An anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle that does not result in ovulation. That is to say your ovaries do not release an egg. If you have had an anovulatory cycle, the bleeding you would  experience is not technically a period. During an anovulatory cycle, the lack of a functioning corpus luteum results in an insufficient level of progesterone which can lead to bleeding. This is known as “breakthrough” bleeding, and easily mistaken for a normal period.

Within PMDD, people may find that some months they do not suffer their usual PMDD symptoms or they have ‘one good month and one bad month’. This may be due to having an anovulatory cycle. You can track if you are ovulating by using ovulation test strips which can be purchased from pharmacies. You can also track your body temperature to tell when you are ovulating