PMDD Is Just A Label, Not A Life Sentence
In my years of working with women one on one as an acupuncturist and herbalist- women who present with extreme premenstrual symptoms are some of the easiest conditions to treat. Their symptoms respond the quickest to changes in lifestyle, herbs, diet and mindset. Why? Because when you experience premenstrual rage, mood swings, digestive issues, insomnia, pain, extreme anxiety and mood swings- there is nothing wrong with you. You don’t have a “disease.” Your body is having a completely reasonable response to not getting its needs met. It’s trying to signal a distress call for help. And when you listen to the SOS, and provide the rescue it’s screaming for, the body can calm down and symptoms resolve.
I know if you are reading this and experience the awful symptoms of extreme premenstrual syndrome, and even have an official diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder- you may be thinking umm yeah right, too good to be true. I’m simply telling you first hand what I’ve experienced working with women with these symptoms and these diagnosis- some even starting out on anti depressants that often don’t even help in the first place.
So if your life is miserable half the month- I can only tell you that you are not inherently designed to suffer, and there are holistic solutions to your symptoms when the root patterns driving them are resolved.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Chelsey Mollin, Lac does not diagnose or treat PMDD. Please consult your medical provider before making any changes to your healthcare.
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is classified as mental health disorder associated with menstruation and the brain. The problem with receiving a diagnosis like this is that it’s presented to you to as reason for your symptoms. For example you are suffering from depressed mood, mood swings, insomnia, feeling withdrawn, migraine headaches, severe anxiety-all the 1-2 weeks before menstruation (or starting out right after ovulation occurs). So then you’ll go to the doctor and potentially be told you have this disorder- and it will be presented to you as a reason for your symptoms. In some cases it may even come as a relief…”ahh ok, this is why I am the way I am.”
A diagnosis of PMDD is not at all the reason for your symptoms, but rather a label to describe this cluster of symptoms and when they occur. The patterns actually driving these symptoms are rooted in:
Living out of alignment with your hormonal rhythms (both daily & monthly)
Nutritional deficiencies
Emotional stagnation
Chronic dehydration
Inefficient rest
Chronic stress
Emotional trauma
Unhealthy relationships
Disconnection from the body
What I see in my practice is symptoms diagnosed as PMDD are not mysterious and permanent conditions…they are a predictable response to a women’s body living out of alignment and living on survival mode for too long. So when this pattern is rectified, symptoms will shift- and in my experience- they shift rather quickly, noticeable improvments in one menstrual cycle and complete resolvement of unwanted symptoms in a few menstrual cycles.
These symptoms associated with a PMDD diagnosis are not something to fight, fix, or override- they are information. It tells us that hormones, nuerochemistry, energy production, repair, and the nervous system are all in need of some help. The body isn’t malfunctioning, it’s responding. And if you learn to listen, you can repair the system and return to harmony and optimal function.
Why symptoms intensify after ovulation/before menstruation
During this time period—the luteal phase—the body enters into a time of lower stress tolerence. The luteal phase doesn’t cause PMS & PMDD symptoms-it lowers the threshold and reveals what you’ve been carrying throughout the month, month after month. (Think of this also like Winter vs Summer—on a beautiful sunny day in July, an event may not bother you the same way it does on a dark, freezing, windy day in January.)
This is where things like chronic stress, blood sugar dysregulation, mineral depletion, emotional suppression, over giving, lack of safety in the body or the home, lack of restorative rest and repair, emotional trauma and chronic inflammation all surface. Overriding the system stops working during the luteal phase because pushing through is not what the body needs during this phase, it needs support and correction.
how symptoms can shift within one cycle
When the body is significantly strained, it’s going to send a loud signal. (Being a female is actually a gift in this way- your body is always speaking with you and trying to help you through your cycle!) So when you’re able to reduce that stagnation, and create free flow, the body can respond quickly and efficiently. Think of it like a river that's been dammed up every month before your period, the pressure builds and builds, creating flooding, chaos, lack of harmony and nourishment in the ecosystem of the river…. Then when you clear the blockage and restore flow, the relief is immediate. The water and the ecosystem of the river finds its natural flow and function again-this is the way of nature. (& you are part of nature!)
At first relief often looks like a decrease in symptoms, and a shorter symptomatic window. More calmness, better sleep, less volatility, easier digestion, less breast tenderness….and then before you know it you don’t even realize your period is coming. (& then you will connect to your body in a whole new way and have new signals for these shifts in your cycle that are not pathological).
Don’t take my word for it it-here are real life testimonials from women.
What real support & healing looks like
The most important part of resolving these symptoms is understanding that there is nothing wrong with you. True health and healing is about restoring function and harmony to the body, not about eliminating symptoms. The symptoms are there as a signal and an adaptation system.
Results driven healing looks like:
Understanding the why behind your symptoms
Understanding the basic biology and needs of your body
Releasing the narrative around what these symptoms &/or a diagnosis mean to you, and about you
Circadian health- aligning to the season and daily rhythms of light
Simple, functional nutrition
Creating safety in the body
Deep, restorative rest
Movement that works with you, not against you
Breathing
When you provide the environment for health, health will follow. Your body is designed to thrive and feel good.
Managing Something vs Resolving It
In your health, and in your life, your beliefs matter a lot. If you believe the symptoms of PMDD are something that you have forever, and the label of PMDD is something you identify with-managing symptoms will only take you so far. There is a difference between allowing something to completely resolve and moving on from it, rather than chosing to manage it forever.
When you “manage,” it-it’s always there. PMDD is just a label that describes an experience of symptoms- and when you resolve the patterns driving those symptoms-they don’t have to be there anymore, and neither does the label.
If you’ve been told the symptoms of PMDD, or any level of PMS symptoms, are something you need to manage forever, and it’s just how you are, I wrote this post for you to know that there is another way- and that you are designed to feel good. You don’t need more supplements, seed cycling or a cleanse, and you don’t need to brace for impact every month- you need to understand and connect with your body- and provide the environment it needs to thrive. Your body is your home after all- and you deserve a safe and functional and beautiful home :)
Explore below my Sovereignty Support Program - for individuals wanting to take grounded, inspired action towards lasting health and vitality. You receive personalized care to restore function to your body with clear, simple and effective guidance rooted in the fundamentals of optimal health. This is not fluff or a quick fix but true and sustainable healing through restoring health to the body.
We dive deep into your personal story and address systems from a physical, emotional and energetic perspective with a clear and actionable path forward. These support containers are a partnership in your health and wellness and I'm there to guide you every step of the way.❤️
Reach out to me here with any questions or start with a New Client Foundational Deep Dive.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Chelsey Mollin, Lac does not diagnose or treat PMDD. Please consult your medical provider before making any changes to your healthcare.
In abundant health,
🤗Chelsey
Meet the Author - Chelsey Mollin, Lac, MSAOM
Hi, I'm Chelsey – licensed acupuncturist, traditionally trained Chinese herbalist, and holistic health practitioner. I help people reclaim their health and create lasting vitality through a simple, but comprehensive root pattern approach to health and healing. You are the medicine.❤️
