Ah, that time of the month. We all know the drill — moodiness, cravings, stomach ache and back pains. But for some, it’s not just the usual pre-period blip. If you’ve noticed that your symptoms are a lot worse than usual, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s going on.
There’s a big difference between regular PMS and something more serious — PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), and knowing the signs can make a huge difference in how you manage it.
First Things First: What’s PMS?
Let’s start with the basics. PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, and it refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the two weeks leading up to your period. You’ve probably experienced it: bloating, fatigue, irritability, sore breasts, and, for some of us, that overwhelming urge to eat an entire tub of ice cream.
PMS can vary from person to person, and even month to month, but for most, it’s just a minor inconvenience that’s pretty easy to handle.
So, What’s PMDD?
If your PMS feels like it’s taken a turn for the worse — like it’s affecting your day-to-day life, relationships, or work — it might be worth looking into PMDD. This is essentially an extreme form of PMS, and it’s much more than just a bit of moodiness or discomfort.
PMDD is a recognised medical condition that affects about 3-8% of people with periods. The symptoms are similar to PMS but much more intense and severe. They often include extreme mood swings, irritability, anger, sadness, and anxiety, along with physical symptoms like joint pain, trouble sleeping, headaches, and digestive issues.
What sets PMDD apart is the way it can affect your life. If you feel like you’re losing control of your emotions or it’s getting hard to function normally, it’s definitely worth talking to a healthcare professional.
How to Tell If It’s PMS or PMDD
Here’s where things can get a little tricky — because the symptoms of PMS and PMDD do overlap. However, there are some key differences that can help you figure out what’s going on:
- Duration & Timing:
PMS symptoms usually start a few days before your period and get better once your period starts. With PMDD, symptoms may start earlier in the luteal phase (about 1-2 weeks before your period) and can persist throughout your cycle or even get worse after your period starts.
- Intensity:
PMS can make you feel a little off, but PMDD can leave you feeling completely out of control. If your mood swings are severe, you’re crying for no reason, or you feel completely irritable and angry at everything, PMDD might be at play.
- Physical Symptoms:
While both PMS and PMDD can cause bloating, fatigue, and headaches, PMDD often brings more debilitating symptoms like joint pain, breast tenderness, and issues with digestion. You might also notice difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
- Impact on Your Life:
Perhaps the biggest difference is how much these symptoms affect your daily life. PMS might make you want to curl up on the sofa with a hot water bottle, but it shouldn’t interfere with work or relationships. On the other hand, PMDD can make it tough to get through your day, even if you’re just trying to keep your head above water.
What to Do If You Think It’s PMDD
If you are feeling like you’re struggling with PMDD, don’t just shrug it off as “normal” period stuff. The good news is that there are ways to manage it:
1. Talk to a Doctor:
Your GP can help you figure out if what you’re dealing with is actually PMDD and not just severe PMS. They might suggest tracking your symptoms to better understand your cycle or recommend treatments like antidepressants, hormonal therapy, or lifestyle changes.
2. Diet & Exercise:
Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help balance your hormones and ease symptoms. Some studies suggest that calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 might help reduce PMDD symptoms, but always check with your doctor before taking supplements.
3. Stress Management:
Mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety, which tend to worsen PMDD symptoms.
4. Medication:
If things are really severe, your doctor might suggest medications, ranging from antidepressants (SSRIs) to birth control pills or even GnRH agonists that can suppress ovulation altogether.
If your PMS is making you feel like you’re not yourself and it’s becoming harder to manage, it’s worth exploring with a GP. The more you know about what’s happening in your body, the better equipped you’ll be to take control and feel like yourself again.
Have you ever experienced symptoms that go beyond regular PMS? How did you combat your pre-menstrual struggles? Share your experience with us.
Her Health Network 
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