Guest blog by Evelyn.
For many of us, the week or two before our period can feel like the rules have been rewritten. Bloating, sore breasts, mood swings, exhaustion, cravings — it's a lot to carry. And for some, it tips over into something much more intense.
Around 80% of females experience some form of PMS, and roughly 1 in 20 will experience PMDD (a much more severe, hormone-related mood disorder). Yet somehow, menstrual health is still so often brushed off as “just part of being female”.
It's not. You deserve to be heard, supported and treated — and that starts with a really good GP appointment. Here's how to make sure yours counts…
Know the difference: PMS vs PMDD
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is the collective name for the physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms many of us get in the luteal phase (the two-ish weeks after ovulation, before our period). Think bloating, acne, low mood, irritability, fatigue.
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a cyclical mood-based disorder — often described as a much more severe form of PMS. Symptoms can include depression, rage, exhaustion, severe anxiety and suicidal ideation. It can seriously affect your ability to function, and it's a recognised medical condition.
PMS and PMDD aren't always black and white. Some months might lean one way, some the other. Only you know how you're feeling — and the single most useful thing you can do is start tracking.
Start tracking your cycle
Tracking isn't just about marking when your period arrives. It helps you spot patterns in your mood, energy, sleep, skin, pain and behaviour and that information is absolute gold when you get to the GP.
It doesn't have to be fancy. Pen and paper, your phone notes, or a dedicated app all work. Or download Evelyn’s free Premenstrual Health Tracker. It uses a simple 1–6 scale and prompts you to note things like:
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The date your period starts and how long it lasts
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Physical symptoms (bloating, cramps, skin, sleep)
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Mood and behavioural symptoms (anxious, low, irritable, withdrawn)
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Life events that might be impacting you (deadlines, arguments, payday)
A GP will usually want to see two to three months of tracking before making a formal diagnosis but don't wait that long to book. They can still prescribe treatment while you gather your data.
Choose the right GP
Female hormonal health isn't covered in much detail at medical school, so your standard GP may not know a lot about PMDD. Finding someone with a background in female health makes a huge difference.
A few things that help:
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Ask reception if any GP at the practice has a special interest in female or hormonal health
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Look for letters like DRCOG or DFSRH after a doctor's name as these indicate training in obstetrics, gynaecology or sexual and reproductive health
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If you'd be more comfortable with a female GP, just ask - it's a completely reasonable request
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Book a double appointment if you can (20–30 minutes, rather than 10) not all surgeries allow this, but there’s no harm in asking as you may need the time
Prepare for your appointment
Research suggests we forget 40–80% of what a medical professional tells us, almost immediately. Prep is everything.
Bring with you:
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Your symptom tracker or diary
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A brief medical history: when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, any family history
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A list of things you've already tried (medications, lifestyle changes, therapies) and whether they worked
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Your top questions, written down so you don't forget them under pressure
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A notebook or your phone to jot down what the GP says
If it feels too daunting to go alone, take a friend or family member with you. They can help you remember what you wanted to cover and advocate alongside you.
Speak up for yourself
Self-advocacy can feel hard, especially when you're talking about things that feel intensely personal. But you have every right to be taken seriously.
A few things that help:
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Be specific about impact. For example, “I can't work for four days a month” lands differently to “I feel a bit low”
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Ask directly about PMDD if your symptoms feel severe and cyclical
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Ask about referrals to a gynaecologist, endocrinologist or mental health specialist familiar with PMDD
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Come back to the NICE guidelines for PMDD if you need to, these are the treatment guidelines NHS doctors in England follow
Know your treatment options
There's no one-size-fits-all, and many people combine a few approaches. Treatments your GP might discuss include:
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Over-the-counter pain relief like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for cramps and headaches
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SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) - the primary recommended treatment for PMDD, often taken cyclically
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Hormonal therapies like the combined oral contraceptive pill or oestrogen therapy, which aim to steady hormone levels
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Talking therapy like CBT, which has good evidence for reducing psychological symptoms
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Lifestyle and complementary therapies - exercise, nutrition, stress management, mindfulness, acupuncture, reflexology
Always chat any new medication through with your GP, especially if you have other health conditions.
If you don't feel heard
Sadly, medical gaslighting is real and women's symptoms are still too often dismissed as “normal” or “just anxiety”. On average, it takes 12 years for PMDD to be diagnosed.
If you leave an appointment feeling brushed off, you have options:
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Ask for a second opinion or to see a different GP at the practice
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Register with a different surgery entirely
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Ask for a referral to a specialist on the NHS, or go private if you're able to
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Contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) for advice and support
Asking for a second opinion is a normal part of healthcare. It's not rude, and it shouldn't upset a good doctor.
Support yourself between appointments
While you're navigating diagnosis and treatment, small daily changes can genuinely help: a balanced diet rich in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin D; gentler forms of exercise in your luteal phase (think yoga, walking, swimming); good sleep routines; and carving out space to say "no" when things feel too much.
It's also worth knowing that daily, evidence-backed support exists beyond the GP's prescription pad. Evelyn’s supplements have been developed by scientists and doctors specifically to target the real, biological causes of PMS and PMDD. Their products are hormone-free, prescription-free, and designed to work alongside any other treatment your GP recommends. Discover the Evelyn Full Routine here and use MOONCUP20 for 20% off your first order.
Self-care isn't one magic activity. It's building a little toolkit of things you know help, such as movement, nourishment, rest, the right supplements, a good playlist, a proper cry when you need one.
Ready to learn more?
The Evelyn Health team have put together a brilliant, comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about PMS, PMDD and navigating the GP, including a symptom tracker, appointment checklists, treatment deep-dives, a full glossary of medical terms, and real stories from women who've been there.
Download Evelyn Health's PMS, PMDD and seeing the GP guide here.
You don't have to just get on with it. You deserve support, answers, and a life that isn't half-lived every luteal phase.
Blog disclaimer
Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.
