An estimated 2% of people who menstruate are thought to have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The condition causes severe emotional, mental and physical symptoms in the week or two before a person’s menstrual cycle – including brain fog, stomach cramps, bloating, mood swings, anger, sadness, low self-worth, anxiety and even thoughts of suicide. Although PMDD symptoms usually stop when the period starts, the condition can still make everyday life difficult. Research shows that PMDD is associated with people having a poor quality of life, missing work or school and withdrawing from social activities. The repercussions that PMDD has on a person’s life often persist beyond the symptomatic phase of the person’s cycle, and can have a significant impact on daily life.
A recent study by Hodgetts and Kinghorn (2025) was the first to demonstrate that PMDD has a significant, negative impact on daily life and relationship quality, both for the person with PMDD and for their long-term partner. Specifically, for both those with PMDD and their partner, the study found lower trust, intimacy and passion, compared to controls. However, when it came to love and commitment, people with PMDD/their partners reported similar levels of satisfaction compared to controls.
Given this influence of PMDD on relationships, it is important that those working with affected couples are aware of the condition and its potential effect on both the person with PMDD and their partner. This training will introduce learners to PMDD, and how it presents in relationships. This will include an overview of the current literature, discussion of lived experiences, and practical suggestions for working with and supporting PMDD-affected couples.
*This self-access class is a recording of a live event that took place in 2025.
Self-Access Class Outline:
- What is PMDD?
- How does PMDD present in daily life?
- How does PMDD present in and impact on relationships?
- Lived experience of PMDD and of PMDD partners
- Findings of Hodgetts and Kinghorn (2025) and implications of this study
- Practical suggestions for clinicians working with a PMDD couple
Learning Objectives
- Feel confident in working with and supporting PMDD-affected couples.
- Have increased awareness of PMDD, and a deeper understanding of how it affects daily life and relationships for both those with the condition and their partners.
About the Trainers
Dr. Sophie Hodgetts.
Sophie is an Assistant Professor at Durham University, where their research work explores how hormones influence functional brain organisation, cognition, and behaviour, adopting a psychobiosocial approach to understanding sex/gender differences.
Their research has a strong clinical focus, particularly in the context of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other hormone-related mood disorders. They are actively developing research projects in collaboration with the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders to further understand the cognitive and neurological impacts of PMDD.
Prior to their post at Durham University in 2022, Sophie was a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Sunderland, where they also led the BSc Clinical Psychology programme. They have held research roles at Newcastle University in the Institute of Neuroscience and the Academic Psychiatry Department.
Dr Helena Tucker, DClinPsy
Helena is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in women’s mental health, with a particular focus on PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), PME (Premenstrual Exacerbation), neurodiversity, and menopausal mental health.
Drawing on CBT, ACT, CAT, among other approaches, she is passionate about helping people understand and manage the cyclical impact of hormones on mental health.
Alongside her clinical work, Helena brings her own lived experience of PMDD, runs an online PMDD & PME Empowerment Programme, and facilitates monthly PMDD clinics, supporting individuals to build knowledge, resilience, and practical strategies for everyday life.
