PMDD treatment is not a common thing in western medicine as doctors don’t have appropriate options to fight this condition. Also, PMDD is a significant, long-term illness that requires medical attention. The severity of PMDD symptoms may be lessened or relieved by a few of the following therapy modalities used in traditional medicine:

Dietary changes to boost protein and carbs while lowering sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol consumption are an important part of any approach to PMDD treatment.
Exercise on a regular basis as a part of PMDD treatment.
Stress reduction – is an important component of any treatment for PMDD.
Supplemental vitamins (such as vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium) help to keep your body in a healthy state.
Medicines that reduce inflammation usually alleviate some PMDD symptoms.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin (SSRI)
Antidepressants that reduce the re-uptake of serotonin deliver valuable relief for PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). These medications ease the symptoms of PMDD faster than those of major depression. That means that womenfolk don’t necessarily have to consume the drugs on a daily basis.
Hormonal therapies offer additional options but are usually thought to be second-line PMDD treatments.
Contraceptive pills – are the most common form of PMDD treatment provided by OBGYN specialists.

The severity of symptoms for some women worsens over time and lasts till menopause. As a result, a woman may require PMDD treatment for an extended period of time. The dosage of your medicine may alter as your PMDD treatment progresses.

What is PMDD

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It has the potential to impact women of childbearing age. It’s a serious and long-term medical problem that necessitates immediate attention and treatment. Symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications.

what is premenstrual dysphoric disorder

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe and often devastating extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Despite the fact that both PMS and PMDD involve physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD causes significant mood swings that can impair daily living and harm relationships.

What you need to know about PMS and PMDD treatment

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a significantly more severe variant of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

PMDD has an etiology that is unknown. When symptoms begin and how long they remain are the major symptoms that distinguish PMDD from other mood disorders or menstrual problems.

PMDD has such severe symptoms that it interferes with your capacity to perform at home, at work, and in relationships.

There are only a few tests that may be used to diagnose the illness, aside from a thorough medical history and a physical and pelvic exam.

During most menstrual cycles over the course of a year, 5 or more of the following symptoms must be present:

The depressed state of mind
Irritability or rage
Concentration issues
Lack of enthusiasm for previously appreciated activities
Moodiness
Appetite increase
Insomnia or a strong desire to sleep
Feeling out of control or overwhelmed

PMDD is a serious, long-term disorder that necessitates treatment, which may include dietary adjustments and, in some cases, medications.

PMDD vs PMS

A week or so before their periods, many women experience various feelings. They may become melancholy, cry frequently, become enraged, develop acne, develop sore breasts, become drowsy, lose energy, and feel overweight or bloated.

Premenstrual syndrome is when you get these symptoms around the same time each month and they disappear when your period begins (PMS).

However, if your PMS symptoms are so severe that they prevent you from performing the activities you normally do at work or at home, or if they disrupt your relationships with others, you may have the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe type of PMS.

Symptoms of PMDD and PMS normally start seven to ten days before your period and last for the first few days of your period.

Bloating, breast discomfort, exhaustion, and changes in sleep and eating patterns are among symptoms of PMDD and PMS. However, one of these emotional and behavioral symptoms stands out in PMDD:

Despair or hopelessness
Tension or anxiety
Extreme irritability
Irritability or rage that is out of the ordinary

PMDD vs. PMS Symptoms

PMS affects up to 75% of women who get their periods, although PMDD is significantly less common. Only about 3% to 8% of women are affected. Women with moderate PMS may not require medical assistance to manage their symptoms. Women with PMDD, on the other hand, may need to speak with their doctor about treatment options.

PMS and PMDD may appear to be the same at first look because they share many of the same symptoms, such as:

Bloating
Breasts that are tender
Headaches
Aches and pains in the muscles and joints
Fatigue
Sleeping problems
Hunger pangs
Mood swings, however, PMS and PMDD differ in several aspects. Consider the following scenario:
You may feel gloomy if you have PMS. If you have PMDD, on the other hand, your melancholy may be so intense that you feel hopeless. You might even consider committing suicide.
When you have PMS, you may have anxiety. However, if you have PMDD, your anxiety is likely to be on a much higher level. Some women with PMDD report feeling tight or irritable.
Mood swings are a common occurrence. When you have PMS, you may experience mood swings. You’re likely to cry if you’re happy one minute and disturbed or irritated the next. Your mood swings will be significantly more extreme if you have PMDD. You may become enraged, and things that would ordinarily upset you will irritate you. Even though it’s not your regular style, you might start a battle. You may also cry over things that normally do not bother you. You may feel as if you have no control over your life.
Feelings about yourself and your life. You may feel disconnected from your typical routine if you have PMS and are melancholy. However, if you have PMDD, you’re likely to lose interest in your career, hobbies, friends, and family — anything that might otherwise make you happy.

Natural treatment for PMDD

Changes in lifestyle are always worthwhile as an approach to PMDD treatment. These changes may not cure you, but will definitely benefit your pains and sufferings. The most common forms of lifestyle changes are listed below.

Diet for PMDD.

Women with PMDD are unlikely to benefit from the traditional dietary recommendations given to women with mild or even severe premenstrual symptoms, such as drinking less coffee, sugar, or alcohol, and eating smaller, more frequent meals.

Exercises for PMDD

Exercises that are aerobic in nature help many females alleviate symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Despite the fact that it hasn’t been thoroughly researched for PMDD, a large body of evidence suggests that aerobic physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or biking, improves mood and energy levels.

Supplements for PMDD

Supplements for PMDD support are another helpful approach. Vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium supplements, and herbal therapies have all been researched for their usefulness in PMDD, but there is still no consistent or persuasive evidence to support their usage.

Meditation can alleviate PMDD symptoms.

Practice everyday meditation to relieve stress and other PMDD symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

To stay grounded in the present moment, meditation entails focusing on the breath.

Meditation on a regular basis can help people relax and find comfort from both physical and emotional ailments.

To begin meditating, follow these steps:

participate in a guided meditation session.
take a look at a YouTube video
obtain a meditation app.
each morning and evening, try to meditate for at least 10 minutes.

Aromatherapy as a form of PMDD treatment

Aromatherapy is a technique that uses fragrant plant oils to deliver physical and mental advantages. The evidence for aromatherapy’s effects is inconsistent, but many people claim it helps them deal with stress, discomfort, and sleep issues.

Chamomile, clary sage, and lavender are some of the most popular oils for PMDD.

Inhale the smell directly from the container, use a few drops in an oil diffuser, dilute in a carrier oil and use as a massage oil, or add the diluted oils to bathwater.

Chamomile, clary sage, geranium, lavender, neroli, and rose essential oils are among the essential oils available for purchase online.

Taking a hot bath

Warm baths are soothing and can help you sleep better. Menstrual cramps are also relieved by warm water. To alleviate PMDD symptoms, take a 20-minute soak before bed.

To make a nighttime bath more relaxing, choose calming smells and listen to soothing music.

Various menstruation products

In certain people, some menstruation products can exacerbate PMDD symptoms.

Tampons may cause increased cramping and pain in the lower abdomen. Sensitive skin may be irritated by scented pads and pantyliners.

Experimenting with different menstruation products may be beneficial.

Consider switching to organic cotton pads and pantyliners, or using menstrual cups.

Menstrual cups are available for purchase online in a variety of styles.

Yoga for PMS and PMDD treatment

According to a reliable source, 12 weeks of yoga can help with menstruation pain and physical functions.

Swelling, cramping, and breast soreness in the abdomen are all reduced dramatically.

improve overall health perception, energy levels, and emotional well-being

The findings of this study were based on classes specifically tailored for women with PMS, but regular yoga lessons should benefit people with PMS and PMDD as well.

Yoga and exercise, in general, have been shown to help in symptom reduction in other studies.

Sufficient sleep

Sleep deprivation can lead to depression, exhaustion, and increased pain sensitivity. To alleviate PMDD symptoms, do the following:

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and try to obtain 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Avoid taking long naps throughout the day.

Caffeine and high-sugar foods and drinks should be avoided in the hours leading up to bedtime, and alcohol use should be limited, especially close to bedtime.

At least an hour before night, turn off the television and computer.

Ensure that the temperature in your bedroom is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before going to bed, take a warm bath, listen to soothing music, or read a book.

See a doctor if you need help. If sleep disturbances such as insomnia or sleep apnea are preventing you from sleeping,

Herbal treatments for PMDD

Herbal treatments have been used to treat a range of Disorders, including hormone-related conditions, for ages.

Although there is no scientific evidence that herbs effectively treat PMDD or PMS, some people claim to benefit from their use.

Commonly used medicinal herbs are:

Chasteberry
Evening primrose oil
Ginkgo biloba
St. John’s wort

Herbal therapies have the potential to create side effects and interact with other medications.

When St. John’s wort is used with certain antidepressants, for example, it can cause a life-threatening spike in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that regulates a variety of biological activities, including mood.

