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Natural Cures for PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

For many women, the week before their period may present a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as cramps, mood swings and fatigue. But for some, premenstrual syndrome can cause such terrible symptoms it interferes with their daily lives. Many women experience extreme depression, debilitating cramps and mood swings that can hurt friendships and marriages. These conditions are not normal and should not be ignored. The cause is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, and there are natural treatments available that can help.

  1. Lifestyle Changes

    • Like most ailments, the symptoms of PMDD can be greatly eased with the improvement of diet and exercise. This always should be the first remedy you try. Getting a consistently healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and fiber can greatly improve your body and mind health. Maintaining a regular exercise program has shown to be incredibly effective in the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety, so it also can be effective in easing the emotional symptoms of PMDD. Exercise releases calming hormones throughout your body, enhancing your feeling of well-being.

    Neurotransmitter Function

    • If you suffer from PMDD, the neurotransmitters that relay messages from your brain to your body could become dysfunctional. There are neurotransmitter tests available that can detect the levels of certain hormones and chemicals in your blood. These can provide clues as to why you are experiencing certain symptoms and how they can be treated. Some natural supplements can be effective at improving neurotransmitter function. Taking additional omega-3 fatty acids, 5-HTP, vitamin D, amino acids and St. John's wort are effective for some people.

    Hormonal Support

    • Because the symptoms of PMDD present themselves before menstruation, they are closely tied to the hormone levels in the body. Taking a supplement of additional progesterone can help some women. Often, the traditional medical method of administering these hormones is through an oral contraceptive. However, many women prefer not to use birth control pills because of undesirable side effects. You can have your progesterone levels tested to determine whether this could be an appropriate treatment. The use of progesterone supplementation is not an FDA-approved treatment for PMDD symptoms, so doctors usually have differing views on this kind of treatment. Many women, though, find the treatment to be effective.

    PMS Treatments

    • Some of the natural treatments that help improve typical PMS symptoms can be effective for those with PMDD. Besides being an integral part of maintaining bone health, a calcium supplement could help ease some of the symptoms of PMDD. It can help to reduce physical and psychological symptoms. Magnesium supplements also can help reduce fluid retention, helping to ease pain and tenderness from bloating. Vitamin E can reduce fluid retention and cramps. Taking a B-complex vitamin has been known to lessen the effects of mood swings. Though their effectiveness is not proven in any studies, many women swear by using progesterone creams, which are derived from yams and soybeans. There also are a variety of herbal remedies available---black cohosh, ginger, raspberry leaf, dandelion and evening primrose oil. But be aware that these items are not regulated by the FDA, so their safety has not been studied.

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