Acupuncture for PMDD

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a debilitating condition that causes severe physical and emotional symptoms in the week or two before your period starts. These symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with your work, school, relationships, and daily activities.

The signs and symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The symptoms of PMDD can vary from woman to woman, but they often include:

Mood swings: You may feel sad, anxious, irritable, angry, or depressed.
Physical symptoms: You may experience fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, food cravings, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Behavioral changes: You may withdraw from social activities, have trouble sleeping, or have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

How do you diagnose PMDD?

To be diagnosed with PMDD, you must have at least five of the following symptoms during the week or two before your period starts:

Depressed mood
Irritability or anger
Anxiety
Feeling on edge or restless
Decreased interest in activities
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Changes in appetite
Sleep disturbance

Your doctor will also ask you about your medical history and family history. They may also do a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other conditions.

Acupuncture for PMDD

I wrote my dissertation on acupuncture for PMDD, which you can read here.

As someone who was diagnosed with PMDD in 2017 I can testify that acupuncture can be very beneficial for acupuncture, alongside other lifestyle changes which we will discuss in your treatment

Treatment for PMDD

Unfortunately there is no "definitive" treatment for this condition. I wish that there was.

The NICE guidelines for treatment of PMDD include:

Antidepressants (SSRIs)
HRT
Chemical menopause
Hysterectomy