🔺Self-Harm & Suicidality

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more than “just PMS.” For many, it includes severe and debilitating mental health symptoms, particularly during the luteal phase (premenstrual; the two weeks before menstruation). These symptoms can include suicidal thoughts, urges to self-harm, and, in some cases, suicide attempts. This page shares current research, community-reported data, and resources for support.

These statistics highlight the critical need for increased awareness, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies for PMDD to mitigate these severe mental health risks. If you require further information or assistance in presenting this data, feel free to ask.

⚠️ This page discusses suicidal ideation and self-harm. Please take care while reading. If you are in immediate danger, seek help from a trusted source or emergency services.

🔍 What the Research & Community Tell Us

PMDD is associated with disproportionately high rates of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempts. These symptoms are typically cyclical, intensifying in the luteal phase (premenstrual; the two weeks before menstruation) and resolving shortly after menstruation begins. Below is a summary of what we currently know:

📌 Sources:

  1. IAPMD. Mental Health & PMDD Community Survey Data

  2. Eisenlohr-Moul, T.A., et al. (2022). BMC Psychiatry

  3. Opatowski, M., et al. (2024). JAMA Network Open

  4. Eisenlohr-Moul, T.A., et al. (2017). Biological Psychiatry

💡Understanding Why

Many individuals with PMDD describe these episodes of suicidal thinking or self-harm as impulsive, terrifying, and disconnected from their usual sense of self. The intensity is often hormone-driven and time-limited, resolving shortly after the start of menstruation.

PMDD is not a personality disorder or a flaw in coping. These are neuroendocrine responses that need understanding, not shame.

What You Can Do

✅ If You Are Struggling:

→ Visit our Support page

→ Track your symptoms daily with our Symptom Tracker

→ Ask a loved one or friend to help you monitor risk during your luteal phase

🤝 If You Support Someone With PMDD:

→ Educate yourself about the condition

→ Avoid minimizing or dismissing their symptoms

→ Support their access to specialized care and treatment

🧠 Trauma-Informed Note

At IAPMD, we acknowledge that this topic may be distressing. You are not alone, and what you are experiencing is valid. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. There is help. There is hope.