Herbal remedies should only be taken after consulting with a doctor or a competent natural health practitioner. Choose products carefully and based on the manufacturer’s reputation. Some plants are pharmaceuticals, and they may interact with prescription medications.

There are herbal supplements for chaste berry, evening primrose oil, ginkgo, and St. John’s wort available for purchase online.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PMDD treatment

CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing harmful thinking and behavior patterns. It may make it easier for those with PMDD to deal with:

Anxiety
depression
pain
mood swings

Acupuncture for PMDD

While conventional medicine has only recently begun to recognize links between physical and mental health, TCM has realized for hundreds of years that all health disorders, particularly those connected to the menstrual cycle, are founded on the balance of energies. Menstruation is a continuous process of transition that affects every area of a woman’s body, as well as the people around her.

In Chinese philosophy, the notion of Yin and Yang defines two opposing yet complementary energies that are always acting on each other to attain balance. The menstrual cycle is heavily influenced by Yin and Yang energies; Yin increases while Yang decreases during the follicular phase (before ovulation), and Yang increases while Yin decreases during the luteal phase (after ovulation, before the period). The system is naturally built to generate the ideal conditions for conception; a woman’s fertility is determined by this Yin and Yang exchange.

While the uterus and ovaries are obviously important to the process, they are not the only organs involved in menstruation according to TCM. The Kidneys, Liver, and Heart all perform vital roles in the body. In TCM, the elements of Fire, which is governed by the Heart and provides warmth, and Water, which is controlled by the Kidneys and provides moisture, are also considered crucial to all bodily processes, particularly menstruation. The liver cleanses, stores, and distributes blood to the other organs. Because blood is such an important part of the menstrual cycle, the liver’s function in the process is crucial.

Most PMS and PMDD symptoms, according to TCM theory, are caused by Liver Qi issues. Anger, frustration, melancholy, and irritability can all occur when the Liver Qi is out of balance. The liver is especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of stress.

PMDD symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including Liver Qi imbalance and other patterns:

Excessive Liver Qi invasion – This is a condition marked by general negative feelings that are disruptive, such as rage and worry, as well as breast tenderness, headaches, dizziness, and constipation.
Liver Qi depression – Loss of Liver Qi causes melancholy, heaviness in the chest, painful enlargement of the breasts, sighing, bloated stomach, lack of appetite, cramps during the period, and sparse blood during the period.
Spleen Kidney Deficiency – In this scenario, sluggish energy in the Kidney system prevents water from moving properly, resulting in edema or water retention.

Acupuncture treatment has been demonstrated in scientific studies to have a favorable influence on neurotransmitters like serotonin, as well as estrogen and progesterone levels. This occurs spontaneously as a result of our usage of TCM treatments to restore optimal organ function. We can get specific nutrients into the body with Chinese herbs that we couldn’t receive from our regular diet.

Acupuncture combined with PMDD-specific herbs can help to balance the liver Qi and bring all of the organs into synergistic harmony.

It is important to receive acupuncture treatment at least once or twice a week in order to see long-term results. By personalizing the acupuncture treatment and herbs to your PMDD and period symptoms, we can address each phase of the menstrual cycle as it happens.

TCM treatment of PMDD considerably alleviated symptoms, according to a comprehensive evaluation of ten controlled trials utilizing acupuncture to treat PMDD.

Homeopathic remedies for PMS and PMDD

Homeopathy is a safe and effective therapy option for PMDD. Homeopathic treatments for premenstrual syndrome, derived from natural substances, ensure that women are relieved of PMS symptoms and do not have to go through a premenstrual period that disrupts their entire mental and physical composition.

It’s fascinating to find that all homeopathic medications are reported to correspond to symptoms in many systems of the body, both physical and psychological, in textbooks outlining the symptoms for which each homeopathic medicine is beneficial, the so-called Materia Medica.’ For example, a drug that responds to being comforted can be found for headaches before menses, a swollen abdomen before menses, and significant tearfulness before periods. Pulsatilla is a homeopathic medicine made from the pasque flower Pulsatilla nigricans.

The drug Nux vomica, extracted from the so-called marking nut, Strychnos nux vomica, would address the pattern of back discomfort before periods, cramping abdominal pains, and a seething rage such that the lady feels like she wants to stab someone (typically her boyfriend). Another well-known picture is of increased tiredness and anger before periods, accompanied by a desire to be alone. This type of woman usually has a lingering low backache, and when her period finally arrives, she often experiences dragging pains as if her womb is prolapsing. Sepia, a homeopathic medicine produced from the ink of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, is effective for this symptom complex. Another crucial consideration when choosing a homeopathic treatment is how quickly PMS symptoms subside when menstruation begins. The symptoms of Sepia normally linger a few days during the time before gradually disappearing. They might persist a little longer with Nux vomica.

