Mood swings, bloating and tiredness in the days before your period are familiar to many people. This does not mean you are "too sensitive": your hormones are shifting. But sometimes symptoms make daily life really hard, and that is when it is worth learning about PMDD, the more severe form.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that return before your period. Common ones include:
- mood swings, feeling anxious, irritable or low
- tiredness
- bloating
- breast tenderness
- headaches and skin changes
How is PMDD different?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more intense form of PMS. Symptoms can be strong enough to disrupt work, relationships and daily activities, and may include severe anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide. If you have such thoughts, seek emergency help or reach out to someone you trust right away.