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Women and girls are estimated to meet strict criteria for PMDD. University of Oxford
Before each period is when PMDD symptoms typically occur, easing once it starts. NHS
Women and girls are estimated to meet criteria for a provisional PMDD diagnosis. University of Oxford
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Understanding the condition
More than premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual disorder. While many people experience some premenstrual symptoms, PMDD causes intense mood, emotional and physical symptoms that can seriously affect work, relationships and wellbeing.
Symptoms occur cyclically in the one to two weeks before a period and usually ease soon after it starts. They are thought to be linked to how the brain responds to natural hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
PMDD is often under-recognised and can take time to diagnose, so a careful, individual assessment is important.
Recognising the impact
Common premenstrual dysphoric disorder (pmdd) symptoms
PMDD affects people differently, but symptoms in the weeks before a period can include:
- Severe mood swings
- Irritability or anger
- Anxiety and tension
- Low mood or feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and joint pain
If you are struggling to cope PMDD can affect mood severely. If you are in distress or having thoughts of harming yourself, you do not have to manage alone — support is available right now. Contact NHS 111, your GP or emergency services as appropriate.
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
There are several ways to help relieve PMDD symptoms, which may be used alone or in combination. Standard approaches include:
- Hormonal treatments to suppress ovulation
- SSRI medication
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Lifestyle changes and symptom tracking
- Specialist gynaecology or mental health input
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If premenstrual dysphoric disorder (pmdd) symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
Can medical cannabis help with PMDD-related symptoms?
Recognised PMDD treatments are used first. Evidence for medical cannabis in PMDD is still developing, so a specialist may only review whether it could support specific symptoms after standard care.
Where PMDD symptoms continue to affect daily life alongside recognised options such as hormonal treatments, SSRIs and CBT, a GMC-registered specialist can review your history and consider whether medical cannabis may help.
Cannabis-based medicines may contain THC and/or CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system — a network involved in regulating mood, pain and sleep. This is why a specialist may consider it where standard treatments have not provided enough relief, with effects that can vary from person to person.
At CannaRelief, a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, history and current medicines, and only considers treatment as part of a wider, carefully monitored plan.
Effects can vary from person to person, which is why a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, goals, medicines and records before deciding whether treatment may be appropriate.
1
Eligibility screening
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatments already tried. No GP referral is needed.
2
Specialist consultation
A GMC-registered specialist reviews your records, goals, current medicines and relevant risks by online video.
3
Decision and follow-up
When treatment is appropriate, outcomes and side effects are monitored and the plan is reviewed.
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence
Evidence for cannabis-based medicines in PMDD is still developing. Recognised treatments such as SSRIs and hormonal approaches remain the foundation of care.
- SSRIs, hormonal treatment and CBT are recognised PMDD options.
- Evidence for medical cannabis in PMDD is still developing.
- Any consideration is individual and follows standard care.
Related support
Explore related premenstrual dysphoric disorder (pmdd) support
These pages may help if symptoms overlap or you want to understand the wider specialist assessment pathway.
Safety
Possible side effects
Medical cannabis is prescribed under specialist supervision, and patient experience can vary. Your clinician will explain what to watch for and adjust your plan if needed.
- Decreased appetite or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or weakness
- Dizziness or feeling very tired
- Behavioural or mood changes
They’ll usually ease on their own, but speak to your clinician if they don’t improve over time.
Questions
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis legal for PMDD in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since November 2018, but only a specialist doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe it, and only when it is clinically appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee a prescription.
Is medical cannabis a proven treatment for PMDD?
Medical cannabis may be considered where recognised options such as hormonal treatments, SSRIs and CBT have not provided enough relief. A specialist assesses your individual situation after a full review to decide whether it may be appropriate.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP informed where you would like us to.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Will medical cannabis be prescribed if I am eligible?
Not necessarily. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical consultation, and treatment is not suitable for everyone.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a GMC-registered specialist.