---
title: What is PMDD and how common is it compared to regular PMS? | Niyora
description: PMDD is severe PMS with psychological, behavioral, and physical symptoms that happen cyclically. It affects 1-10% of women, while 3-30% have PMS that interfer
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2021/
---

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- What is PMDD and how common is it compared to regular PMS?

Survey study, 2021

# What is PMDD and how common is it compared to regular PMS?

PMDD is severe PMS with psychological, behavioral, and physical symptoms that happen cyclically. It affects 1-10% of women, while 3-30% have PMS that interferes with daily life. The difference depends on how severe symptoms are and how much they disrupt life.

 Early or limited evidence

Not a study of real patients; educational overview for healthcare providers

## What they did

Provided clinical education and prevalence information about PMS and PMDD for general practitioners.

## What they found

About 8 out of 10 women experience some premenstrual symptoms. PMS and PMDD are diagnosed by timing, severity, and impact on daily life. Normal premenstrual bloating, headaches, acne, mood changes, or constipation that do not interfere with daily activities are not PMS. Age, education, and employment are not associated with either condition.

## What it means for you

PMDD is a specific, severe form of PMS that needs to be distinguished from normal premenstrual changes. This is educational content summarizing existing knowledge rather than new research findings.

1-10%

women with PMDD

3-30%

women with PMS affecting daily life

8 in 10

women with premenstrual symptoms

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Akhtar Hasan Khan, Michael Hardway, Kinza Younas Journal InnovAiT Education and inspiration for general practice Year 2021 Study design Survey study Participants 10 What was tested None; educational content only Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/1755738021990414](https://doi.org/10.1177/1755738021990414)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

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