PMDD vs PMS

PMDD stands for Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome

Similarities:

• symptoms usually begin 7-10 days before your period starts and continues after the first few days of your period

• Both have physical and emotional symptoms 

• Cause bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in sleeping and eating habits
  

Differences: 

• PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that disrupt life and damage relationships

• PMDD has at least one of these symptoms:

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Anxiety or tension

• Extreme moodiness

• Marked irritability or anger

• Changes in vision, eye infection

• Nausea or vomiting

• Constipation 

• Pelvic pressure

• Heart palpitations

• Headaches and fainting
  

Causes to PMS and PMDD:

• Changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can impact

• Hormonal changes disrupt serotonin levels that can impact mood 

• Any person can develop PMDD, but risk factors include:

• Family history of PMS or PMDD

• Personal or family history of mood disorders (ex: bipolar disorder) 

• PMDD is more prevalent in people with ADHD
  

Diagnosis of PMDD:

• Symptoms of low mood

• Symptoms that occur during the week before the menstrual cycle during most cycles for the past year

• Symptoms that stop before the period is over and do not return until 1-2 weeks prior to cycle

• Symptoms that cause distress or interference with daily life 

Treatment/ coping with PMDD:

• Talk to healthcare provider on steps to change diet and lifestyle (such as resting, drinking water, cutting out caffeine and alcohol, etc)

• Seek support from peers, family members, support groups, therapists 

• Some medications can help the symptoms such as:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 

• Oral contraceptive pills that keep hormone levels steady

• Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which stops production of estrogen and progesterone.
  

PMS and PMDD symptoms are very similar, but PMDD is much more severe and affects daily life. There is no direct cure for PMS or PMDD, but things like changes in diet and lifestyle can help manage the symptoms. It is important to seek help from a healthcare provider and a mental healthcare provider.