How do I know if it is PMS or PMDD? What are treatment options for the horrible mood I am in four to seven days before my period? It is the hardest time to parent.
—Kaitlyn
Sometimes giving a name to the symptoms you are experiencing can be incredibly validating. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a term that has been used colloquially for so long, I think many of us aren’t quite sure what its technical definition is — if it even has one. On the other hand, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) sounds a little frightening, like something out of a gothic novel.
In reality, we are not talking about two distinct entities but, rather, two ends of a spectrum. PMS is typically defined as physical and psychological symptoms that occur repetitively during the second half of a woman’s cycle and interfere with some aspect of her life. The American Psychiatric Association defines PMDD as a severe form of PMS in which anger, irritability, and internal tension are prominent. More simply, PMDD is really terrible PMS.
The incidence of PMS and PMDD vary among different cultures. Some estimates report the incidence of PMS among Western women to be as high as 80%, while studies using stricter definitions report the incidence to be as low as 20%. Among U.S. women, the prevalence of PMDD seems to vary among women of different races, with about 2.9% of Black women reporting symptoms of PMDD compared to 4.4% of white women in one study.
While having a name for what you are experiencing can both validate your experience and help define what treatments may be useful, I would argue that it is reasonable to treat any symptoms affecting your functioning regardless of what we call it. There are a range of treatments that have been shown to effectively manage the symptoms of PMS and PMDD, from behavior modification to prescription medications. I encourage you to tell your doctor about your symptoms and start a discussion regarding which treatment might be a good first step for you.
Ultimately, PMS and PMDD are two names we give to a spectrum of symptoms that women experience during the second half of their menstrual cycle. If those symptoms are affecting your functioning, you should discuss them and possible treatments with your doctor.
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