Feel like you’re going crazy each month? PMS vs PMDD - What’s the Difference?

If you feel like a completely different person in the lead-up to your period, read on.

One moment you’re holding it together… and the next, you’re in tears over the wrong brand of almond milk. Or maybe you’re seething with rage at your partner, your boss, or the car that dared to merge in front of you. Then the period hits - and suddenly, just like a hormonal horror film… the fog lifts and everything goes back to normal.

Sound familiar?

Don't worry, you’re Not Crazy. You're also not alone. Your Hormones Are Just Screaming for Help!

Let’s unpack what’s really going on because it’s time we stop normalizing suffering through our cycles and start listening to what our bodies are trying to say.

PMS vs PMDD - What’s the Difference?

We’ve all heard of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). It includes mood swings, cramps, sore boobs, food cravings, bloating, anxiety, and fatigue before your period starts.

But PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is like PMS with the volume turned all the way up. It’s intense. Debilitating. It can feel like depression, rage, hopelessness, and total disconnection from yourself - every. single. month.

The key difference? PMDD interferes with your ability to function. Work, relationships, even basic day-to-day tasks become overwhelming.

So What’s Causing This?

Both PMS and PMDD are rooted in hormonal imbalances, but here’s the thing: it’s not just about estrogen and progesterone. It’s about how those hormones interact with your brain and nervous system.

Here’s What Might Be Driving It:

🔸 Low progesterone - which usually happens when stress has hijacked your cycle

🔸 Estrogen dominance - too much estrogen compared to progesterone = mood rollercoaster

🔸 Poor detox pathways - your liver isn’t clearing hormones properly

🔸 Blood sugar dysregulation - sugar crashes = hormone chaos

🔸 Nutrient deficiencies - especially B6, magnesium, and zinc

🔸 Trauma or emotional stress - past or present, it can disrupt your body’s entire hormonal rhythm.

So while PMS and PMDD show up around your period, the problem didn’t start there. It’s the tip of the iceberg and underneath is a whole symphony of stress, inflammation, and miscommunication between your brain and your hormones.

What Can You Actually Do About It?

This is the part I love as a naturopath - because there is SO much we can do.

💫 1. Support Your Nervous System

• Start with deep breaths, grounding practices, or even somatic therapy. When your nervous system is on edge, your hormones follow. The right herbs at the right time can also assist here. 

  
  

🍽 2. Balance Blood Sugars

• Ditch the sugar rollercoaster. Start the day with protein, eat whole carbs, and don’t skip meals. Magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, seeds, cacao) for moods and cramps.

  
  

🌿 3. Clear Out Excess Estrogen

• Think cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, kale), fiber, and good liver support.

• Love your liver → it helps clear out hormones that are overstaying their welcome.

  
  

💊 4. Test, Don’t Guess

• Bloods or saliva testing can show what your hormones are really doing. 

• I also use kinesiology in clinic to help here what the body is asking for so I start here..

  
  

💛 5. Address the Emotional Roots

This part’s big. Often the premenstrual phase brings up all the stuff we’ve been suppressing.

• Anger we never voiced.

• Sadness we never processed.

• Needs we’ve put last for too long.

  
  

Healing PMDD or intense PMS isn’t just about supplements. It’s also about coming home to yourself, gently but the right herbs, supplements and detox protocol that's right for your body can also be of a great help. I find it’s when we combine all of these things together - physical healing, emotional healing, and help from God that is when we get the best results. 

Xx Hannah