD. Note: PME is not yet an official diagnosis, but help is still available.
This symptom tracking information allows providers to clearly understand the pattern and severity of symptoms you are experiencing and allows them to select the most appropriate treatment for your unique symptom pattern. It also provides them with clear evidence that they can use to advocate for additional treatments with other specialists. [link to getting a diagnosis page].
Be prepared.
Preparing for any appointments can be really helpful by ensuring clear tracking of your symptoms - preferably printed out to take with you. It is also helpful to write down any medications you have tried previously and how you have reacted to them.
TIP: It will be easier for your provider if you have printed tracking information rather than looking at data on a smartphone, for example.
What to bring to your appointment:
Tracking information - at least two months’ worth if seeking a diagnosis.
An IAPMD appointment sheet - print and fill this in advance. It has space for any medications you have previously tried, questions, a link to provider treatment guidelines, and a place for you to take notes.
Both of these document (and other useful resources!) can be found in our toolkit:
Appointments can be nerve-wracking, so to save additional stress, here are some extra tips:
Consider bringing a family member, partner, or friend with you to your appointment. It can help to have another person hear what your doctor says, and they can also ask additional questions that you might not think of in the moment.
If you are using public transport - check in advance if trains/buses/trams are running on time. It can be useful to buy travel tickets in advance.
Check parking options in advance so you can have change or any apps needed ready.
Aim to arrive 30 minutes early to your location to save your nerves.
Plan something you’ll look forward to after your appointment - whether it’s grabbing an iced coffee, seeing a friend, or treating yourself to lunch/your favorite snack - it’s good to have something to focus on!
Know when it is time to move on.
If a provider is unwilling or unable to treat you and your symptoms with respect, care, and a willingness to help make things better, finding a new healthcare provider is completely okay. Do not give up, though. We strongly advise you to keep trying until you find the right person to help you. You may need to self-advocate - but we are here to help!
‘Keep knocking on doors until the right one opens.’