---
title: What is PMDD and how common is it? | Niyora
description: PMDD is a condition where mood symptoms occur regularly during the second half of the menstrual cycle and cause problems with daily life. It affects 3 to 5 pe
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-menstrual-cycle-and-mood-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2011/
---

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- What is PMDD and how common is it?

Study, 2011

# What is PMDD and how common is it?

PMDD is a condition where mood symptoms occur regularly during the second half of the menstrual cycle and cause problems with daily life. It affects 3 to 5 percent of women.

 Early or limited evidence

General information about women with PMDD; this is not a research study

## What they did

This article explains and defines PMDD, describes how common it is, and outlines how doctors diagnose it.

## What they found

PMDD is a relatively new term that describes mood symptoms in the menstrual cycle that are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. It affects an estimated 3 to 5 percent of women.

## What it means for you

PMDD is different from general PMS because mood symptoms must be severe enough to disrupt daily life for the diagnosis to apply. Understanding this distinction helps doctors identify women who need specific treatment for PMDD. This article provides educational information rather than reporting new research findings.

3-5

percent of women with PMDD

## About the study

Original title The Menstrual Cycle and Mood: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Authors Marlene P. Freeman Journal Journal watch Year 2011 Study design Study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1056/wh201112210000001](https://doi.org/10.1056/wh201112210000001)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)

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

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

Systematic review, 2026

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

Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Systematic review, 2025

Do people with PMDD and severe PMS have difficulties with emotion regulation?

Cohort study, 2025

Do women with a history of PMS or PMDD have more depression during pregnancy and after birth?

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