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PMS vs PMDD: The critical difference

PMS vs PMDD: The critical difference

Written by:
Hormone University

Verified by:
Hormone University

Last Updated:
02/10/2021

Table of Contents

Studies have shown that up to 75% of menstruating women have mild PMS symptoms, but only 3-8% of women face PMDD. Also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD prevents you from going about your normal life by exhibiting extreme symptoms that significantly impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. if you want to learn more about what is PMDD.

Symptoms

Both PMS and PMDD can have symptoms such as bloating, mood changes, sore breasts, headaches and more. However, PMDD symptoms are usually much more severe and can take a higher toll on your health. For example, you may have severe mood swings, and instead of light depression, deeper depression that might result in hopelessness or suicidal thoughts. Instead of light anxiety, those with PMDD may deal with heavy anxiety for longer periods of time.

Causes

While the cause of both of these conditions is relatively unknown, those that have depression or have a family history of depression are more likely to suffer from PMDD rather than just PMS.

It is important to recognize the difference between the two conditions in order to understand what the best process for treatment is. Oftentimes, PMS symptoms can be eased through lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, exercise, and stress relief. But if you have PMDD, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help combat your symptoms.

Commonly prescribed medicine includes SSRI antidepressants which helps the body absorb serotonin more easily. As always, please consult your doctor before making any decisions in order to do what is best for your health.

More about Menstrual Cycle, PMS and PMDD:

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Hormone University

Hormone University was created as an educational platform with the mission to improve hormone health through accessible knowledge and to advocate for social impact in our communities. You’re not alone. 80% of the adult female population has experienced hormonal imbalance at one point in their life that affected not only their physical health but also their mental health. Coping with pain, infertility, anxiety, depression, body image issues, and, on top of this, judgment is the heavy load most of these women have to bear each day and an important problem we need to tackle as a society.