Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects 3-8% of women of reproductive age.
A doctor has said 30% of those diagnosed have attempted suicide.
Two women told BBC News NI their premenstrual symptoms were so debilitating they wanted to die.
What is PMDD?
PMDD was recognised as a medical condition by the World Health Organisation in 2019 and is also recognised by the NHS. Women experience extreme psychological upset for two weeks prior to their period and once their period comes, the symptoms subside.
It is not clear why some women experience worse symptoms than others.
Health professionals believe it could be genetic or, for some, their central nervous system is particularly sensitive to hormonal changes or find coping with stress very difficult.
Symptoms can include: cramps, headaches and joint and muscle pain; behavioural symptoms such as binge eating and problems sleeping; mental and emotional symptoms, such as feeling very anxious, angry, depressed or even suicidal.
Jennifer Messit, 39, lives in Dublin and, at her worst, said she had “suicide ideations, feelings of worthlessness and every two weeks just wanted to kill myself”.
She said she is at the more extreme end of the spectrum and had to travel to London to get a diagnosis. However, she feels lucky that before having a hysterectomy, she had a son.
“When all is said and done and your friends and family are going on to have children, it does hurt the heart a lot,” she said.
“I am a good mum and I would have been a great mum to more than one,” Jennifer said.
Dr Stewart said making life-changing decisions around fertility at such an early age can be agonising, but it is about choosing a quality of life.
“Women describe themselves as two different people throughout their cycle. Once ovulation happens these women are extremely sensitive to the changes in their hormones and their ability to deal with quality of life plummets,” Dr Stewart said.
However, she said the positive news is PMDD can be treated once diagnosed, which is critical. But it was key that a patient completed a questionnaire in order to receive a proper diagnosis.
PMDD can be treated by either shutting down the ovaries by injection, which stops the hormones being released, or removing the ovaries.