3 ways to differentiate between premenstrual syndrome and PMDD

Let’s speak about one thing that many ladies can relate to—the ups and downs of the menstrual cycle. That point while you depend the times to Aunt Flo’s arrival, brings alongside some unwelcome friends known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Now think about feeling like a balloon about to pop with bloating, having your breasts grow to be tender and delicate, coping with temper swings in addition to stress and irritability. It is sort of a hormonal roller-coaster that may make you’re feeling off steadiness. However wait, there’s extra! For some girls, PMS takes a extra intense type known as PMDD, which stands for premenstrual dysphoric dysfunction.

It is very important perceive that PMS impacts completely different girls in numerous methods. For some, it’s only a minor inconvenience, however for others, it may be extra like a storm that disrupts their day by day lives. The excellent news is that PMS signs may be managed. Nonetheless, if you end up battling PMS or suspect you may need PMDD, it’s price speaking to a healthcare skilled.

That will help you perceive whether or not you’re coping with PMS or PMDD, Health Photographs spoke to Dr Thejaswini J, Marketing consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Digital Metropolis, Bengaluru.

Can extreme PMS be PMDD?

Dr Thejaswini says, “PMS and PMDD are two distinct situations that have an effect on girls earlier than their menstrual interval. Whereas they share some similarities, PMDD is taken into account a extra extreme and debilitating type of PMS however not all instances of extreme PMS are labeled as PMDD.” With PMDD, the signs hit tougher and last more, usually affecting the week main as much as your interval. One second you’re on cloud 9, and the following, a tiny annoyance could make you wish to scream. We’re speaking about extreme temper swings, intense irritability, nervousness, despair, and bodily discomforts like bloating and complications. PMDD can actually throw a wrench in your day by day life, making it troublesome to work and do day by day actions.

PMS vs PMDD

PMS and PMDD are each associated to the menstrual cycle and might trigger bodily and emotional signs in people. Nonetheless, they differ when it comes to severity, period, and particular signs.

1. Signs

PMS: Frequent signs embrace bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, temper swings, irritability, meals cravings and gentle despair.

PMDD: PMDD signs embrace extreme temper swings, irritability, nervousness, despair, emotions of hopelessness, anger, problem concentrating, fatigue, and bodily signs similar to bloating, breast tenderness, and complications.

2. Severity

PMS: PMS signs could trigger discomfort and gentle disruption in day by day life, however they don’t considerably impair functioning or high quality of life.

PMDD: PMDD signs are extra extreme and disruptive, typically interfering with day by day actions, work, relationships, and total high quality of life.

3. Period

PMS: PMS signs usually happen in per week or two main as much as menstruation and often resolve as soon as menstruation begins.

PMDD: PMDD signs usually happen per week or two earlier than menstruation and considerably enhance inside a couple of days after menstruation begins.

Holding monitor of your menstrual cycle signs will enable you to differentiate between PMS and PMDD. You may spot patterns in your signs by retaining monitor of their severity. Additionally, you possibly can then carry this data to a healthcare skilled for added analysis and prognosis. A healthcare skilled can assess your signs, medical historical past, and another related elements to find out whether or not you’re experiencing PMS or if the signs meet the factors for a prognosis of PMDD.