What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?

What is the difference between PMDD and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Is PMDD a form of PMS? Are they two distinct disorders? And how do I know what I am experiencing? However, this article will explain all of that to you.

What is PMS?

It is highly probable that you will experience discomfort in the days leading up to your menstrual period, such as cramps, fatigue, and emotional instability, among others. This is commonly referred to as premenstrual symptoms. You are not alone in this, as almost 75% of women experience such symptoms at some point. These symptoms usually commence 1-2 weeks before your period begins and usually subside a few days after it starts. At times, the symptoms can be so intense that they disrupt your usual daily routine.

The symptoms that fall under PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) are not clearly defined. There are over 150 different symptoms that can occur, and they can vary greatly from woman to woman. The most common symptoms include:

• Cramps
• Acne
• Mood swings
• Painful breasts
• Being easily irritated
• Fatigue or low energy
• Depressive symptoms
• Feeling bloated

The exact cause of PMS is not fully understood, but it is often suggested that an imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone may lead to symptoms.

What is PMDD?

Do you experience mainly intense mental symptoms right before your period? If so, you might have PMDD, short for "premenstrual dysphoric disorder." It is an established mood disorder that affects between 3 to 8% of women. PMDD symptoms are comparable to those of PMS but are more extreme. These symptoms can include:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depressive mood
• Feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness
• Enormous feelings of guilt
• Anxiety or tension
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts
• Physical symptoms such as: sensitive or swollen breasts, joint or muscle pain, bloating, or weight gain

The list of symptoms for this disorder is clearly defined, unlike PMS. It was included in the DSM-5, the psychiatric manual used for making diagnoses, since 2013. To be diagnosed, the symptoms must have a significant impact on daily functioning. For instance, it may be tough for you to work, participate in social activities, maintain healthy relationships, and so on.

Conclusion

PMDD and PMS share some similarities, as they both cause symptoms that appear just before menstruation. However, there are clear differences between the two. You can view it in two ways: either PMDD is considered a highly severe form of PMS, or the two are seen as entirely distinct from each other. As more attention is given to PMDD and additional scientific research is conducted on the condition, the differences will become more apparent in the future. If you're experiencing symptoms and are concerned, consult a doctor.

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Sources:

SCHOEP, MARK E., ET AL. “THE IMPACT OF MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS ON EVERYDAY LIFE: A SURVEY AMONG 42,879 WOMEN.” AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, VOL. 220, NO. 6, JUNE 2019, P. 569.E1-569.E7. DOI.ORG (CROSSREF), HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1016/J.AJOG.2019.02.048  

HANTSOO, LIISA, AND C. NEILL EPPERSON. “ALLOPREGNANOLONE IN PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD): EVIDENCE FOR DYSREGULATED SENSITIVITY TO GABA-A RECEPTOR MODULATING NEUROACTIVE STEROIDS ACROSS THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE.” NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS, VOL. 12, MAY 2020, P. 100213. DOI.ORG (CROSSREF), HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1016/J.YNSTR.2020.100213.