PMDD vs. Regular PMS

PMS (or premenstrual syndrome) is sometimes treated as a joke: It’s the punchline in a lot of sitcoms, and it can be thrown about as a laughable issue in the company of all gender types. But though PMS can be a bit uncomfortable and difficult to deal with, it’s not technically a mental health issue.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (or PMDD), on the other hand, is a much more serious problem for which you might need treatment. But when issues around women’s mental health are sometimes laughed off, how can you know if you really need help? 

Mind and Body Medicine, LLC, takes the diagnosis of PMDD and its symptoms seriously. Tamara McDonald, DNP, wants patients to understand the difference between PMDD and regular PMS, as well as what to do about both problems and how to reach out when you need assistance. 

PMS and PMDD: the big differences 

Let’s start by defining PMS and PMDD. PMS is a group of symptoms that occur a week or two before your period starts. This condition is very normal, and almost everyone who menstruates will experience some form of PMS. It might cause emotions like sadness and irritability, and it can create physical symptoms like bloating and cravings. 

PMDD can cause all of these symptoms… and more. It’s usually considered to be a much more intense version of PMS, although this ignores the severity of the symptoms it can cause. PMDD creates bloating, stomach issues, cravings, irritability, and weepiness, but it can also cause severe mood swings and long-term issues like anxiety and depression. 

Around 5% of menstruating people are considered to have PMDD. While this seems low, it’s essential to remember that PMS, a much more common condition with milder symptoms, is often treated as something to be laughed off. As such, some people don’t seek help when they experience the severe symptoms of PMDD. 

How do you know it’s PMDD and not PMS 

For one thing, PMS shouldn’t affect your daily life. You might snap at your partner or experience some constipation or diarrhea, but you shouldn’t be feeling suddenly hopeless, despairing, or miserable with your life because your period is coming on. Intensity is the name of the game with PMDD. 

In addition, if you’re noticing any symptoms that fuel thoughts of self-harm, you’re probably dealing with PMDD and not regular PMS. As previously stated, PMS can make you feel sad or melancholy, but it doesn’t make you feel depressed or suicidal. Thoughts like these are likely caused by PMDD, especially if they only occur before your period. 

Getting help for PMS and PMDD 

There are plenty of ways to deal with PMS at home, from taking a walk to resting and talking about your feelings with a close friend. All of these should help ease some of your uncomfortable symptoms until you start to feel better. And for the record, these can also help with PMDD, but you’ll need more to see real results. 

PMDD is a mental health diagnosis that requires treatment from a provider. First, talking about your feelings with a licensed therapist is incredibly helpful. Dr. McDonald can provide you with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions so you can learn to manage your symptoms more easily. Often, pharmaceuticals like antidepressants and birth control can also help.

Additionally, certain supplements can be beneficial in helping you manage PMDD, such as magnesium and vitamin B6. And finally, you may want to make some adjustments to your daily life. Cutting out excess sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can make it easier to manage PMDD, and having a regular exercise practice can also provide stability and relief. 

PMDD happens… and it can be treated 

Don’t let anyone make your mental health into a joke. You can get the treatment you need for PMDD and learn more about how the condition affects your mental and physical health. To learn more, simply visit us at our Boise, ID, office today. Call or book an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you.