Menstruating women undergo many changes in their bodies throughout their menstrual cycles. The hormones increase and decrease cyclically throughout the month. Before the menstrual period starts, most women experience some symptoms that may or may not recur every month. These are premenstrual syndrome or PMS. Are you aware of PMDD? Do you know how PMDD is different from PMS? Read on to find out.
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It refers to the symptoms or changes a woman feels a few days before her menstrual period starts. These symptoms will mostly subside soon after the periods end.
Different women experience different PMS symptoms at varying intensities. While some women may not feel much of a difference, some women may need to change their regular activities or take medications to manage these symptoms.
PMS involves bloating, constipation, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even depression. Some women experience PMS acne due to the hormonal fluctuations, and some may even experience diarrhoea a day or two before their period starts.
PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is a more severe form of PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome. In PMDD, in addition to the physical symptoms of PMS, emotional symptoms like mood swings, depression, and anxiety are more intense. These symptoms can be strong enough to hinder the woman's daily activities.
These symptoms can occur a week or two before the period starts, just like PMS. However, the emotional symptoms are much stronger. While anxiety or irritability are common PMS symptoms, the intensity of these symptoms is much higher in the case of PMDD. It can make one feel overwhelmed and interfere with their ability to perform regular tasks.
Most women suffering from PMDD will require psychiatric diagnosis, medications, and therapy to help alleviate the symptoms. It is not very common, and many women may ignore the symptoms as just PMS.
PMDD, like PMS, is caused by hormonal fluctuations. Why some women get PMDD while others only have PMS is a study still in progress. Doctors don't know the exact reason why PMS crosses over to PMDD for some women.
According to studies, PMDD could be due to the dip in both estrogen and progesterone levels just after ovulation and before a woman's period begins. Serotonin is an important hormone that signals the brain and regulates moods, hunger, and sleep. A fluctuation in this hormone before menstruation can also play a role in triggering PMDD.
Some possible risk factors that increase the chances of PMDD in some women are –
● Existing anxiety or depression
● Severe PMS
● A family history of PMDD, mood disorders, or severe PMS
● High stress, trauma, or abuse – in the past or present.
If left untreated, PMDD can lead to
● Depression
● Suicidal thoughts
● Severe emotional distress
● Negative impact on relationships
● Affect career, education, or professional life.
Since PMDD is a severe form of PMS, it can be hard to diagnose. Many women may not even seek medical consultation for their severe symptoms, and some doctors may miss noticing the tell-tale signs of PMDD. When a doctor suspects PMDD, they will confirm the diagnosis after –
● Evaluating all symptoms experienced before or during menstruation
● Considering family history of PMS and PMDD, if any
● Track symptoms for two or more menstrual cycles
● Ruling out other emotional issues like anxiety or depression
● Ruling out reproductive disorders
● Identifying five or more PMDD symptoms.
Just like PMS, PMDD does not have any permanent cure or solutions. Making changes to one's lifestyle can help improve symptoms. Doctors can help manage the PMDD symptoms in the following ways –
● SSRIs - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are antidepressants that help manage the brain's serotonin levels.
● Hormonal Birth Control – These contain lab-made estrogen and progesterone that can help with PMDD symptoms.
● Changes to Diet – Cutting back on certain foods and incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6 and magnesium can help alleviate symptoms.
● Pain Medications – Over-the-counter pain medicines can help ease physical symptoms like cramps, breast tenderness, headaches, etc.
● Stress Management – Stress levels have a direct impact on hormone levels. Effective stress management techniques can help reduce hormonal fluctuations.
● Exercise – Regular exercise or increasing physical activity can help ease physical symptoms and also manage hormone levels.
Both PMS and PMDD symptoms can be managed to a certain extent through natural means like lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and regular exercise. Yoga or meditation to manage stress can also help reduce hormonal imbalances that could be triggering PMDD or causing PMS.
Both PMS and PMDD are caused by the hormonal changes that occur before menstruation begins. Addressing underlying conditions like anxiety or depression that could lead to triggering PMDD can also help. However, one can never be sure about how hormones work; hence, completely preventing PMS or PMDD is not possible. Close monitoring and making lifestyle changes may reduce the severity of PMS or PMDD, but not eliminate them.
Both PMS and PMDD are naturally occurring discomforts due to a woman's menstrual cycle. Both cause physical and emotional issues. Apart from intensive emotional symptoms for PMDD when compared to PMS, another key difference between the two is the medical classification.
While PMS is considered normal and easily manageable with lifestyle changes and some over-the-counter medications, PMDD is regarded as a mental health condition. Though the symptoms of PMDD are very similar to those of bipolar disorder, these two are very different conditions. However, PMDD is serious enough for medical intervention and medications, while not all cases of PMS require the same.
As PMDD is just a severe form of PMS, many women may neglect the symptoms and struggles, assuming them to be just PMS. However, if you notice the following, it is always safer to consult a gynaecologist –
● Very high anxiety that even leads to panic attacks
● Severe depression or even suicidal thoughts
● Feels like you have lost control
● Excess anger
Both PMS and PMDD cause discomfort for women. While some women may not experience any PMS symptoms, some may experience intense PMS symptoms. PMDD is more intense than just strong menstrual cramps or bloating. If you are feeling too emotional before your period starts and it affects your daily life, it is advisable to check for PMDD.
PMS refers to Pre Menstrual Syndrome, which involves physical and emotional symptoms a woman experiences a few days before her menstrual period starts. PMDD – Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder refers to a more severe form of PMS, which has similar physical discomforts but a more severe form of emotional symptoms. In PMDD, the anxiety, depression, or irritability a woman experiences before her menstrual period is more intense and can even disrupt her daily life.
Some common symptoms of PMS include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, acne, breast tenderness, fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. The intensity and number of these symptoms experienced vary from woman to woman and even from one cycle to another for the same woman.
PMS and PMDD are both temporary and caused by hormonal changes. As it is not a disease, there are no medical treatments for these symptoms. Lifestyle changes—like a healthier diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction—can help ease these symptoms. If discomfort or pain is too much to handle, over-the-counter painkillers prescribed by your doctor can help. For PMDD, certain medications can help reduce the intensity of the emotional symptoms.
No, PMS does not turn into PMDD. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS, especially with emotional symptoms. If your PMS symptoms are too strong or interfere with your daily life, consult your gynaecologist and get checked for PMDD. If it is just stronger PMS symptoms, a few changes can help manage the pain. However, if it's PMDD, you may need some medications or medical intervention.
