The Difference Between PMDD and PMS

Many women have heard of PMDD and everyone has heard of PMS, but just what is the difference between PMDD and PMS because you may have noticed they are somewhat similar.

This has lead to some confusion even among medical professionals perhaps because PMDD has only been classed as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 2007, before this it was in debate as to its actual existence with some saying it was just PMS and some women suffered from it more than others (or some insinuating it was being exaggerated), while others saw it as something a lot worse and women with PMDD needed more help.

Luckily it has been recognised as a step beyond PMS which leads us to the difference between PMDD and PMS which is a level of degrees - not a completely separate thing.

First it is better to look at the similarities between the two. Both are conditions resulting from hormonal fluctuations during the last week or two of the menstrual cycle that can have effects on some parts of the body leading to pain and cramping. This hormonal disruption also leads to the mood regulators in the brain not functioning as well as before leading to the varying moods in both conditions.

Where PMD and PMDD differ is in the intensity of these symptoms and the number of them. Many people have described PMDD as severe PMS which adequately describes it but doesn’t tell the full story of just how much damage PMDD can do. PMS can be frustrating for a woman and her family and friends, but PMDD can be a NIGHTMARE for everyone involved due to the intensity - PMDD can quite literally wreck a woman’s life of she does not have a lot of support and understanding.

There is a more exact definition of PMDD but I find this to be a little tedious. if PMS or PMDD is causing so much disorder and chaos in your life you need help no matter what - the difference between them is simply intensity of the symptoms. If you are suffering from this hormonal disruption then you need help no matter what it is classed as!