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What we know about PMS/PMDD
What we know about PMS and PMDD – and what we don’t
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is clinically defined as a range of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the two weeks leading up to our period). Symptoms typically resolve a few days after menstruation begins.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is generally defined as a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder whereby symptoms occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and subside within a few days of menstruation. People typically refer to it as ‘severe PMS’. For those living with PMDD, this can feel like an understatement.
Despite being common (up to 75% of people with periods experience PMS) there are a huge number of misconceptions about PMS and PMDD. Here we separate the fact from the fiction.
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