Do You Have PMS or PMDD?

Just about every woman knows what PMS, or premenstrual syndrome is. The majority 
of women who are in childbearing years with a period, get the typical symptoms. This 
might mean irritability, cramps, bloating, or tender breasts. While the symptoms can 
vary, if you get your period, you probably have experienced PMS symptoms.

However, if you feel like your symptoms are much more severe, you might actually have 
a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Here is more information 
about that condition with some comparisons between these two conditions so you know 
which one you are more likely dealing with.


What is PMS?

The more common condition is PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. This is what many 
women experience shortly before their period, and often several days into their period. 
PMS comes in many forms, and can include mood changes, physical changes, and 
even mental changes. 

PMS is the result of your hormone levels changing when you get close to your period, 
and might include acne, irritability, increased appetite or cravings, fatigue, and bloating.


What is PMDD?

Less common is PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This is a more severe type 
of disorder that takes PMS symptoms and multiplies them. Instead of a general malaise 
or irritability, you might become extremely moody and angry, depressed, have severe 
anxiety, and a lot more physical pain than what you experience with PMS.

It is important to note that if you feel like your PMS symptoms are more severe than 
normal or have suddenly gotten worse, you talk to your doctor about the possibility of 
PMDD. While PMS is normal and will come and go, PMDD can be very difficult to live 
with.


Comparing These Disorders

Here are some things to consider when deciding if you have PMS or if it might have 
developed into the more severe PMDD. 

Both start around the same time – One thing that is similar is that both PMS and 
PMDD symptoms usually start around the same time of the month. It is often about a 
week before your period starts, and continues through the first 2-3 days after your 
period starts.

Both have similar physical symptoms – The physical aspect of both PMS and PMDD 
are often similar. You get bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, and fatigue. You will just 
notice that they are considerably more severe in the case of PMDD.

PMDD has more emotional symptoms – While PMS does accompany some irritability 
and moodiness, PMDD shows some severe emotional changes, such as worsened 
anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, depression, and considerable anger.

