Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. It affects 3-8% of all menstruating women and can significantly impair quality of life. In the past, the only real treatment available was medication. However, in recent years, there has been a surge of interest in natural PMDD treatments.
What is PMDD and What Causes It?
PMDD is a disorder that is characterized by a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the week before a woman’s period. The most common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. While the exact cause of PMDD is unknown, it is believed to be related to changes in hormones, specifically a sensitivity to the hormone progesterone.
Natural Treatments for PMDD
Fortunately, there are many natural treatments for PMDD that can help manage the symptoms. Here are some of the most effective natural treatments for PMDD:
Diet and Nutrition
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for managing PMDD symptoms. Focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Eating foods that are high in fiber can also help reduce bloating and other symptoms. Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine can also help improve symptoms.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements and herbal teas can be an effective way to treat PMDD symptoms. Some popular herbs for PMDD include chasteberry, dong quai, and red clover. These herbs help balance hormones and reduce inflammation, which can reduce PMDD symptoms. It’s important to do your research and speak to a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements.
Exercise
Regular exercise is another great way to manage PMDD symptoms. Exercise helps reduce stress, boosts mood, and boosts energy levels. Any type of exercise is beneficial, but activities such as walking, jogging, and yoga are especially helpful. It’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
Stress Management
Stress can exacerbate PMDD symptoms, so it’s important to practice stress management techniques. Meditation, journaling, and mindfulness are all great ways to manage stress. Deep breathing and self-care activities such as massage and aromatherapy can also help reduce stress and PMDD symptoms.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are two ancient Chinese healing techniques that are becoming increasingly popular for treating PMDD. Both techniques work to stimulate the body’s energy pathways and help balance hormones, which can help reduce PMDD symptoms. It’s important to find a qualified acupuncturist or acupressurist to ensure you get the best treatment possible.
Conclusion
PMDD can be a difficult disorder to manage, but with the right natural treatments, it is possible to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Eating a healthy diet, taking herbal supplements, exercising regularly, managing stress, and using acupuncture and acupressure can all help reduce PMDD symptoms. Everyone’s experience with PMDD is different, so it’s important to find the treatments that work best for you.
