Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a household name - the cluster of symptoms that come in the days and weeks before your monthly period. But what about when “PMS” symptoms are severe, and debilitating enough to seriously impact your day to day life?

PMDD, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, is the name given to a more severe form of PMS - where the pain, discomfort, mood swings and cognitive impairments are pronounced, and really do impact quality of life.

The good news, however, is that PMDD is truly treatable, and the impact of effective treatment can be life-changing. Here, Dr McMullen, Consultant Psychiatrist, talks about the physical and mental health impacts of the menstrual cycle, and how the diagnosis and treatment of PMDD can work.