Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects an estimated 31 million people worldwide, yet remains widely misunderstood. How is it different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Why can it magnify symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and emotional distress—and how does that ripple into work, relationships, and identity? In this episode, we talk to Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP, author of Unlock Your Menopause Type, about what defines PMDD, how it's diagnosed, how to tell it apart from other mood disorders, and the latest in treatment options, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can help.

<p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder" data-testid="linkable-text">Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)</a>&nbsp;affects an estimated 31 million people worldwide, yet remains widely misunderstood. How is it different from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/what-is-pms" data-testid="linkable-text">premenstrual syndrome (PMS)</a>? Why can it magnify symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and emotional distress&mdash;and how does that ripple into work, relationships, and identity? In this episode, we talk to&nbsp;<a href="https://heatherhirschmd.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP</a>, author of&nbsp;<em>Unlock Your Menopause Typ</em>e, about what defines PMDD, how it's diagnosed, how to tell it apart from other mood disorders, and the latest in treatment options, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can help.</p>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.