---
title: Does having PMDD increase the risk of depression during pregnancy or after birth?
description: Yes. Women with PMDD have higher risk of depression after giving birth. Evidence for depression during pregnancy is less clear from current studies.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/association-between-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-and-perinatal-depression-a-2022/
---

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- Does having PMDD increase the risk of depression during pregnancy or after birth?

Systematic review, 2022

# Does having PMDD increase the risk of depression during pregnancy or after birth?

Yes. Women with PMDD have higher risk of depression after giving birth. Evidence for depression during pregnancy is less clear from current studies.

 Moderate study design

Women with PMDD of reproductive age.

## What they did

Researchers searched medical databases for studies looking at whether women with PMDD go on to develop depression during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. They reviewed 7 original studies following systematic review guidelines.

## What they found

One study found a link between PMDD and depression during pregnancy. Six studies examined postpartum depression. Five of these found women with PMDD history were more likely to develop postpartum depression. One study found no significant link. Postpartum depression was measured from 2 to 4 days up to 1 year after birth.

## What it means for you

Women with PMDD have higher risk of depression after giving birth, suggesting shared biological causes. Doctors should screen women with PMDD for depression throughout pregnancy and the postpartum year. The studies used different methods and definitions, so results vary.

7

Studies reviewed

5/6

Postpartum studies showing increased risk

1.2-5%

PMDD prevalence rate

## About the study

Original title Association between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and perinatal depression: a systematic review Authors Pereira D, Pessoa AR, Madeira N et al. Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2022 Study design Systematic review What was tested None (observational study of outcomes). Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-021-01177-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-021-01177-6)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2021

Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Study, 2026

What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Review, 2017

How does the menstrual cycle affect mood and development, especially in adolescents?

Survey study, 2005

Does the menstrual cycle affect obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms?

Review, 2002

Are women more likely to get depression, especially due to hormonal changes?

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