Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) vs PMDD- Understanding the Difference

Several women feel different just before their periods, from physical pain to brain chemical changes; everything becomes highlighted. Some women are unable to understand the symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome is the beginning stage that most women experience, but if the severity persists, it converts into premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 6% of women who menstruate are dealing with PMDD.

In simple words, PMDD is like an intensified, more severe form of PMS. But the question is, how would I know that I have PMS or PMDD?

It is important to understand the difference between them. Cradle Children Hospital is highly focused on educating women about their bodies and what they should not ignore to live a healthy life.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

As its name suggests, it is the changes that women experience 3 or 4 days prior to menstruation, including tender breasts, food cravings, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. Around 75% to 95% of women experience PMS. This premenstrual syndrome occurs in a predictable pattern characterized by emotional and physical changes. PMS severity ranges from mild to severe, and starts to impact social life, relationships, and work because of spikes of hormonal fluctuation, which is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Why does it happen?

Due to cyclic hormonal fluctuation in the body, hormones like estrogen and progesterone impact the brain chemicals like serotonin.

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

It also impacts diurnal conditions (daily psychological fluctuations in the body to regulate circadian rhythm). Around 20% to 30% of women are dealing with the issue, and as per a NIH study, 9 out of 1000 women die because of PMDD every year.

It impacts day-to-day life, interferes with work, and also. According to gynecologists, it is an official diagnosis of a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.

This doesn’t define that every emotional change that occurs before periods is PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

Key differences

• Premenstrual syndrome affects 75% of women, while PMDD is rarer.
• Premenstrual dysphoria disorder is a form of severe PMS.
• Symptoms of PMDD last longer than PMS.
• PMDD comes with a 3.84 times higher risk of suicide than PMS.

PMS Vs. PMDD Symptoms

Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

1. The symptoms usually begin 7–10 days premenstrually and then are relieved as bleeding begins. PMS can comprise a wide variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Common ones include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint or muscle aches, fatigue, changes in sleep, and food cravings.
2. Mood swings can be detected by feeling mildly irritated, low/depressed, crying, changes in appetite at times, and difficulty concentrating.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms (PMDD)

1. Although the symptoms are quite similar but the severity is increased. Here are some of the common signs that look like PMS but are slightly different-
2. In PMDD, women have suicidal thoughts due to increased depression.
3. Intense anxiety and tension, which makes women feel on edge and can cause potential panic attacks.
4. Difficulty concentrating and feeling lethargic.
5. Lack of interest in daily activities, or can be considered as social withdrawal.
6. Intense sleep deprivation causes insomnia.
7. Some physical symptoms include weight gain, swelling in ankles and hands, headaches, joint pain, cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and intense food cravings.

Causes of PMS Vs. PMDD

As per studies, the exact cause of PMDD is not known, but hormonal changes are especially related to estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle.

On the other side, genetic predisposition may also be a factor, as some studies do show familial connections, and it ranges between 30% to 90%. This is influenced by strong heritability, hormonal sensitivity, specific genes, and lifestyle.

The response of the brain to such hormonal changes is hypothesized as important, especially in neurotransmitters like serotonin.

PMS Vs. PMDD Treatment and Self-Care Tips

1. Stress might not directly impact PMS, but it definitely aggravates PMS symptoms.
2. It is necessary to limit caffeine intake, especially if you are dealing with tension or anxiety.
3. It is best to eat small and frequent meals, as this stabilizes mood and releases happy hormones.
4. The best way to balance hormones is to indulge in regular exercise, as this releases endorphins, which improve mood.
5. Lifestyle and diet are the key essential factors that contribute to maintaining symptoms. A healthy diet and avoiding alcohol can prevent from severity of premenstrual syndrome.
6. Make sure to keep track of the trigger and pattern, so that you know what you need to avoid.
7. Make sure to talk to your friends and family about mood swings and body changes you are experiencing.
8. Consult with an expert so that you can get prominent support. Cradle Children’s Hospital wants women to take care of their bodies so that they can avoid complications.
9. Medications like antidepressants, birth control pills are some that can help in improving mood and reducing the symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
10. Proper intake of vitamin B6, magnesium, and calcium supplements aids in both physical and emotional symptoms.
11. Light therapy has also been explored as a possible and effective treatment for PMDD.
12. Furthermore, it is best to consult with an expert before choosing any specific medication or therapies.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

First of all, if you are already dealing with Premenstrual Syndrome, then it is best to start taking medical advice to ensure that you can stop yourself from developing premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Cramps, bloating, headaches, mood swings, and tiredness feel common for you, but they are not. And if these symptoms still persist even after improving lifestyle and diet, then it is time to move towards a proper management plan.

It is also important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis for both PMD and PMDD, rather than confuse yourself, because it is easy to misdiagnose with a thyroid disorder.

Cradle Children’s Hospital in Jaipur can help you know exactly about the situation. So book your consultation and know about your body for having a long-term healthy life.

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