Premenstrual Syndrome vs Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: What Is the Difference?

Do you always feel irritated with less tolerance for life’s inconveniences on the days leading up to your period? If yes, it’s easy to guess you are going through the early stages of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The menstrual cycle is a dreadful experience that many people go through. However, it is a necessary evil since it prepares the body for ovulation and possible pregnancy. In this article, we will talk about Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) & Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Beyond the physical discomfort associated with PMS, some women experience an even higher level of symptoms termed premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This disorder can lead to depression, fatigue, etc. While the symptoms of PMS are often compared to PMDD, they aren’t the same. Thus, take this moment to learn about the differences between PMS and PMDD and how to manage them effectively.

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

PMS is a general term referring to the different types of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms experienced 1-2 weeks before the start of a period. These symptoms include irritability, anxiety, social distancing, headache, breast tenderness, etc. Although PMS induces feelings of fatigue and lack of concentration, engaging in minimal exercise can help you ease some of these symptoms.

What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by chronic mood disturbance, irritability and depression. There is no specific cause of this disorder. However, the triggers include; history of mood disorder, low levels of serotonin in the brain due to hormonal changes, alcohol and drug abuse, high body weight and thyroid disorder. The symptoms can be intense and can include; tension, suicidal thoughts, etc.

Key Differences Between PMS and PMDD

PMS and PMDD are differentiated according to these categories;

• Severity of symptoms:

PMDD is a more severe form of PMS as symptoms can be debilitating, interfere with daily life, work or relationships with others. Also, the symptoms of PMDD can be life-threatening, and induce mental instabilities. These include increased sensitivity to rejection, out of control anger, decreased interest in your usual activity, putting yourself down, etc.

• Impact on Mental Health:PMS causes a lot of emotional baggage in people. These include depression, anxiety, irritability, lack of focus and concentration, etc. These symptoms also occur in PMDD but tend to be worse and can include anxiety and tension.
• Prevalence:PMS occurs in about 80% of all women but PMDD occurs in 3-8% of people. Thus, PMS is a more common compared to PMDD.
• Method of Diagnosis:PMS is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms that are connected to the menstrual cycle and can subside after menstruation starts. On the other hand, PMDD can be diagnosed based on a strict criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Based on this manual, there should be a total of five or more symptoms, both physical and severe emotional symptoms. These symptoms should occur before the start of a menstrual cycle and chronic enough to interfere with your daily life and activities.

Effective Strategies for Managing PMS and PMDD

Hormonal fluctuation due to the menstrual cycle is the culprit behind PMS and PMDD.  This is because a drop in progesterone levels (usually 1-2 weeks before you period starts) leads to shedding of uterine lining which is your menstrual cycle.

People who are more sensitive to a decrease in progesterone levels experience most of the mental health symptoms because of the role progesterone plays in the brain. Surprisingly, progesterone influences mood regulation and cognitive function. Therefore, here are some strategies to manage PMS and PMDD;

• Diet Modification: Limit the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Rather, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise and stress management techniques can improve the symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
• Nutritional Supplementation: Consider getting NATURE’SFIELD VITEX CHASTEBERRY which has a dual benefit of balancing your hormones and alleviating the symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
• Keep a Symptom Diary: Endeavor to track your symptoms to identify triggers and timing for more effective management. This will also help you to avoid the triggers and improve the symptoms considerably.

Overall, PMS and PMDD can be challenging to deal with. Nevertheless, there are ways to cope with and manage the symptoms effectively. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and incorporating exercises are great ways to begin.

Remember that you are not alone and that many people experience similar symptoms as you. With the right strategies including getting NATURE’SFIELD VITEX CHASTEBERRY, you can take control of PMS and PMDD and feel better both physically and mentally.