--- title: How does PMDD affect eating behaviors? | Niyora description: People with PMDD have eating patterns that change across their menstrual cycle, including binge eating, restrictive eating, and purging. Many struggle to get url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exploring-the-relationship-between-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-and-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How does PMDD affect eating behaviors? Interview study, 2026 # How does PMDD affect eating behaviors? People with PMDD have eating patterns that change across their menstrual cycle, including binge eating, restrictive eating, and purging. Many struggle to get support because healthcare providers don't understand PMDD well enough. Early or limited evidence 13 people living with PMDD in the United Kingdom ## What they did Qualitative study with 13 people living with PMDD in the United Kingdom, recruited through an online support page. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews that were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by identifying themes. ## What they found Six main themes emerged: dual personality with PMDD, difficulties getting proper diagnosis and treatment, destructive impact of PMDD, eating behaviors that changed with menstrual phase (including binge eating, restrictive eating, and purging), aftermath of disordered eating, and barriers to accessing help. Participants described PMDD as severe and distressing, with dismissive healthcare experiences and misdiagnosis. Few participants accessed eating disorder support, and those who did reported limited benefit. ## What it means for you People with PMDD often develop eating behaviors that match eating disorder patterns like binge eating and restrictive eating. Healthcare professionals need better training to recognize PMDD, and people need eating disorder treatment designed specifically for PMDD. This is a small study in the UK so results may not apply in other countries. 13 people with PMDD interviewed 6 main themes identified in analysis ## About the study Original title Exploring the relationship between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and disordered eating: a qualitative study Authors Relindis Nkeng, Lynsay Matthews, Julie Riddell Journal BMC Women s Health Year 2026 Study design Interview study Participants 13 What was tested None (qualitative interviews) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04937-7](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04937-7) Original abstract Abstract Background Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) causes debilitating psychological symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Research has demonstrated a strong association between PMDD and disordered eating; however, limited research has examined how PMDD impacts eating behaviours in the United Kingdom (UK). Aim To explore the eating behaviours of people living with PMDD in the UK, their experiences of seeking support, and considerations for future interventions. Method Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 people living with PMDD in the UK, recruited via an online PMDD support page. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results Six themes were identified: ‘dual personality’ life with PMDD; difficulties obtaining appropriate PMDD management; the destructive impact of living with PMDD; eating behaviours during a PMDD episode; the ‘aftermath’ of disordered eating; and accessing support for PMDD-related eating behaviours. Participants described PMDD as severe and distressing, alongside dismissive healthcare encounters, misdiagnosis, and ineffective treatment. Eating behaviours fluctuated across menstrual phases and included eating behaviours consistent with binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and restrictive eating pathology. Many participants attempted to manage symptoms through harmful strategies such as purging and restrictive dieting. Few participants accessed eating-related support, and those who did reported limited benefit. Barriers to help-seeking included previous negative healthcare experiences and limited professional knowledge of PMDD. Participants emphasised the need for PMDD-specific training for health professionals, and specialist eating disorder support. Conclusion People with PMDD display disordered eating consistent with eating disorders such as binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. This highlights the need for a greater understanding of the potential shared mechanisms of eating disorders and PMDD. Given that most people with eating disorders are women and individuals assigned female at birth, understanding the relationship with PMDD is integral to shaping appropriate interventions and eating support strategies. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)[Eating disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-eating-disorders/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Diagnosis experience and healthcare access](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-healthcare-access/) 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 Case report, 2026 Can anxiety and PMDD trigger binge drinking, and can medication help? Survey study, 2026 Is PMS or PMDD linked to eating disorders? Interview study, 2024 How does PMDD affect eating behaviors, and what barriers do people face seeking help? Survey study, 2016 Is PMS or PMDD linked to eating disorders like bulimia and binge eating? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2022 Do different healthcare providers differ in recognizing and treating PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