HOW WE TREAT PMDD
Life-changing online care for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Our providers understand the challenges of PMDD, and have real-world experience helping people just like you.
- 75% achieve remission in 12 weeks
- Measurement-based care
- Providers rated 4.9/5 ★
- Seen as soon as today
Condition overview
Understanding premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) has more severe symptoms than premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is classified as a mood disorder. If you've been diagnosed or think you may be experiencing symptoms, Brightside providers can help you get started with mental health care from home.
Personalized Psychiatry
When medication is necessary, our psychiatric providers analyze 100+ data points to determine the most tolerable and effective prescription for you.
Clinically-Proven Therapy
Our program combines cognitive and behavioral therapy with independent skill practice—all of which have been clinically proven to work for a wide range of symptoms.
OUR APPROACH
Expert care, tailored to you
Different people experience PMDD in different ways. That's why our providers work 1:1 with you to personalize treatment to your unique needs.
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Clumsiness
- Appetite changes
- Mood swings or irritability
- Feelings of sadness or despair, or thoughts of suicide
- Feeling out of control
Here’s how it works
Check insurance
Start with a free eligibility check to see if your insurance is accepted.
Quick assessment
Answer a few questions about yourself so we can better understand your needs.
Choose your provider
Find a time for your first appointment with your expert provider.
Start getting better
Begin your personalized treatment & track progress, with support by your side.
You're not imagining it
“I haven’t felt this great in years. The providers at Brightside ensured that I was on the correct medications to treat my anxiety and depression.”
“Brightside is gold. My provider is caring, engaging and truly wants help. He has helped me get back to normal sleep, which I’m super grateful for.”
“No one has ever made me feel as safe and comfortable as Brightside. Amazing program that makes psychiatry and therapy incredibly easy.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's on your mind?
If your question isn't answered below, view our full list of FAQs here.
To diagnose PMDD, your mental health provider will ask you some questions about your symptoms. They'll also learn about your family and medical history. People with PMDD typically have symptoms in the weeks leading up to their period, and the symptoms resolve within the first few days of menstruation. Because of this pattern, your provider may ask you to keep a tracker or diary of your symptoms before diagnosis.
At Brightside Health, your mental health provider will provide a thorough evaluation before diagnosis. If you already have a diagnosis, that's fine too. Your provider will listen to your concerns and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs so you can start feeling better.
While there is no known cause, research suggests that changes in hormonal and serotonin levels may have a role in the development of PMDD. Both hormone levels and serotonin levels change throughout the menstrual cycle—which is believed to trigger symptoms in some people. Many women with PMDD also have underlying anxiety and depression.
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, or have been diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, it's a good idea to talk to a licensed mental health professional about treatment options.
PMDD symptoms can be serious if left untreated. If you are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 911 for emergency services. Know that you're not alone. With the right treatment, you can live your life with relief from symptoms.
If you're experiencing PMDD, mental health care can help you start feeling like yourself again. Medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes are effective treatments for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Typically, a combination of all three is most effective.
Medication
Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective at treating symptoms of PMDD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications to treat PMDD:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine HCI (Paxil)
With Brightside Health, if medication is prescribed, your psychiatric provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy. Your psychiatric provider can find the right medication to treat your unique PMDD symptoms by using our PrecisionRx tool to analyze 100 data points and over 1,000 different medication combinations. Within 12 weeks, 86% of Brightside members feel better and 75% achieve remission of their symptoms altogether.
Like treatment for PMS, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and birth control can also help relieve symptoms.
Therapy
In order to be diagnosed with PMDD, you must be experiencing either a depressed mood, anxiety, emotional ups-and-downs, or irritability during your premenstrual phase. In fact, 64% of women with major depressive disorder report that their symptoms of depression worsen in the days leading up to their menstruation. Talking to a licensed therapist one-on-one can help you learn about how your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions interact so you can start feeling better.
At Brightside Health, therapy includes virtual sessions with your expert therapist, unlimited messaging, video lessons, and skill practice with reflection. Together, you and your therapist can work on effective coping strategies to help you get back to being you.
Lifestyle changes
Making a few lifestyle changes can help reduce your PMDD symptoms. By limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake; eating less salty, fatty, or sugary foods; and exercising regularly, you can improve your mood and start feeling better.
Practicing mindfulness, breathing techniques, and meditation can also help you manage stress and improve your mental health.
