Why Do I Feel Angry or Depressed Before My Period? Understanding PMDD vs PMS
Many women expect to feel a little irritable or bloated before their period, but what if the changes you experience are far more extreme? If you find yourself overcome with rage, sinking into depression, or feeling like a different person entirely for one to two weeks every month, you may be dealing with more than PMS.
This could be Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)—a severe, hormone-related mood disorder that affects around 1 in 20 women of reproductive age. Unlike PMS, PMDD is not “just part of being a woman.” It is a condition that can completely disrupt daily life, relationships, work, and self-esteem.
The good news? PMDD can be understood, and with the right care—including natural treatment options—you can find relief.
PMS vs PMDD: What’s the Difference?
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome):
Affects up to 75% of women during their reproductive years.
Symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, cravings, irritability, or mild mood swings.
Discomfort is noticeable but not usually disabling.
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder):
Affects 5–8% of women.
Causes severe mood changes: intense anger, rage, depression, hopelessness, or panic.
Symptoms appear in the luteal phase (the 1–2 weeks before bleeding) and lift after menstruation starts.
Interferes with work, relationships, and quality of life.
The clearest distinction is that PMS is uncomfortable; PMDD is debilitating. Women with PMDD often describe feeling like they become a different person each cycle.
Why PMDD Is So Often Missed
Sadly, many women go undiagnosed for years. Some are even told it’s “all in their head.” Reasons include:
Medical blind spots: Many doctors still receive little training on PMDD.
Overlap with other conditions: PMDD is frequently misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder.
Cyclical relief: Because symptoms vanish after menstruation begins, women may doubt themselves or downplay their experience.
If you feel like you lose control emotionally before your period, only to “return to normal” after bleeding starts, this pattern is highly characteristic of PMDD—not ordinary PMS.
Symptoms of PMDD
The emotional symptoms are often the most distressing. These can include:
Sudden rage or explosive anger.
Intense irritability and conflicts with loved ones.
Hopelessness or depression so heavy it feels impossible to shift.
Severe anxiety, panic attacks, or emotional hypersensitivity.
Feeling detached, out of body, or unlike yourself.
Physical symptoms may also occur, such as:
Bloating and water retention.
Headaches and migraines.
Breast pain or swelling.
Muscle or joint pain.
Fatigue or insomnia.
Unlike PMS, these symptoms can feel overwhelming, destructive, and at times frightening.
What Causes PMDD?
Research shows PMDD is not caused by “too many hormones” but by the body’s sensitivity to normal hormonal changes. In other words, women with PMDD have a different neurological and emotional response to the natural fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone.
Factors that may increase risk include:
Genetic predisposition.
Trauma history: Emotional trauma can amplify nervous system sensitivity to hormonal shifts.
Nutrient deficiencies: Low levels of magnesium, vitamin B6, or omega-3 fatty acids can worsen mood symptoms.
Gut and liver health: Imbalances here can affect hormone metabolism and neurotransmitter balance.
This explains why a truly holistic approach to PMDD often works best—because it addresses not just hormones, but the nervous system, emotional trauma, and overall wellbeing.
Natural Approaches for PMDD Support
At PMDD Naturopath, I specialise in integrative approaches that address the root causes of PMDD.
1. Naturopathic Nutrition
Balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting neurotransmitter production are key. Foods rich in magnesium, B vitamins, and healthy fats can be particularly helpful.
2. Herbal Medicine
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Supports progesterone balance and reduces mood swings.
Saffron: A powerful natural antidepressant shown to reduce irritability and low mood.
Kava: Helps calm anxiety and improve sleep.
3. Nutrient Therapy
Magnesium: Eases muscle tension, reduces anxiety, supports sleep.
Omega-3 fatty acids (Ahiflower oil, flax, chia): Reduce inflammation, stabilise mood.
B vitamins: Essential for neurotransmitter health.
4. Emotional Healing and Trauma Work
This is where Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing are transformative.
Family Constellations looks at hidden family dynamics that may be unconsciously affecting you. Unresolved trauma from past generations can echo through your own hormonal and emotional health.
Rapid Core Healing takes this further by addressing both personal trauma and subconscious imprints, helping to calm the nervous system and restore emotional regulation.
Many women with PMDD have histories of trauma, abandonment, or emotional stress. Addressing this side of PMDD is not just optional—it is often the missing piece of long-term recovery.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you:
Dread the luteal phase every month.
Fear you will ruin relationships due to premenstrual behaviour.
Feel suicidal, hopeless, or “possessed” before your period.
Try supplement after supplement but still suffer each cycle.
…then it’s time to reach out. You don’t have to keep surviving each month in silence. PMDD is real, and with the right support, relief is possible.
Final Thoughts
Feeling angry or depressed before your period doesn’t mean you are weak or broken. It may mean you are living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder—a severe but manageable condition.
The path forward involves awareness, compassion, and treatment that honours both your body and your emotions. At PMDD Naturopath, I support women worldwide with natural therapies, trauma-informed care, and holistic strategies that help you finally feel like yourself again.
About the Author
Camilla Brinkworth, BHSc Naturopathy, Grad Cert Human Nutrition, is a naturopath, nutritionist, and trauma-informed practitioner specialising in natural PMDD recovery. Having personally experienced PMDD, she combines evidence-based naturopathy, nutrition, and trauma-healing methods such as Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing to help women find lasting relief. Through one-to-one consultations, retreats, and online programmes, Camilla supports women worldwide to restore balance, heal deeply, and reclaim their lives.