Overview
Menstruating women are often accompanied by a range of symptoms during their period, from mood swings and irritation to bloating and cramping. While all these symptoms are considered a common scenario for some, they might take a more severe form impacting the daily life of women. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are two of the most common symptoms that affect women.
While various emotional and physical symptoms characterise PMS, PMDD symptoms tend to be more severe than that of PMS. A range of behavioural and emotional symptoms, including anxiety, depression, irritation, and tension, characterises them. In this article, you will get a detailed understanding of both PMS and PMDD symptoms as well as the difference between them.
Common symptoms of PMS and PMDD
The common PMDD and PMS symptoms are as follows:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased or decrease appetite
- Disturbances in sleep
- Changes in libido
While all of these are common in both, symptoms during PMDD can have a more severe impact on the quality of life of a menstruating individual.
Treatment for PMS and PMDD
The recommended PMDD and PMS treatment usually depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s health. The right treatment method is suggested by healthcare professionals after going through the individual’s medical history and intolerance to certain ingredients included in medications. Some common PMS and PMDD treatments include:
Medications:
Pain relievers available over the counter, like naproxen or ibuprofen, can effectively relieve headaches and cramps. In the case of severe symptoms, the healthcare professional might prescribe hormonal birth control pills or antidepressants to regulate the levels of hormones inside the body.
Changes in lifestyle:
Bringing changes in the lifestyle can also help in reducing premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms. To ensure a healthy lifestyle, you can include the following:
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle
- Efficient management of stress
Therapy:
Another effective treatment method is therapy, which is often recommended by Healthcare professionals for people with PMDD. This is because PMDD causes more severe symptoms like anxiety and depression than PMS. Interpersonal therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy are common treatments that help in the management of severe symptoms.
Conclusion
The central difference between PMS and PMDD is that PMDD comes with more severe symptoms, which are much lesser in the case of PMS. Contact a healthcare professional to get the best PMS and PMDD treatment who will recommend the proper medication or other effective treatment methods to alleviate the symptoms.
FAQs related to PMS vs. PMDD
1. Does PMDD last longer than PMS?
Yes, PMDD can last longer than that of PMS. While PMS typically lasts for a few days or up to a week before the menstruation starts, PMDD can last up to two weeks.
2. What medication is used for PMS and PMDD?
The common medications that healthcare professionals often recommend for individuals with PMS and PMDD are as follows:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs like naproxen or ibuprofen are recommended for relieving headaches and cramps.
- Diuretics: For reducing fluid retention and bloating, diuretics such as spironolactone are often prescribed.
- Hormonal birth control: Hormonal birth control methods such as patches, pills, or hormonal IUDs can also help in the regulation of hormone levels and provide relief from painful symptoms.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants are recommended to offer relief from severe emotional symptoms such as sheer depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine are used for treating PMDD.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.