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Welcome! We are so happy to have you here!
PMD Awareness Month is a celebration of hope in the premenstrual disorder community, and a catalyst for change! This year's theme is 'Connect The Dots' because connection saves lives. For decades, premenstrual disorders were kept in the dark because so many missed or disregarded the connection between hormones and mental health. No more!
If you find yourself here - you are likely wanting to know more about PMDD and/or PME. Here are some handy links for you:
Take the IAPMD Self Screen to see if you could be living with PMDD or PME.
PMDD
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising during the premenstrual, or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subsiding within a few days of menstruation. It affects an estimated 5.5% of women and AFAB individuals of reproductive age. While PMDD is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not a hormone imbalance. PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain. Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause.
PME
Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) refers to the premenstrual exacerbation/worsening of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) are difficult to distinguish from each other.
PMDD is characterized by experiencing severe mood and physical symptoms usually starting about one to two weeks before the start of one’s period each cycle (during the premenstrual, or luteal phase) with symptoms subsiding within a few days of starting one’s period. PME refers to the premenstrual exacerbation/worsening of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder in the luteal or menstrual phases of the cycle. (The luteal phase is the time between ovulation and menstruation).
Unsure if you may have PMDD or PME? Try our self screen.
Webinars
We know that for a lot of people, they will just be hearing about PMDD and PME. Come along to one of our webinars to learn more!
FAQ
Looking for something in particular? The search function searches our whole website and our FAQ Knowledgebase.
Peer Support
Need someone to talk to who understands? We offer a range of platforms and services to suit all - including an anonymous forum and video support groups. All free!
