Monthly warning signs to look out for that you have serious overlooked condition that affects 5% of women

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

There is a condition all women should be aware of, but with many women's health issues, that's rarely the case - owing to a lack of education around the subject.

Symptoms of PMDD can have a serious effect on our lives. (Getty Stock Image)

PMDD is largely characterised by it causing an influx and wide range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before your period arrives.

PMDD happens during the 'luteal phase' of a woman's cycle.

Mind states: "This the time between when you ovulate and when your period starts.

"The luteal phase lasts approximately two weeks for most people but can be longer or shorter."

It is important to note that, while most women will experience some pre-menstrual tension symptoms such as mood swings, this is not the same as PMDD.

Symptoms of PMDD, in contrast to those of PMS, are much more serious and can have a detrimental impact on our lives.

Suffering from PMDD has many knock on effects which can include making it 'difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships.'

It is also linked to suicidal thoughts.

PMDD sufferers may feel hopeless or anxious. (Getty Stock Image)

There are symptoms that Mind have listed for those who think they might be suffering from PMDD to look out.

Emotional symptoms of PMDD

• mood swings
• feeling upset or tearful
• lack of energy
• less interest in activities you normally enjoy
• feeling hopeless
• suicidal feelings
• feeling angry or irritable
• feeling anxious
• feeling tense or on edge
• feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• difficulty concentrating

A common symptom is having trouble sleeping. (Getty Stock Image)

Physical symptoms of PMDD

• breast tenderness or swelling
• pain in your muscles and joints
• headaches
• feeling bloated
• changes in your appetite, such as overeating or having specific food cravings
• sleep problems
• increased anger or conflict with people around you
• becoming very upset if you feel that others are rejecting you

It has been reported that, due to PMDD's link to our menstrual cycles, sufferers are likely to have their symptoms alleviate during pregnancy.

It is thought that they will return once ovulating resumes.

The causes of PMDD

PMDD is an endocrine disorder (hormone-related).

It has not yet been discovered what the causes of PMDD are, but there are some things that have been linked, due to their effect on hormones.

• Genetics
• Smoking - it may have an impact on hormone sensitivity
• Trauma and stress - in some cases PMDD may be linked to stressful and traumatic past events

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.