PMS vs. PMDD: What’s the Difference and How to Cope
Posted in Breast Stories | By Yasmin S.
If you experience mood swings, fatigue, or bloating before your period, you’re not alone. Many women go through PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), but some suffer from a more intense condition known as PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). While these two may seem similar, they differ in severity, emotional impact, and the level of disruption they cause in daily life.
Understanding the differences—and how to manage each—can make a big difference in your quality of life.
What Is PMS?
PMS affects up to 75% of menstruating women. Common symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Food cravings
- Mild irritability
PMS symptoms typically start a week before menstruation and ease once the period begins. While uncomfortable, they’re usually manageable with diet, rest, and exercise.
What Is PMDD?
PMDD is a severe form of PMS that affects about 3–8% of women. It includes the physical symptoms of PMS, but with more intense emotional and mental effects, such as:
- Severe mood swings or depression
- Anger or irritability that disrupts relationships
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia or extreme fatigue
These symptoms often interfere with work, school, or personal life and may require more targeted treatment.
How to Cope with PMS and PMDD
While PMDD may need medical attention, both PMS and PMDD can benefit from supportive lifestyle changes and natural wellness practices.
1. Track Your Cycle
Use a period tracking app to note when symptoms appear. This helps you prepare and identify patterns in mood or physical discomfort.
2. Adjust Your Diet
Limit caffeine, sugar, and processed foods. Increase your intake of complex carbs, magnesium, and B vitamins. Hydration also plays a big role in hormone regulation.
3. Manage Stress
Try stress-reducing techniques like yoga, deep breathing, journaling, or nature walks. Emotional regulation can help lessen mood symptoms.
4. Consider Herbal Support
Some women find relief through natural products designed to support hormonal balance. For instance, Stherb’s herbal-based breast care products are part of a holistic routine that promotes comfort and body confidence, especially during PMS-heavy weeks.
5. Get Professional Help When Needed
If your symptoms severely impact your daily life, talk to a doctor or mental health provider. PMDD may require therapy, medication, or a combination of treatments.
Both PMS and PMDD are real, and neither should be ignored. By learning how they differ and tuning into your body’s needs, you can develop a routine that supports your physical and emotional well-being each month. Whether it’s through nutrition, rest, or natural care products like Stherb, your cycle can become something you understand—not something you suffer through.
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