In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes breaks down the four key differences between PMS and PMDD: cause, duration, severity, and prevalence. While these conditions share some similarities, understanding their distinct differences is essential for proper diagnosis, symptom management, and long-term healing.

Jes explores how PMS typically stems from hormonal imbalances, while PMDD is linked to an abnormal brain reaction to natural hormone fluctuations. You'll also learn why PMDD symptoms can last up to two weeks, compared to just a few days for PMS, and why PMDD symptoms are often more severe and debilitating. Finally, Jes highlights the prevalence of both conditions and the importance of raising awareness to improve diagnosis and care for those affected.

Episode Highlights:
- The hormonal and neurological differences between PMS and PMDD
- Why PMDD symptoms last longer and hit harder
- The impact of PMDD on quality of life and daily functioning
- Why PMDD is often underdiagnosed despite affecting millions
- The importance of understanding these differences for effective symptom management

Tune in for this essential conversation to deepen your understanding of PMS and PMDD and gain actionable insights to support your health journey.  

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

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Watch the episode on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/B3VY4jYRfyM

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You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

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Looking for more support?

✦︎  Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit- The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern.

https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit

Ready to learn how to reduce and manage your PMDD symptoms?

✦︎  Join us in the PMDD Rehab Course.

https://hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-rehab-course

Citations:

Acikgoz A, Dayi A, Binbay T. Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its relationship to depressive symptoms in first-year university students. Saudi Med J. 2017 Nov;38(11):1125-1131. doi: 10.15537/smj.2017.11.20526. PMID: 29114701. 

Hylan TR, Sundell K, Judge R. The impact of premenstrual symptomatology on functioning and treatment-seeking behavior: experience from the United States, United Kingdom, and France. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 1999 Oct;8(8):1043-52. doi: 10.1089/jwh.1.1999.8.1043. PMID: 10565662.PMC5767616.

 Mishra S, Elliott H, Marwaha R. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. [Updated 2023 Feb 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532307/

Reilly TJ, Patel S, Unachukwu IC, Knox CL, Wilson CA, Craig MC, Schmalenberger KM, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Cullen AE. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2024 Mar 15;349:534-540. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.066. Epub 2024 Jan 8. PMID: 38199397.

Halbreich U, Borenstein J, Pearlstein T, Kahn LS. The prevalence, impairment, impact, and burden of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD). Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2003 Aug;28 Suppl 3:1-23. doi: 10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00098-2. PMID: 12892987.