</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
sunrise said:
My understanding is that PMS is in the days before you get your period. It doesn't last your whole cycle.

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PMS - can start up any time right before your cycle is to begin to the first few days of the cycle and it can indeed last the entire cycle.

Symptoms of PMS:

Abdominal bloating
Abdominal Cramps
Breast tenderness
Itching of the breasts
Stress or anxiety
Depression
Appetite changes and food cravings
Trouble falling asleep
Joint or muscle pain
Headaches
Fatigue
Acne
Swelling of Breasts
Trouble concentrating
Worsening of existing skin disorders, and respiratory (eg, allergies, infection) or visual disturbance

Symptoms of PMDD (PMS on Steroids)

Feelings of sadness or despair
Possibly suicidal thoughts
Feelings of tension or anxiety
Panic attacks
Mood swings, crying
Lasting irritability or anger that affects other people
Disinterest in daily activities and relationships
Trouble thinking or focusing
Tiredness or low energy
Food cravings or binge eating
Having trouble sleeping - Insomnia
Feeling out of control
Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain


IMO as a PMDD sufferer - PMS is more physical where as PMDD is more mental mixed with the physical.