Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are two common yet distinct conditions that occur in women of reproductive age. PMS is a group of physical, physiological, and emotional symptoms that typically occurs during the second half of the menstrual cycle, while PMDD is a severe form of PMS with various psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Knowing the differences between PMS and PMDD is essential for understanding their proper diagnosis, treatment, and management. While different approaches may be taken to relieve PMS symptoms, such as lifestyle modifications or specific supplements, including vitamins or a PMS supplement, PMDD requires therapies to ameliorate its effects since it is classified as an affective disorder.
Therefore, identifying the characteristics of each disorder can result in more effective treatment methods to improve the quality of life for women. Let’s take a closer look at what makes PMS and PMDD different from each other.
What Is PMS?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition affecting up to 75 percent of women during their reproductive years. It is characterized by a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, irritability, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, cravings for sugar or carbohydrates, food cravings, and more.
While these symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive to life activities such as work or school, they generally do not interfere with daily functioning or relationships with others.
What Is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe kind of premenstrual syndrome that affects 3-8 percent of menstruating women of childbearing age. It is characterized by intense physical and psychological symptoms, which can severely impair daily functioning and relationships with others.
These symptoms include severe depression or anxiety; feelings of hopelessness; difficulty concentrating; and extreme irritability or anger that can lead to conflict with family members or friends. In addition to physical symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, cramping, and headaches, women with PMDD may also experience suicidal thoughts or feelings of wanting to harm themselves or someone else.
How Can You Get Help if You Think You Might Have PMDD?
If you think you might have PMDD, there are several steps you can take to get help.
The first step is to speak with your primary care doctor or gynecologist about PMDD and see if they believe PMDD could be the cause of your symptoms. They may also recommend testing to confirm their diagnosis. Once PMDD has been diagnosed, the doctor will likely suggest lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, along with stress management techniques.
Additionally, supplements such as Omega-3s, B6, and Calcium may be recommended to provide symptom relief. If PMDD continues after these treatments, then other interventions, such as medication or therapy, may be necessary in order to manage PMDD symptoms.
It is important to discuss all options available with professionals in order to find the best approach for each individual’s needs.
Conclusion
It is important for professional healthcare providers to understand the differences between PMS and PMDD in order to accurately diagnose these conditions so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
If you think you may be suffering from either premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns so that you can get the help you need.
With proper treatment, it’s possible for many women to manage their symptoms and lead happy, healthy lives even when dealing with these challenging conditions.
