Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) /Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Adult

Gynaecology

Useful Management Information

  • Refer to local guidelines

Minimum Referral Criteria

Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1 (appointment within 30 calendar days)
  • Severe PMDD with risk of self-harm or severe functional impairment impacting safety

NB: Referral to a Persistent pain service may be considered if chronic pelvic pain coexists and remains uncontrolled

Category 2 (appointment within 90 calendar days)
  • Severe PMS/PMDD symptoms unresponsive to initial medical management (e.g., SSRIs, hormonal treatments) and causing significant impact on daily functioning, including work, relationships, or school
  • Co-existing psychiatric disorders that exacerbate PMDD symptoms, requiring close gynaecologic and mental health management
  • Moderate to severe PMS/PMDD with substantial impact on quality of life, affecting daily activities and relationships but without immediate safety concerns
  • Symptoms persisting despite trial of first-line treatments (e.g., lifestyle modifications, basic hormonal therapies)
  • Worsening symptoms requiring review for alternative treatments (e.g., second-line hormone therapy, SSRIs) or multidisciplinary input

NB: Referral to a persistent pain service may be considered if symptoms are accompanied by chronic pelvic pain that has not responded to initial treatments

Category 3 (appointment within 365 calendar days)
  • Mild PMS/PMDD symptoms that do not significantly impair daily functioning but require specialist advice or management adjustments

If your patient does not meet the minimum referral criteria

  • Assessment and management information may be found on a range of conditions at HealthPathways
  • If the patient does not meet the criteria for referral but the referring practitioner believes the patient requires specialist review, a clinical override may be requested:
    • Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
  • Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service

Essential Referral Information

  • Medical management to date and/or therapies previously tried
  • Mental health assessment, including any diagnosed psychiatric conditions or current use of psychiatric medications, and history of mental health support if relevant
  • Screening for suicidal ideation or other severe psychological symptoms, particularly in cases of PMDD

Additional Referral Information

  • Family history of PMS/PMDD or other menstrual disorders
  • Any relevant medical history
  • If chronic pelvic pain is present, describe its relationship with the menstrual cycle, severity, and impact on quality of life*

*This information would help decide if a concurrent referral to a persistent pain service is necessary

Last updated 18 February 2025

Send Referrals To

Smart Referrals

Preferred Method
About Smart Referrals

Secure Web Transfer

Send to: Gold Coast Health Service District

Internal Referrals

Gynaecology (E-Blueslips)
Colposcopy (E-Blueslips)

Fax

(07) 5687 4497

Post

Booking and Referral Centre
Gold Coast University Hospital
1 Hospital Boulevard
Southport QLD 4215

Enquiries

1300 559 083

Related HealthPathways

No directly related pathways found

Service Availability

Dr Graeme Walker
Medical Director Gynaecology

Facilities

Gold Coast University Hospital
Robina Hospital

If you would like to send a named referral, please address it to the specialist listed above, who will allocate a suitably qualified specialist to see the patient. Alternatively, you can view a full list of our specialists.

Gold Coast Health - For Clinicians
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