The week before your period is worth writing down.
PMS and PMDD symptoms show up in the week or two before a period and ease during or shortly after it starts. Tracking them is how we spot the pattern, together.
- 1–2 weeks before a period is when PMS and PMDD symptoms show up, with a symptom-free stretch after. ISPMD consensus, 2011
- About 3 in 100 people met the criteria for PMDD when symptoms were tracked over two cycles. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2024
- 2 cycles of day-by-day tracking is how PMDD is confirmed. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2024
PMS and PMDD
When the week before takes over the month.
PMDD is the more severe end of premenstrual symptoms. Across 44 studies with more than 50,000 participants, about 3 in 100 met the criteria for PMDD when their symptoms were tracked over two cycles.
Studies that relied on memory alone found about 8 in 100, which the authors consider an overestimate. That’s why writing it down matters.
| Recalled from memory | 7.7% |
|---|---|
| Tracked for two cycles | 3.2% |
Timing
It’s all about timing.
PMS and PMDD symptoms show up during all or part of the two weeks before your period, and ease during or shortly after it starts, leaving a symptom-free stretch. That pattern is part of how they’re defined, according to an international consensus.
Your first visit
What we’ll chat about at your first visit.
- Your symptom diary, or we start one together.
- Which symptoms show up, and how much they affect work, relationships and sleep.
- Your cycle pattern.
- Your mood history and the support you already have.
- Food, sleep, movement, caffeine and alcohol.
- Medications and supplements you take now.
If your mood gets very low
If you’re thinking about suicide, or worried about someone, call or text 9-8-8, any time. It’s free, 24/7, in English or French. If your safety is at risk right now, call 9-1-1.
Working together
Part of your care team.
- You
- Your family doctor
- Your therapist
- Dr. Leizl Yance, ND
With your consent, I coordinate with your family doctor, or a therapist or psychiatrist if you have one, so your plans fit together.
Come say hi.
Your first visit is 75 minutes, all about you. Come see me at Functional Medicine Uptown in Waterloo, or join by video from anywhere in Ontario.
Not sure yet? Book a free 15-minute intro call first.