Understanding the Differences between PMS, PMT, and PMDD and Finding Power in Your Feminine Rhythm

Amy Sergeant
Sep 26
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Throughout the month, your cycle shifts and hormones fluctuate, which affects both your body and mind. This blog will guide you through the differences between PMS, PMT, and PMDD, explaining what they actually mean, how they differ, and how you can support your cycle to flow through your feminine rhythm with more ease.

Premenstrual Tension (PMT) to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Tension (PMT) is one of the earliest terms used to describe what many women experience in the days before menstruation, primarily emphasising physical symptoms such as bloating, tender breasts, headaches, fatigue, and backache. The term “tension” itself reflects a cultural perspective from earlier times when women’s bodies were often viewed as unpredictable, difficult, and disruptive.

This word choice shows how society historically framed women's menstrual cycles as a source of discomfort and emotional instability, reinforcing stereotypes about female behaviour. Although the term PMT is now seldom used in medical practice, having largely been replaced by the broader and more inclusive concept of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), its still influenced societal attitudes toward menstruation for decades.

The concept of PMS is relatively modern in medical history, emerging in the early 20th century. The first formal medical description of what could be recognised as PMS dates to 1931 by Robert T. Frank, who used the term “premenstrual tension” and mistakenly attributed symptoms to an excess of estrogen.

By 1953, researchers coined the term “premenstrual syndrome” to acknowledge the wider range of symptoms women report, both physical and psychological, expanding beyond the physical emphasis of PMT. PMS includes mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, emotional eating as well as physical complaints, recognising that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle affect women differently.

Today, PMS is understood as a complex interplay of hormonal changes, brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors. More severe forms, like Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), have been identified to describe debilitating emotional and mood symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. Contemporary research continues to refine understanding and management of these conditions while challenging past stigma.

Differences Between PMS and PMDD

PMS and PMDD are both conditions that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically 1–2 weeks before menstruation, and affect many women worldwide with overlapping physical and emotional symptoms. However, they differ significantly in severity and impact.

PMS is common, experienced by about half of menstruating women, and includes symptoms like cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and cravings. Generally, PMS is uncomfortable but manageable and rarely disrupts daily life significantly.

PMDD is a recognised medical disorder currently showing that it affects around 3–8% of menstruating women. It's symptoms are more intense and debilitating, featuring severe mood swings, deep sadness or hopelessness, anxiety, anger, disrupted sleep and appetite, and physical pain. These symptoms can heavily effected interpersonal relationships, work, and overall functioning.

Supporting Your Cycle to Flow with More Ease

Supporting your menstrual cycle involves aligning with your natural feminine rhythm and managing symptoms with compassionate and holistic care. Here are some ways to help your cycle flow more smoothly:

Self-awareness: Track your cycle and symptoms to understand your unique pattern, which empowers you to anticipate and respond to changes.
Lifestyle adaptations: Incorporate regular physical activity, balanced nutrition rich in whole foods, and adequate rest especially during the luteal phase.
Stress management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, or gentle yoga to reduce tension or emotional symptoms
Sleep hygiene: Prioritize consistent, restorative sleep to help hormonal balance and emotional regulation.
Natural remedies: Some find relief through herbal supplements like chasteberry or magnesium, but consult healthcare providers before use.
Professional support: For severe symptoms especially with PMDD, medical evaluation can guide treatments such as hormonal therapies or antidepressants.
Community: You don’t have to face PMDD alone. Join the Support Group for PMDD to connect with others who truly understand.
Healing through the body: stored trauma can also effect your cycle, if you want to learn more you can join my Somatic Course for PMDD support.

Final Words

Whether you call it PMS, PMT, or PMDD, what matters most is how you experience your body.

If you live with PMS, your symptoms are valid. If you live with PMDD, your struggles are real and deserving of care.

Your cycle is not a burden. It is a rhythm, and like all rhythms, it carries both tension and release. By learning to listen, you step into a deeper relationship with your femininity, one where your body is no longer the enemy, but the guide.

For more information and deeper exploration, you might enjoy:

Remember, PMDD is not a personal failing but a signalling from your body to slow down and honour your inner rhythm. Embracing this perspective can deepen your connection with yourself and encourage self-care practices that support wellbeing through all phases of your cycle.

Understanding the Differences between PMS, PMT, and PMDD and Finding Power in Your Feminine Rhythm

Premenstrual Tension (PMT) to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Differences Between PMS and PMDD

Supporting Your Cycle to Flow with More Ease

Final Words

References

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