If you're using Me v PMDD and have not received a formal diagnosis from your doctor, it's possible that you may find your experience of symptoms doesn't seem like PMDD. The symptoms of PMDD are shared by many other conditions which may have causes other than the menstrual cycle. It's important to better understand your unique experience to seek the best treatments and care.
Diagnoses to explore if not PMDD:
- Bipolar Disorder - Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly. People with bipolar experience high and low moods—known as mania and depression—which differ from the typical ups-and-downs most people experience (1). The cyclicity of bipolar disorder could be confused for PMDD or vice versa. The main difference is that whereas PMDD is related to the menstrual cycle, bipolar disorder is not related to any known biological cycle (2).
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - PMS is rather common among menstruators, has the same timing of PMDD, but is much less severe, not usually debilitating, and usually characterized by more physical symptoms than mood symptoms (3). However, if you experience distressing symptoms even if only 1 or 2 (not enough to receive PMDD diagnosis), you deserve compassion and effective treatment. Please don't settle for pain.
- Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) of another condition - The menstrual cycle can exacerbate existing/underlying conditions or in other words cause symptoms to worsen in the premenstrual phase of one's cycle. Using Me v PMDD, PME would likely be if symptoms are present all cycle, but fairly mild or moderate some of the time, then more severe during the premenstrual time. Learn more about PME.
- Anxiety Disorders - Anxiety is a common symptom of PMDD, but could be attributable to an anxiety disorder, not the menstrual cycle.
- Other Depressive Disorders - Depression is another very common symptom of PMDD, however, if feelings of sadness or depression are not exclusive to the premenstrual phase, not due to situational causes, but do cause you distress, it may be worth exploring a diagnosis of and treatment for depression.
At Me v PMDD, we believe that anyone experiencing distress, be it from PMDD or anything else, is deserving of compassion and effective treatments. Please reach out to the IAPMD's Peer Support providers to discuss your experience if you think it may be PMDD, or something else. They are there for you 24/7 and free of charge.