With both Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), symptoms occur just prior to your period, and typically diminish or altogether disappear when your period starts. PMS and PMDD share the same physical symptoms, but while the mood and emotional symptoms are similar for both conditions, they are significantly more pronounced in PMDD. For example, with PMS, feelings such as sadness or mild depression are common, but with PMDD, significant, often even debilitating, depression and hopelessness can occur. In simplest terms, the difference between PMS and PMDD can be likened to the difference between a mild headache and a full-blown migraine.

How do you know if what you?re experiencing is PMS or PMDD? Take a look at the list of symptoms below (keep in mind that symptoms and the extent to which you experience them can vary from month to month). Many who suffer from PMS and PMDD do not seek help, either because because they think the symptoms are just part of being a woman and must be tolerated, and/or because they aren?t aware that treatments beyond taking aspirin and using a heating pad are available.

Premenstrual suffering is not to be dismissed or taken lightly. If you consistently suffer from several of the listed physical symptoms as well as some of the mood/emotional symptoms, please consider looking to a professional?e.g., gynecologist or therapist?for a personal diagnosis and treatment plan. Don?t suffer unnecessarily for even one more month.

Physical Symptoms:

Headaches, migraines

Backaches

Abdominal cramps

Bloating, weight gain

Breast tenderness

Hot flashes

Fatigue, lethargy

Diarrhea, constipation

Heart palpitations

Nausea, decreased appetite

Acne outbreaks

Swelling of ankles, hands, feet

Muscle spasms

Insomnia/hypersomnia

Mood and Emotional Symptoms:

Irritability

Sadness, depression

Feeling overwhelmed

Tearfulness

Anxiety, nervousness

Anger, out-of-proportion rage

Low self-esteem

Diminished concentration

Sleep disturbances

Moody

Preferring (uncharacteristically) to be alone

Oversensitivity