Why premenstrual dysphoric disorder diagnoses are on the rise, particularly for women over 35 By Grace BurmasTopic:Health23m ago23 minutes agoSun 11 May 2025 at 12:06amKris Stanley, 36, was diagnosed with PMDD after years of unexplained mood swings. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)abc.net.au/news/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-diagnoses-on-the-rise/105274892Link copiedShareShare articleAfter years of drastic, unexplained mood swings in the lead-up to her period, a Perth mother was handed a lifeline in the form of a four-letter diagnosis. Kris Stanley, 36, went to the doctor in 2021 when she started feeling suicidal every month.The appointment was the first time she had heard of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, commonly known as PMDD."It was like someone had turned the lights on," she said."It was almost liberating … to have something to research, to sink your teeth into."I'm not going crazy."Kris Stanley was diagnosed with PMDD in 2021 and wants to make more women aware of the condition. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)Among other symptoms, PMDD can cause severe depression and anxiety during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, due to a sensitivity to the natural changes in hormones.Life doesn't stop Kris would try to push through this quick onset of depression and helplessness for the sake of her family.If you or anyone you know needs help:Lifeline on 13 11 141800RESPECT on 1800 737 732safe steps on 1800 015 188Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636Headspace on 1800 650 890ReachOut at au.reachout.com"As a mum we don't always get the opportunity to put the rest of life on hold," she said."We always have to overcome and be as strong as we can be."I'm a pretty strong person but PMDD has definitely brought me down a few times."When she got her diagnosis, it gave her license to talk openly with her sons and partner about what was really going on, teaching them not only about PMDD, but the phases of the menstrual cycle in general.She said it's a topic not worth sugar coating.Kris Stanley says she talks openly about PMDD with her family. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)"I like to give the boys a heads up so they can be a little bit more understanding," Kris said."The more information they're armed with and the more empathetic they can be as humans and as men towards their loved ones, then hopefully we can get a little bit more understanding for women in general when they're going through something that is pretty full on."PMDD, the menstrual condition that makes life hell for thousands of womenPhoto shows Woman with dark hair and lip ring stands in her house doorway.Thousands of Australian women deal with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, and symptoms can include extreme mood changes, depression and anxiety. Late diagnosis commonDr Niamh Leonard was the general practitioner and women's health specialist who identified Kris's symptoms as PMDD.She has noticed a steady rise in diagnoses over the past few years and a peak in patients aged 35 and older."It's a time when women often have young families, maybe getting back into the workforce or trying to further their careers and are really unable to function properly," she said."It's a very difficult age and time."Dr Niamh Leonard says there has been a rise in PMDD diagnoses over the past few years. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)There's a suite of reasons that could explain why people are often diagnosed later in their reproductive life.Dr Leonard said it could be a link to perimenopause or the fact the condition was only recognised as a psychological disorder just over a decade ago.But she said the cultural issues surrounding women's health cannot be ignored."Many women have masked for so long," Dr Leonard said."Women in general just try to push through and sometimes they're afraid to speak about how dark their thoughts are at times."To have the diagnosis and be feeling better and to be functioning that's all women really want."Times slowly changing During its short time in the public eye, awareness of PMDD is steadily growing. Many of Dr Leonard's patients are now coming to her practice having already heard of PMDD because they've spoken to a friend or seen a post on social media.Dr Niamh Leonard says a PMDD diagnosis is more common in women over the age of 35. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)Kris says legitimising the experience of PMDD cannot be overstated.For her the education and diagnosis came late, but she feels it's a case of better late than never."If talking about PMDD helps one other woman get a diagnosis and not feel like she's going crazy or not feel like there's no point in living anymore I think that's the goal," Kris said."Not feeling alone in it makes it easier to overcome."LoadingPosted 23m ago23 minutes agoSun 11 May 2025 at 12:06amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesIsrael is keeping up its blockade of aid as kids starve to deathTopic:WarPhoto shows A small baby in a pink onesie sleeps on a blue and yellow blanket.Dumped minister says speaking out on Gaza partly to blame for demotionTopic:ALPPhoto shows Ed Husic, wearing a suit, sitting on a green bench.How Australia's biggest pokies dynasty is rewriting its legacyTopic:GamblingPhoto shows Len Ainsworth poses for a portrait at a table in a dark room with poker machines behind him.Harry, Charles and the grief dilemma tearing apart the royal familyTopic:RoyaltyPhoto shows An older man and two younger men 'Next Canva or Atlassian': Orange is looking to realise dreams of business grandeurTopic:AgriculturePhoto shows Aerial view of Orange in NSW.Popular nowDumped minister says speaking out on Gaza partly to blame for demotionTopic:ALPPhoto shows Ed Husic, wearing a suit, sitting on a green bench.Harry, Charles and the grief dilemma tearing apart the royal familyTopic:RoyaltyPhoto shows An older man and two younger men Cash purchase of boat leads to $600m cocaine haul by NSW PoliceTopic:CrimePhoto shows Bags of cocaineRelated topicsHealthPerthTop StoriesIsrael is keeping up its blockade of aid as kids starve to deathTopic:WarPhoto shows A small baby in a pink onesie sleeps on a blue and yellow blanket.Dumped minister says speaking out on Gaza partly to blame for demotionTopic:ALPHow Australia's biggest pokies dynasty is rewriting its legacyTopic:GamblingHarry, Charles and the grief dilemma tearing apart the royal familyTopic:Royalty'Next Canva or Atlassian': Orange is looking to realise dreams of business grandeurTopic:AgricultureJust InThermal imaging helping aerial shooters keep feral deer out of townTopic:Environmental Management11m ago11 minutes agoSun 11 May 2025 at 12:17amThousands of everlasting daisies turn farm into social media hotspotTopic:Feel Good11m ago11 minutes agoSun 11 May 2025 at 12:17amA degenerative disease stole Daniel's voice, now AI is bringing it backTopic:Artificial Intelligence18m ago18 minutes agoSun 11 May 2025 at 12:11amAfter years of unexplained mood swings, a four letter diagnosis changed Kris's life Topic:Health23m ago23 minutes agoSun 11 May 2025 at 12:06amMore Just InBack to top