PMS & PMDD

This article is not just for all the women out there. Men, you will also realize at some point in your life, that your loved ones might be struggling with PMS and/or PMDD.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), commonly referred to as PMS, includes mental-emotional and physical symptoms that a woman may experience 7-14 days prior to a menstrual period, or in more severe cases, all month long.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is the presence of PMS symptoms (see below), with debilitating effects on women during this point in their cycle. The symptoms of PMDD are typically more severe than that of PMS and usually require medical intervention. PMDD also has the potential to continue up until menopause.

PMS is common and PMDD becoming more common as it is being identified more and more. Society has now deemed it to be a normal part of a woman’s cycle. PMS and/or PMDD are diagnoses and are not "normal".

Here are some common signs and symptoms of PMS:

• Mood swings (irritability, anger, low mood, etc)

• Abdominal cramping

• Cyclical Acne

• Breast tenderness

• Low back pain

• Bloating

Minimal amounts of cramping, bloating and the occasional pimple are expected prior to menstruation, since physiologically, hormones are changing during this time. But, when the symptoms begin impacting quality of life, it is recommended to speak with a naturopathic or medical doctor.

Here are some signs and symptoms of PMDD:

• Debilitating mood swings (can’t leave the house) – Crying, anxiety, paranoia, suicidal ideation, etc

• Debilitating cramping (can’t leave the house to perform activities of daily living)

• Extreme Fatigue (can’t leave the house)

• Difficulties concentrating

• Heart palpitations

• Memory issues

• Fainting/Dizziness

• Numbness in the arms/legs

• Muscle spasms

How may Naturopathic Medicine help?

Inflammation

Naturopathic medicine amy help by addressing inflammation through lifestyle changes, botanical/herbal support, acupuncture & supplementation. These modalities may help support PMS & PMDD and reduce intensity of symptoms.

Our gut and our microbiome are incredibly responsible for how our immune system elicits responses, because approximately 70% of our immune system is located within lymphatic cellular tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the inflammatory responses that our immune system mounts, might be improved by improving our gastrointestinal health.

Potential Assessments

• comprehensive hormone analysis

• referral to a medicsl specialist in severe cases

• nervous system support

• nutrient deficiencies

  
  

Naturopathic Medicine Modalities

• Acupuncture – research studies present to support its use in PMS & PMDD

• Botanical Medicine – there are select botanical herbal extracts that have been researched and shown to help improve energy, cognition, and support hormone modulation nd reduce inflammation

• Physical Medicine – exercise therapy, etc.

• Orthomolecular supplementation - vitamins & minerals

Naturopathic medicine may support PMS & PMDD as part of a comprehensive plan involving other health providers.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance