Understanding Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can feel overwhelming and isolating. While research is still limited, naturopathic care can offer gentle, personalised support to help reduce PMDD symptoms, easing the burden and helping you feel more like yourself throughout your cycle.
What is PMDD?
PMDD is more than a severe form of PMS. It is a condition that profoundly affects emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing, often disrupting daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life in the the 7-14 days leading up to a menstrual bleed (which can be debilitating!).
PMDD does not have a singular cause and it cannot be effectively addressed through a one-size-fits-all approach. While more research is needed, the current understanding is that it is believed to involve a complex interaction between hormonal fluctuations, neurochemical sensitivity, genetics, stress, trauma, and overall health.
How can you support PMDD?
As a qualified naturopath, I am a firm believer that everyone deserves well-rounded, collaborative care - this includes a general practitioner, specialist and naturopath. This provides a broad understanding of PMDD and the treatment options available for each individual.
Naturopathic care aims to understand the underlying causes and support the body in a holistic way. Because PMDD can present very differently from person to person, it’s important to receive personalised care unique to your experience. Some individuals may notice anger, mood swings, or sleep disturbances, while others experience anxiety, brain fog, or uncontrollable crying - and some may experience several of these symptoms at once.
There are many considerations when it comes to supporting PMDD, such as:
Neurotransmitter health and production (such as serotonin and GABA)
Nervous system and stress levels
Past or ongoing trauma
Histamine or immunity interplay
Hormonal health (progesterone and oestrogen levels)
Presence of neurodivergence
Conventional medical treatment of PMDD typically prioritises symptom reduction, which is incredibly important and life-changing for many. This may involve the use of anti-depressants, or hormonal medications (such as the pill) to prevent a menstrual bleed and provide stable hormones every day.
While conventional medical treatment often prioritises symptom management, it is equally important to consider a naturopathic approach that can support both short-term symptom relief and long-term support with evidence-based nutrients and herbs that have research to reduce anxiety, depression, and other symptoms.
ADHD and PMDD
Recent research revealed that individuals with neurodivergence (such as ADHD) are more likely to suffer from PMDD, further reinforcing the importance of individualised care. Those diagnosed with ADHD may experience their conventional medication treatment may not be as effective during their luteal phase when PMDD symptoms peak. Many evidence-based nutrients and herbs overlap in their support for reducing symptoms of ADHD.
I’ve just been diagnosed with PMDD, what can I do?
If you have just recently been diagnosed or have been trying to treat the symptoms for a long time without change, please know that you are not alone and support is available. If you are struggling to build your care-team on your own, during our initial consultation, I can help you to build your care team and find GP’s or specialists that feel like the right fit.
I hope this article has provided some guidance and validation for you!
This article was originally written by Jessie-Anne El-Tannoury (she/her).