Chinese Medicine for PMS and PMDD: A Holistic Path to Relief

PMDD, also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, is a severe form of PMS which is often accompanied by severe mental health symptoms.

PMDD follows a cyclical pattern beginning after ovulation, during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle, and ending shortly before menstruation.

Generally, the luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts about fourteen days.

Although the definite cause of PMDD is still unknown, research has shown that the fluctuation of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone and a deficiency of serotonin are most often involved.

Symptoms of PMDD

The symptoms of PMDD can be similar to normal PMS, but they are more intense and severe, especially the emotional symptoms.

Typical symptoms include:

• anxiety
• severe mood swings
• depression
• panic attacks
• fatigue
• sleep disturbances

Sufferers of PMDD are most often diagnosed antidepressants (SSRI’s) and/or contraceptive pills to regulate their hormones.

The question you need to ask yourself is will this treatment method transform my health or will this just mask the symptoms previously discussed?

Treating PMDD with Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine does not see PMDD as a disease, but rather, a group of symptoms associated with severe hormonal imbalance.

This causes an unbalanced state of health and affects a number of different organs and systems within the body.

Western medicine focuses its attention on the fluctuations in sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone & testosterone) in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Instead, Chinese medicine views PMS and PMDD as a manifestation of a disharmony between the liver and spleen.

By helping to harmonize the digestive system and create a more relaxed state, the body will start to find its balance again and revert back to its default state of good health.

At the end of the day, the body is the innocent one; it is the bad lifestyle choices we make that contribute to the majority of the health problems we experience, including the development of PMDD.

It’s really important that we identify the primary causes for our issues rather than applying a band-aid solution to the problem ….. you pretend you are artificially OK.

In general, it will take 3 cycles of menstruation to help relieve the symptoms and prevent it from returning.

However, some patients with previous gynecological conditions, poor recovery from caesarean/traumatic birth or other mental health conditions will need a longer treatment plan…. up to 6 months, in order to completely prevent the symptoms from returning.

Acupuncture, Chinese herbs and lifestyle advice will be incorporated into your PMDD treatment plan.

All of our Chinese medicine practitioners have a particular interest in women’s health…..this means they are experienced in not only dealing with PMS and PMDD but all kinds of different gynecological conditions.

It is wise to seek help early, otherwise, PMS can quickly develop into PMDD, which can be quite severe and much more debilitating.

If you are currently taking an antidepressant and/or contraceptive pill for the management of your PMDD, and you’re not getting results or would like to treat the underlying cause instead, please book a consultation to see one of our practitioners.

We will quickly be able to help you get some relief from this debilitating condition or many other women’s health issues.