If severe mood changes return before your period and ease after it starts, the timing is worth discussing. We evaluate premenstrual mood symptoms in adults during in-person visits in West Hartford and help you understand the treatment options.
Treatment starts with understanding your experience and choosing a plan together.
Daily symptom records over at least two menstrual cycles can help confirm the pattern. Include mood, sleep, physical symptoms and period dates. You can book an appointment before you have completed tracking; the first visit can help you get started.
SSRIs are one medication option for PMDD. Depending on the situation, a prescriber may recommend daily use or use during part of the cycle. The schedule is chosen and explained by your clinician rather than adjusted on your own.
Therapy can help with coping, stress and the impact of symptoms on daily life. Hormonal treatments may be discussed with an OB-GYN or primary care clinician. With your authorization, we can coordinate care. Supplements are not automatically safe or an established substitute for treatment.
A conversation about what has been happening and what you would like to change.
We discuss when symptoms start and ease, how you feel during the rest of the month, current medications and any previous treatments. Bring cycle or symptom records if you have them. The assessment considers mood conditions, physical health and whether coordination with another clinician would help.
We explain the options, answer your questions and discuss follow-up based on your needs. You can ask about benefits, possible risks and other approaches before making a decision.
All visits are in person at 10 Princeton St, Ste N, West Hartford, CT 06110. We do not offer telehealth.
An evaluation considers the full picture, including other concerns that may overlap.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, involves severe mood symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms typically appear before a period and improve after it begins, with a period of much lower symptoms afterward. They can significantly disrupt work, relationships and daily life.
Some people have depression, anxiety or another condition throughout the month that worsens before a period. This is called premenstrual exacerbation and differs from PMDD. Daily symptom tracking helps a clinician distinguish the patterns and consider other causes.
These examples can help you describe what you are experiencing. They are not a self-diagnosis.
If symptoms are affecting daily life, relationships or your ability to look after yourself, it is reasonable to ask for support. You do not need to be certain about a diagnosis before contacting us.
Notes about when symptoms happen, what makes them better or worse, and what you have already tried can help start the conversation.
Request an appointmentPractical answers to help you decide on your next step.
No. You can request a visit now. Your clinician can help you decide what to track and use the information over time to clarify the diagnosis.
The timing is important. PMDD has a recurring premenstrual pattern with substantial improvement afterward. Depression may persist throughout the month and can also worsen before a period. An assessment helps distinguish these patterns.
Our role is behavioral health evaluation and treatment. We coordinate with your OB-GYN or primary care clinician when hormonal treatment or a medical evaluation is needed.
Take those thoughts seriously, even if they have eased at other points in the cycle. Call or text 988 for immediate support, or call 911 if there is immediate danger. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
All appointments are in person at our West Hartford office for adults 18 and over. We do not offer telehealth.
You can request an appointment directly. Insurance requirements vary, so the office can help check whether your plan requires a referral or authorization and discuss expected costs. Contact us about coverage or self-pay before scheduling.
Explore a service or concern that may be part of your care.
Sources: Office on Women's Health: PMDD. This page provides general information. Your clinician can help determine what applies to you.
Contact our West Hartford office to request an in-person visit. You can tell us what has been difficult and ask about the next step.
