Holistic support for Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a chronic health condition that causes severe emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (one to two weeks before menstruation). It is classified as both a gynaecological disease and mental health disorder.

85% of menstruating women report experiencing 1 or more symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), whereas a further 7% experience significant symptoms. The key difference between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is women with PMDD experience symptoms so severe that it inhibits them from participating in their normal daily activities (eg going to work, socialising etc). The most common symptoms of PMDD are significant mood changes eg anxiety, low mood, depression.

What is PMDD?

PMDD is characterised by affective and behavioural symptoms such as significant mood changes eg. low mood and anxiety. The symptoms occur post-ovulation and peak in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (approximately the second half of your cycle). Symptoms are minimal or absent at the onset of menstruation.

What causes PMDD?

It is commonly assumed that PMDD is a condition of hormone imbalance, whereas it is more complex than this. Women with PMDD are sensitive to the normal hormone fluctuations that occur in the luteal phase. These fluctuations affect the nervous system and neurotransmitters resulting in symptoms. Neurotransmitters are the happy brain chemicals we need to feel balanced mentally; you may have heard of GABA, serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a role in PMDD symptoms. Other factors known to contribute include genetics, trauma and chronic stress.

What can I do?

The good news is that there are treatment options to reduce and manage symptoms of PMDD.

Allopathic medicine treats PMDD with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) - i.e. antidepressants. Women with PMDD are at risk of suicidal tendencies and therefore SSRI’s are an important treatment option for some women.

In other cases, Naturopathic treatment may help reduce PMDD symptoms; this can include herbal medicine and specific nutrients and cofactors to support the nervous system and production of neurotransmitters. Alongside these strategies diet and lifestyle changes are also really important.

If you are struggling with significant mood changes in the lead-up to your period, reach out to me to chat about how I may be able to help.

With love,
xo Ell