See licensed Canadian doctors for PMS & PMDD treatment online

Yes, a Maple doctor can help you treat PMS and PMDD on Maple. A PMS or PMDD diagnosis can often be made after the doctor learns more about your history of physical and emotional discomfort around the time of your menstrual cycle. If you seem to be at risk for any other emotional or physical complications, the doctor may suggest further tests, either through Maple or in person.

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the onset of physical and emotional discomfort approximately one week before the beginning of menstruation. Most notably, PMS can cause mood swings in the days leading up to menstruation. PMS symptoms usually disappear when menstruation begins.

Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder is a period of severe emotional disturbance leading up to menstruation. PMDD causes symptoms of depression, anxiety and irritability that usually lessens when menstruation begins.

Women with PMDD often experience serious declines in their mental health that make it difficult for them to carry out daily tasks and socialize with friends, family and colleagues.

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and PMDD symptoms are similar, but the main difference is that PMDD symptoms are much more severe. PMS causes mild depression and manageable anxiety. As a result, PMS treatment can sometimes be as simple as making a few changes to everyday habits like exercise and diet.

PMDD can cause feelings of deep anxiety and depression that are often hard to overcome, and sometimes lead people towards self harm. That’s why antidepressants are often a recommended PMDD treatment.

PMS symptoms include:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea
• Abdominal bloating
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Tender breasts
• Acne
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Food Cravings
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain

PMDD symptoms include:

• Deep fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Crying outbursts
• Trouble concentrating
• Panic attacks
• Trouble socializing/disinterest in other people
• Food cravings
• Tender breasts
• Bloating
• Cramps
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Pain

The cause of PMS and PMDD are still unknown. Some studies relate a drop in serotonin — which is a chemical our brains release when we’re happy — to hormonal changes that happen in the body before menstruation begins. This might be the reason mood instability happens so often during PMS and PMDD.

PMS usually lasts for about 7-14 days before the start of menstruation.

PMDD and PMS can mimic other disorders like depression, so to differentiate, it’s important to ensure that feelings of low mood are only happening in the weeks leading up to menstruation. If these feelings are more constant, the mood imbalance may be chronic, and not correlated to PMS or PMDD.

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and specialists via secure text, audio or video call. Sign in to your Maple account to start a visit. Learn more about how Maple works here.

A visit works a lot like an in-person appointment. A doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about your symptoms, review your health history and recommend a treatment plan that's right for you. Sometimes, you might need to see someone in person. When that happens, we'll help you figure out what comes next.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to care online. Connect with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes via secure text, audio or video call.

Membership is $85/month. One membership, care for your whole family. In eligible provinces, membership includes:

• Daily visits: one visit a day with a doctor or nurse practitioner for each family member in your household
• Paediatric care: covered paediatric primary care visits, available by appointment
• Second Medical Opinion: when you're unsure about a complex diagnosis, like cancer or MS, or want to understand all your options, you and your family can access an expert Second Medical Opinion
• Personal Health Check-Ins: personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to help you stay on top of your health
• iCBT courses: internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-assessments and courses
• Specialists: see a specialist in days, not months. No referral necessary.
• Specialist referrals: a referral to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed

Membership can't be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. A Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) may cover your membership fees. Check with your HSA provider for details.

Your Maple monthly membership covers virtual care for you, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 who share the same primary residence. Full disclaimer and refund policy here.

We accept all major credit cards, including AMEX, plus Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Privacy is at the core of how we deliver care. We follow Canadian privacy and healthcare laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA, to protect your personal and health information.

Our policies and consent processes are simple and easy to understand, so you stay in control. Strong security infrastructure and strict data policies protect every session. You keep control of your personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. We also work with leading experts and review our policies regularly.

All doctors and nurse practitioners who deliver care through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their regulatory colleges. They must follow the telemedicine policies set by the medical regulator in each province.

Regulators across Canada recognize the value of virtual care. It helps improve access to care for patients and makes care delivery more efficient for practitioners and Canada's healthcare system.