PMDD VS PME And PMS - The Important Differences You Need To Know

Do you experience monthly mood swings? If so, you might be wondering about the differences between PMDD vs PME or PMS. Although these conditions have some factors in common, the management and treatment of each is unique.

Let's take a closer look at PMDD vs PME & PMS, and what you need to know about each.

PMDD vs PME vs PMS

The statistics on premenstrual conditions are concerning. Although 80-90% of those who menstruate will experience pre-menstrual symptoms, 40% have symptoms significant enough to seek help & relief. 5-8% are diagnosed with PMDD – the most severe form of menstrual cycle health concerns. The true percentage may be even higher, as the condition is often misdiagnosed.

But how can you tell the difference between PMS, PMDD and PME? Let’s have a look at each condition and what it involves.

PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)

PMS is a syndrome that incorporates a variety of symptoms. Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms include:

• Bloating

• Constipation and/or diarrhoea

• Acne breakouts

• Fatigue

• Low mood

• Reduced energy

• Increased appetite

• Increased sweating

However, these can be normal responses to the fluctuations of sex hormones. Keep in mind, your body is prepping for pregnancy, even if you don’t fall pregnant! So it’s normal to reserve some energy, increase your food intake and rest up. It’s your survival instincts kicking in to continue the species.

But the important factor here is that these symptoms don’t affect your daily life. You might feel uncomfortable or fatigued and your jeans might be a bit tighter! But you’re not having days off, seeking help from a therapist or making life-altering decisions due to your experience.

PME (pre-menstrual exacerbation)

PME is a lesser-known condition. With this, an existing illness that you already have is flared up by the hormonal shifts of the luteal phase.

Conditions that can be worsened by PME include:

• Epilepsy

• Depression

• Post-natal depression (PND)

• Anxiety disorders such as GAD and OCD

• Bipolar

• Schizophrenia

• Chronic conditions including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome

• Autoimmune conditions including Graves’, Hashimoto’s and lupus

With PME, you may have your existing condition controlled using medication and/or lifestyle changes. But when your luteal phase hits, symptoms become harder to manage. The important difference here is that your symptoms still exist after your luteal phase ends – but they are less intense.

The only way to know if PME is a concern for you? Tracking your symptoms along with your menstrual cycle. You will see a pattern where the symptoms are still present once your period occurs, but they settle down and become less intense until your next ovulation.

PMDD (pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder)

PMDD is a severe condition experienced during the luteal phase of the cycle.

Symptoms are intense and impact your daily life. For example, you may take time off work, break up with your partner, quit your job or make major life-altering decisions because of symptoms. But once your period starts, your symptoms vanish and you feel better until the next ovulation.

Some symptoms of PMDD include:

• An insatiable appetite

• Significant sadness, depression and hopelessness

• Significant worry and anxiety

• Other extreme negative emotions such as jealousy, hatred or rage

• Excessive sleepiness or insomnia

• Intrusive thoughts, thoughts of self-harm

• Wanting to stay home and not see anyone

• Intense headaches or migraines

• Severe brain fog

• An inability to continue normal daily activities due to the above symptoms

As with PME, the key here is to track your symptoms. If you track your symptoms and cycle and you can see a pattern of severe symptoms that disappear with your period, you need to investigate further and seek help.

What can be done about PMDD?

Although there is no cure for PMDD, you can significantly reduce symptoms and their impact on daily life. Lifestyle changes, nutrition, supplements and/or medication can work together to help with the condition, but you need to know you have it in the first place!

Some see improvements when they make dietary & nutrition changes such as balancing blood sugars and increasing fibre intake. Others need supplements such as B6, chaste tree or magnesium. Some will need medication to control symptoms, and many require psychological support while symptoms are addressed. It all depends on the underlying causes of your PMDD.