Each month, countless women navigate a rollercoaster of physical and emotional changes linked to their menstrual cycle. While many experience the familiar discomfort of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), others contend with a more debilitating condition known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). This often-overlooked disorder can severely impede daily life, yet it remains shrouded in misunderstanding.
In this exploration, we will uncover the distinctions between PMS and PMDD, delve into potential causes, and discuss effective strategies for managing and alleviating symptoms. Difference Between PMS And PMDD Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, affects an estimated 75 per cent of menstruating women at some point in their lives. It’s typically characterised by symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, mild irritability, and food cravings.
For most, these symptoms are manageable, causing discomfort but not necessarily interrupting life. PMS is usually a mild to moderate condition that appears in the days leading up to a period and quickly fades as menstruation begins. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, however, is far more severe and less common, affecting about 3-8% of women.
Unlike PMS, PMDD is marked by extreme mood shifts, intense anxiety, and even feelings of hopelessness. The symptoms of PMDD can feel overwhelming, disrupting work, relationships, and personal well-being. The contrast between PMS and PMDD can be compared to the difference between feeling “under the .
