Are you wondering "Do I have PMDD?"
In clinic, when asked how I can help, many women describe they "feel hormonal".
How do you feel when you're hormonal? Perhaps, it's terribly uncomfortable, heightened emotions and "not feeling like yourself". When you have "bad PMS" or you're not sure why you feel so low, emotional or erratic in mood, you may have PMDD. Speaking to your doctor is the first step.
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects approximately 3-8% of menstruating women. While PMS can cause mild discomfort or mood changes, PMDD leads to intense emotional and physical symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life. PMDD usually manifests in the second half or Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation), with symptoms reducing after menstruation begins.
Common Symptoms of PMDD:
- Severe mood swings, irritability, or anger
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Anxiety and tension
- Fatigue and low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Physical symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches
The exact cause of PMDD is still not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the body's abnormal response to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, especially fluctuations in serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
Can Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Help Relieve PMDD Symptoms?
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) are gaining recognition as effective treatments for PMDD, particularly because they address both the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder. By balancing the body’s energy (Qi) and harmonizing hormonal fluctuations, these therapies can offer significant symptom relief.
How Acupuncture can offer support for PMDD
- Regulating Hormonal Imbalances: Acupuncture influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which plays a crucial role in hormonal regulation. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps balance oestrogen and progesterone levels, potentially reducing the severity of PMDD symptoms.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, helping manage the emotional turmoil caused by PMDD. Studies show that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression associated with the disordermproving Circulation and Reducing Pain**: Acupuncture improves blood flow to areas like the uterus and pelvis, reducing bloating, cramps, and other physical symptoms that accompany PMDD. By promoting circulation, it also helps relieve headaches and tension, common complaints in PMDD.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Acupuncture and PMDD:
A study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that acupuncture significantly reduced emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD when compared to a control group receiving no treatment. The participants who received acupuncture reported reduced mood swings, irritability, and physical discomfort .
Anothn Complementary Therapies in Medicine concluded that acupuncture can improve quality of life for women suffering from PMDD by reducing the severity of mood-related symptoms, particularly anxiety and depressive episodes .
Chinese Herbal Medicine and PMDD
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) focuses on restoring balance within the body by using natural herbs to harmonize the liver, kidney, and spleen systems, which are often linked to menstrual issues in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
- Herbal Formulas: Common formulas include Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer), known for its ability to soothe liver Qi stagnation, a pattern often associated with emotional imbalance in PMDD. Another is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, which helps with stress and irritability. These formulas can be tailored to the individual based on their specific symptoms.
- Hormonal Regulation: CHM helps support the body in balancing hormones by addressing underlying deficiencies or excesses, reducing symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Chinese Herbal Medicine for PMDD:
A systematic review published in The Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that Chinese herbal formulas were effective in reducing the severity of PMDD symptoms, especially those related to mood and physical discomfort. The review highlighted the role of herbal medicine in regulating hormone-related symptoms .
How to Incorporate Acupuncture and CHM if you're experiencing severe PMS.
For best results, treatments should be started knowing it can take time to make real changes to hormonal patterns.
An expectation of it taking 3 regular period cycles before you see significant improvement, is reasonable. In some cases, symptom relief may happen within or before that time.
Acupuncture is often recommended weekly, in the luteal phase (after ovulation) when PMDD and symptoms are typically worse. Chinese herbal formulas can be prescribed to be taken throughout the month, or tailored to specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
While PMDD is a challenging and often debilitating condition, Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer promising treatment options. Both as adjunct therapies and a natural option to a more comprehensive care plan including your doctor. By addressing both the emotional and physical symptoms, these therapies provide a holistic approach to managing hormonal imbalances and improving overall well-being. If you are struggling with PMDD, consider exploring acupuncture and CHM as part of your treatment plan. Consult a qualified practitioner to create a tailored approach that suits your individual needs.
