---
title: How does PMDD affect women at work and what can employers do to help?
description: Women with PMDD experience severe difficulty concentrating, self-doubt, paranoia, fatigue, tearfulness, and difficulty with social interaction at work. Some w
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exploring-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-in-the-work-context-a-qualitative-2017/
---

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- How does PMDD affect women at work and what can employers do to help?

Interview study, 2017

# How does PMDD affect women at work and what can employers do to help?

Women with PMDD experience severe difficulty concentrating, self-doubt, paranoia, fatigue, tearfulness, and difficulty with social interaction at work. Some women leave their jobs or careers entirely because of PMDD.

 Early or limited evidence

15 women with PMDD

## What they did

Qualitative study of 15 women with PMDD. Semi-structured interviews explored their experiences at work and were analyzed for common themes.

## What they found

Common work symptoms include difficulty concentrating, self-doubt, paranoia, fatigue, tearfulness, heightened sensitivity, emotional outbursts, and social difficulties. After menstruation begins, women overcompensate by working longer hours. This cycle repeats monthly. Over time, women leave their jobs or careers entirely.

## What it means for you

PMDD significantly impacts women's work performance and is driving women out of the workforce. Employers need awareness and support systems for female employees with PMDD. The main limit is this is a small qualitative study with no information about location or organization types.

15

women interviewed

## About the study

Original title Exploring premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in the work context: a qualitative study Authors Hardy C, Hardie J Journal Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology Year 2017 Study design Interview study What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/0167482x.2017.1286473](https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482x.2017.1286473)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Systematic review, 2025

How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?

Review, 2023

What treatments help mental and physical health problems linked to the menstrual cycle?

Cohort study, 2023

Is PMDD a valid medical diagnosis?

Systematic review, 2021

Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Review, 2019

What is the current evidence for diagnosing and treating PMDD, especially in Indian women?

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