Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are two conditions that affect women during the menstrual cycle. While they share some common symptoms, there are differences between the two that are important to understand.
In this blog, we'll discuss the differences between PMDD and PMS and how they can be diagnosed and treated.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are two conditions that affect women during the menstrual cycle. While they share some common symptoms, there are differences between the two that are important to understand.
In this blog, we'll discuss the differences between PMDD and PMS and how they can be diagnosed and treated.
PMS is a condition that affects many women during the menstrual cycle. It is a group of symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to menstruation. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman and can include physical and emotional symptoms such as bloating, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness, and fatigue.
It's important to note that PMS is a common condition that affects up to 85% of women at some point in their lives. Most women experience mild symptoms that can be managed with lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction techniques. However, some women may experience more severe symptoms that require medical treatment.
PMDD is a more severe form of PMS that affects a smaller percentage of women. Approximately 3% of women experience PMDD, which is characterized by intense emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to menstruation. These symptoms can include severe mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger.
Unlike PMS, PMDD can significantly interfere with a woman's daily life and relationships. It can cause women to feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with their daily responsibilities. PMDD can also affect a woman's ability to work and socialize, leading to a decrease in productivity and quality of life.
Both PMDD and PMS are diagnosed based on a woman's symptoms and their relationship to the menstrual cycle. A provider may ask a woman to keep track of her symptoms over several menstrual cycles to determine if they are related to PMS or PMDD. If a woman experiences severe symptoms that significantly impact her daily life, a provider may diagnose her with PMDD.
It's important to note that PMDD is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, depression, and anxiety must be ruled out before a diagnosis of PMDD can be made.
The treatment for PMDD and PMS depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact they have on a woman's daily life. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction techniques can be effective for managing mild symptoms of PMS. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can also help to relieve physical symptoms such as cramps and headaches.
For women with more severe symptoms, prescription medications such as antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed. These medications can help to alleviate the symptoms of PMDD and PMS and improve a woman's quality of life.
In conclusion, while PMS and PMDD share some common symptoms, there are important differences between the two. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS that can significantly impact a woman's daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms of PMS or PMDD, it's important to speak with a provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
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