How Common Are PMS and PMDD?

If you’ve ever wondered whether the mood swings, bloating, or low energy you feel before your period are “normal,” you’re not alone. Almost everyone who menstruates experiences some changes in the run-up to their period. But just how common are PMS and its more severe cousin, PMDD?

Let’s break down the numbers, look at why studies don’t always agree, and explore why it’s still so tricky to get clear answers.

Prevalence of PMS: What Studies Show

You might be surprised by the statistics.

• A large review of global studies suggests nearly half of all women of reproductive age—about 47.8%—experience PMS symptoms.

• But here’s the catch: almost 90% of women report some kind of premenstrual change (like irritability or bloating), while only around 20% say symptoms are strong enough to really interfere with daily life.

• Depending on where in the world you look, the numbers vary a lot. For example, 12% in France versus 98% in Iran.

So, if you find yourself struggling before your period, you’re in very good company. PMS is very common, but how much it impacts life can differ hugely from person to person.

PMDD: How Rare Is It, Really?

Now let’s talk about PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)—a much more severe form of PMS.

• Strict studies put confirmed PMDD prevalence at around 1.6–3%.

• If you include provisional cases (where symptoms are suggestive but not formally tracked over cycles), the numbers rise to about 7–8%.

• That might sound small, but when you think about the global population, it adds up to millions of women worldwide.

PMDD isn’t just “bad PMS.” It can cause disabling mood changes—like depression, anger, and anxiety—linked to the menstrual cycle. For those affected, it can feel life-altering. To understand more about whether your symptoms meet the criteria of PMDD I would recommend reading my blog about PMS v PMDD.

Why Numbers Vary Between Studies

So why do we get such different figures depending on where you look? A few reasons:

• Different definitions: Some researchers use strict DSM criteria, others use symptom questionnaires, and others rely on self-reporting.

• Culture and geography: In some countries, talking openly about menstrual symptoms is still taboo, which means under-reporting. In others, awareness campaigns may make reporting more likely.

• Who’s being studied: Nurses, students, or general community samples all show different rates because stress, age, and lifestyle matter.

• Method of measurement: Tracking symptoms daily across cycles gives the most accurate data—but it’s rarely done in large studies.

So, the range you’ll see in articles (from 12% to 98% for PMS!) isn’t an exaggeration—it’s a reflection of how messy research can be.

Challenges in PMS and PMDD Research

Researching PMS and PMDD is harder than it sounds.

• There’s no universal standard for what “counts” as PMS.

• PMDD diagnosis requires cycle-by-cycle tracking—something most large studies don’t have the resources to do.

• Many women never get a diagnosis at all, either because they don’t seek help or because health professionals aren’t trained to recognise the symptoms.

• And of course, there’s still stigma around menstrual health, which means symptoms often get brushed aside as “just part of being a woman.”

Until definitions are standardised and awareness improves, we’ll keep seeing varied numbers.

Key Takeaway

• PMS is the norm—almost everyone experiences some symptoms, and up to half may have PMS by clinical definitions.

• PMDD is rarer, but still affects millions, and for those who live with it, the impact is profound.

• The exact numbers vary because research is tricky, but one thing is clear: both PMS and PMDD deserve recognition and proper support.

If you’re struggling with severe premenstrual symptoms, you don’t have to put up with them. At Sirona Health Ltd, we offer specialist women’s health consultations to help you find the right support and treatment.

• What percentage of women experience PMS?

  Almost 90% notice some premenstrual symptoms, but about 20% find them disruptive. Global pooled data suggest around 47.8% meet PMS criteria.

• How common is PMDD?

  Confirmed PMDD affects 1.6–3% of women, but up to 7–8% may meet provisional criteria.

• Why do the figures vary so much?

  It depends on how PMS or PMDD is defined, the study population, and even cultural differences in how symptoms are reported.

• Are PMS and PMDD underdiagnosed?

  Yes. Many people never get a diagnosis due to stigma, lack of awareness, or gaps between gynaecology and mental health care.

About the Author

Dr Georgina Standen is a Women’s Health GP and Medical Director of Sirona Health. She specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), as well as broader hormonal health and menopause care. Her approach blends evidence-based medicine with personalised, compassionate support to help women regain control of their health and wellbeing.

Sirona Health offers PMS and PMDD consultations in Stroud, Cirencester, Tetbury, Fairford, Lechlade, Calne, Corsham, Chippenham, Malmesbury and Bath, along with nationwide secure online appointments.

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