PMS? Or PMDD?

Ah, PMS. Wouldn't the world be a nicer place without it? Unfortunately, it's a reality for the majority of women out there. But if you're finding that your symptoms are far worse than most of your girlfriends', you might be suffering from something more than PMS -- you might have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD.) How do you tell if it's plain old PMS or PMDD? Look for these symptoms:

• Crying and sadness
• Irritability; feeling nervous and anxious
  
• Really strong cravings for certain foods
• Problems with concentration
• Tender breasts, bloating, swelling, headaches and/or joint pain.
• Trouble sleeping

Hmmm ... aren't these the normal symptoms of PMS? Perhaps we all have PMDD? But seriously, what I think you need to pay attention to is how your PMS symptoms stack up to others'. I know I have very mild symptoms compared to some of my girlfriends.