PMDD vs PMS: What’s the Difference?
Many people brush off PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) as “bad PMS”, but it’s much more intense and can impact mental health, relationships, and quality of life.
My approach to PMDD looks at the whole picture - not just hormones, but how your blood sugar, nervous system, sleep, nutrient status, and mental health all interact. It involves supporting neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, balancing blood sugar to stabilise mood, improving sleep quality, and reducing inflammation through food and lifestyle. It can include targeted supplements, cycle tracking to spot patterns and flare-ups, and working alongside medication if needed. The goal is to create a personalised, sustainable plan that helps you feel more balanced and in control throughout your cycle.
So let’s look at PMDD vs PMS, and what those major differences are.
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome):
Affects up to 75% of women at some point.
Mood swings, irritability, bloating, cravings.
Symptoms are mild to moderate and improve with your period.
May impact day-to-day life, but unlikely to interfere.
Often start 1 week - a few days before your period.
PMDD:
Affects 5–10% of women.
Severe mood changes - rage, depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts.
Often starts 1–2 weeks before your period and ends with menstruation.
Can interfere with work, school, and relationships.
If your symptoms feel unmanageable, intense, or like a switch has flipped, PMDD could be worth exploring with a specialist.
While PMS and PMDD share some symptoms, they are very different in intensity, root causes, and the level of support required. If your cycle is impacting your mental health, relationships, or quality of life - it’s not just “normal PMS,” and you deserve to be taken seriously.
As a women’s health nutritionist, I help you uncover what’s driving your symptoms and create a personalised plan to support your hormones, brain chemistry, nervous system, and overall wellbeing. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Book a free introductory call today - let’s explore how we can work together to help you feel more balanced and supported throughout your cycle.
Megan Hallett and the content provided are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on meganhallett.com is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor and/ or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, supplement, exercise or other health-related programs.
