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PMDD Symptoms: Understanding the Luteal Phase and How to Cope

Sep 17, 2025

If you’re experiencing overwhelming premenstrual symptoms each month, you might be wondering: Am I overreacting? Is this normal?

The answer is no—you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. These experiences are common among women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS that affects mood, body, and daily life.

Common PMDD Symptoms 

PMDD symptoms can show up in the luteal phase (the two weeks before your period) and often feel confusing or even terrifying. Some of the most common include:

  • Flu-like body aches or fatigue: Some women feel like they have the flu for just a day each month.

  • Recurring thrush or physical discomfort: Symptoms appear like clockwork, sometimes lasting only a day or two.

  • Random insomnia: Nights of sleeplessness that make you question your body’s rhythm.

  • Wardrobe frustration: Suddenly hating every outfit in your wardrobe, even ones you loved last week.

  • Clumsiness and accidental bruises: Tripping, dropping things, or bumping into walls—the mysterious luteal bruises that appear monthly.

  • Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted, scary thoughts can pop up during the luteal phase, leaving you feeling mentally raw.

Individually, these symptoms are disorienting. Together, they can make you feel like your body is “broken.” But here’s the truth: this is PMDD, and it’s not your fault.

Why Hearing “Me Too” Makes a Difference

One of the biggest reliefs for women with PMDD is realising they’re not alone. When someone says, “Me too,” everything clicks into place. Naming your experience validates your reality and helps you see that your body isn’t failing you.

How to Cope with PMDD Symptoms

Understanding your luteal phase PMDD signs allows you to plan and cope effectively:

  • Track your cycle: Note your mood, energy, and physical symptoms to spot patterns.

  • Self-care strategies: Gentle exercise, mindful rest, and planning low-stress days can reduce symptom severity.

  • Seek support: Connect with others or a PMDD counsellor to feel understood and get strategies that work. 

 

If you're stuck riding the rollercoaster—barely coping on the bad days, then overdoing it on the good → 

 

Counselling can help you build a plan that actually supports you.

BOOK YOUR SESSION

Categories

advocacy luteal phase pmdd
Author

Amanda Westphal

Registered Counsellor

Amanda Westphal is Australia’s leading PMDD counsellor, dedicated to supporting women navigating the challenges of PMDD. Through lived experience and evidence-based strategies, she helps women regain control, reduce overwhelm, and feel empowered.

HEY, I'M AMANDA 

I HELP WOMEN WITH PMDD  

feel steadier, supported, and more like themselves again—even on the toughest days of the cycle. 

I’m a registered counsellor with a whole toolkit for tackling PMDD.

I’ve got lived experience, so I actually get what you’re going through.

And everything we do is grounded in evidence-based strategies—practical stuff that really works.

Finally, support that makes sense of your cycle—and gives you your life back.

BOOK A COUNSELLING SESSION

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PMDD Symptoms: Understanding the Luteal Phase and How to Cope

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FREE DOWNLOAD!

PMDD Episode toolkit   

Feel like a different person every month? You’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone.

This gentle, science-backed guide is for those days when PMDD takes over and everything feels too hard. When you’re spiralling, overwhelmed, and questioning everything — this toolkit gives you something solid to hold onto.

Download your FREE PMDD Episode Toolkit to help you reset, regroup and feel more in control during your luteal phase.

âś” Gently challenge those intrusive, gaslighting thoughts
âś” Build a simple self-care plan for your hardest days
✔ Use a checklist when your brain says, “I don’t know what to do”

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