What’s The Difference Between PMS and PMDD?

What’s the difference between PMS and PMDD?

PMDD: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe, sometimes disabling version of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Although PMS and PMDD both have physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD is extreme and can disrupt daily life and damage relationships.

Symptoms can start a few days to two weeks before your period and improve during menstruation.

Symptoms of PMDD:

• Poor quality of sleep
• Mood swings with feelings of extreme anxiety, sadness, hopelessness and increased irritability
• Aggressive/angry feelings
• Lack of concentration and inability to perform to usual standards

PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome

PMDD is a form of PMS, but PMS is milder. Symptoms usually occur a few days to a week before menstruation.

Symptoms of PMS:

• Tension or anxiety
• Depressed mood
• Crying spells
• Mood swings and irritability or anger
• Appetite changes and food cravings
• Trouble falling asleep
• Social withdrawal
• Poor concentration
• Change in libido
• Joint or muscle pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weight gain related
• to fluid retention
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Acne flare-ups
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Alcohol intolerance

It’s estimated that as many as 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experience some form of premenstrual syndrome.

But just because it’s COMMON doesn’t mean you have to suffer!

Interested in learning more about your specific symptoms? Click here.