However, if a patient presents a PMS symptom complex that disappears as soon as bleeding begins, the doctor should consider administering Lachesis, which is produced from the venom of a South American snake. This drug has the property of acting on symptoms that are relieved by any type of ‘discharge,’ such as menstrual bleeding.

After the homeopathic physician has selected the most appropriate drug, it is usually taken over a few days in the middle of the cycle. It is feasible to cease taking the drug if the premenstrual symptoms are removed with this strategy. The symptoms will usually not return for several months, if not years. If the symptoms reappear and are the same as before, you can take more of the same drug until you feel better. If, on the other hand, the symptom complex has changed, it is only logical that new medicine, one that suits the new picture, be chosen.

Homeopathy for PMDD and PMS

Finally, several of the more puzzling problems, such as premenstrual migraine, asthma, epilepsy, and IBS, are well-suited to homeopathic treatment.

Medicines that can help with any of these issues, particularly premenstrual exacerbation, have been identified.

For example, in the case of bronchial hypersensitivity, homeopathically prepared Sulphur or Zinc may be useful, Cuprum (copper) and Pulsatilla (among others) are named as having an effect in premenstrual convulsions, and for premenstrual IBS, Nux vomica or Colocynthis (the bitter cucumber) or any of the 40 or 50 medicines listed may be prescribed.

It’s worth noting that the UK National Health Service pays for homeopathic medication prescriptions, and both general practitioners and hospital doctors can write them on standard prescription forms. Given the low cost of these medications and the fact that a long-term prescription is rarely necessary, this technique of PMS/PMDD therapy is becoming increasingly popular.

Top Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are:

Sepia:

The premenstrual dysphoric disorder is best treated naturally with sepia. Sepia’s major focus is on the treatment of irritability in women suffering from PMS. This medication is very beneficial for women who have acute irritation a few days before their periods. Irritability is frequently coupled with a dislike of doing any type of physical or mental work. Sepia is used to soothe the thoughts of ladies who are suffering from irritable situations. Bearing down pains in the uterus in conjunction with mental irritation is a unique symptom worth mentioning. The majority of women who require Sepia have some type of irregularity in their menstrual cycle or periods.

Ignatia:

Ignatia is a natural medicine that is extremely effective in the treatment of PMS and is the greatest treatment for depression and mood swings in women who suffer from PMS. All ladies who are melancholy and depressed emotionally before their periods can take Ignatia. There is an aversion to company, as well as despair. Such women prefer to be alone and cry for long periods of time. Ignatia can also help women who have mood swings before their menstrual cycle. The mood shifts from joy to despair unexpectedly, and Ignatia is the finest natural cure.

Pulsatilla:

During PMS, ladies with enhanced sensitivity to everything can benefit from pulsatilla. The tiniest of things can have a profound effect on women, and they can begin to cry over trivial matters. They begin to cry in public and usually feel better when sympathizers are offered. They enjoy being outside in the fresh air. Medicine’s potential beneficiaries are women. Pulsatilla suffers from repressed or delayed menses on a regular basis. In the majority of cases, there is also no desire for water.

Lachesis:

Lachesis is the most popular natural remedy for PMS-related pain in many regions of the body. These ladies endure discomfort a few days before their periods are due. Excessive headache is noticeable, and once the periods start to flow, all of the pains fade away. The most apparent mental state is one of excessive speech, and there may also be a sensation of being overheated in the body. A reluctance to wear tight clothing goes hand in hand with the hot feeling.

Conium:

Conium is the most effective natural treatment for breast soreness in women suffering from Premenstrual Syndrome. Conium is very helpful for women who experience edema, enlargement, and pain in their breasts before their periods. Touching makes the discomfort worse. The breasts grow rigid in addition to being painful.

Chamomilla:

Another natural remedy that can assist with irritation before periods is chamomilla. When irritation is coupled with a dislike of talking, Chamomilla can help. When forced to talk, such ladies express themselves in an irritated manner. They may even lash out and use abusive language, as well as have a dislike for being in the company of others.

PMDD Treatment in Philadelphia.

At the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic the team of professionals, under the supervision of Medical Doctor Victor Tsan provides the most effective and scientifically proven naturopathic treatments for PMDD including

All services are provided under one roof in the beautifully designed clinic.

For an appointment, contact us at (267) 403-3085 or scan the QR code below.