PMDD: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

What is PMDD?

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is a condition that affects some women in the days or weeks before their menstrual period. PMDD can cause a range of emotional and psychological symptoms that can be disruptive to daily life. PMDD is a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose and treat, but there are natural remedies available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

What are the symptoms of PMDD?

Common symptoms of PMDD:

- Mood swings

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Irritability

- Fatigue

- Bloating

- Breast tenderness

- Headaches

- Muscle aches

- Difficulty concentrating

It's crucial to note that not everyone with PMDD has all of these symptoms, and other people have different symptoms altogether.

How to diagnose PMDD: 

To be diagnosed with PMDD according to the DSM-5, a person must have at least five of the following symptoms during the final week before the onset of their period in each of the past two menstrual cycles:

- Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts

- Marked anxiety, tension, feelings of being "keyed up" or "on edge"

- Marked affective lability (e.g., feeling suddenly sad or tearful or increased sensitivity to rejection)

- Persistent and marked anger or irritability or increased interpersonal conflicts

- Decreased interest in usual activities (e.g., work, school, friends, hobbies)

- Subjective sense of difficulty in concentrating

- Lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy

- Marked change in appetite, overeating, or specific food cravings

- Hypersomnia or insomnia

- A sense of being overwhelmed or out of control

- Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of "bloating," and weight gain.

These symptoms must also cause significant distress or functional impairment, and cannot be better accounted for by another mental health disorder or medication use. 

What Causes PMDD?

The exact cause of PMDD is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a complex interplay between biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are thought to play a key role, as PMDD symptoms occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is when levels of progesterone are high. However, not all women with hormonal fluctuations experience PMDD, suggesting that other factors may be involved. Possible contributing factors include neurotransmitter imbalances, stress, and a history of trauma or abuse. More research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of PMDD.

Can PMDD be Cured?

While there is no known cure for PMDD, it can be effectively managed with various treatment options. These options may include lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet, stress reduction techniques, and natural therapies such as herbal supplements and acupuncture. In severe cases, medication such as antidepressants may also be prescribed. 

Blood Tests for PMDD

There is no specific blood test to diagnose PMDD, but we can explore hormones that can impact your symptoms.

These blood tests may include:

1- complete blood count (CBC)

2- thyroid function tests (TFTs)

3- Hormone levels: estradiol, progesterone, free testosterone, and luteinizing hormone

4- Cortisol 

5- Nutrients such as iron, b12, vitamin d3 

Tracking your symptoms and their severity is the best method to determine if you experience PMDD 

How Can a Naturopath Help PMDD?

As a Naturopathic doctor, I will focus on a whole-person approach to PMDD management that focuses on addressing the root causes of the condition and supporting overall health and well-being.

Nutrition:

Diet can significantly impact hormone balance and neurotransmitter function, both of which are involved in PMDD. We work on identifying the gaps in your nutrition, eliminating/reducing inflammatory foods, and creating real and sustainable change. 

Lifestyle factors: 

Stress management, rest, and exercise are also crucial! While getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and hormone regulation, regular exercise can assist to balance hormones and enhance mood. Deep breathing, yoga, and other stress-reduction practices can also lower cortisol levels and boost mood.

Supplements:

Herbs and supplements are frequently essential in promoting the body's ability to repair itself. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B6 can be the foundational nutrients. Other herbal treatments for PMDD symptoms include chasteberry, black cohosh, and St. John's wort.

Optimizing Vitamin D3 levels 

Testing and correcting deficiency can lead to significant improvements in symptoms of PMDD. Make sure to ask for it to be tested on your next blood work. 

Hope for women with PMDD 

While PMDD can be a challenging condition to live with, I want you to know that there is hope for relief. Many women begin to see improvements in their PMDD symptoms within a few months of starting naturopathic treatments. By addressing the root causes of the condition and supporting overall health and wellness, you can reduce their symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you’re looking to regulate your cycle, elevate your mental health, and thrive again, book your visit with Dr. Ali Kala, ND, or fill out the form below