A staggering new report has found that at least 31 million women worldwide live with premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) and that millions more may be struggling with undiagnosed symptoms.

Up until now, PMDD has been treated as an extremely rare issue, but a new review of global studies suggests that far more girls and women might have it. Unlike PMS, which affects up to three in four women and is characterised by mild cramps, mood swings and cravings, PMDD can be life-shattering. Symptoms can range from suicidal thoughts and memory issues to joint pain and easy bruising. If you have PMS or a heavy flow, for example, you’ll probably find having a few home working days a week is a great help; PMDD, on the other hand, might stop you from being able to work altogether – regardless of location – in the run-up to your period.

Given how disruptive PMDD is to work, education and relationships, the fact that millions of women, girls and other people who menstruate are living with the disorder is worrying. However, experts are now suggesting that the 31 million figure could just be the tip of the iceberg; the real global number of sufferers could be much higher.

31 million women worldwide have PMDD – but the true number is probably much higher, Oxford University warns