Debilitating fatigue, unmanageable anxiety, bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, severe insomnia, irritability, depression and mood swings are just a few of the not so fun symptoms associated with PMDD. While this extreme version of PMS is only thought to affect between 3-8% of menstruating women, I’ve already seen a number of these cases here in Durango in the past few months and have been blown away by how well this issue responds to Acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

What in the world Is PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is like PMS on steroids. If you were to take all the usual unpleasant premenstrual symptoms; the mood-swings, sleeplessness, gastric distress and fatigue and multiplied them by 10 then added to that a giant heap of anxiety and joint pain, you’d begin to get a sense for just how sucky this disorder can be.

For some it can include nausea and vomiting so extreme that they actually lose weight prior to their periods, for others, migraines and joint pain and for almost all there is a profoundly debilitating sense of anxiety throughout the week or two leading up to menstruation.

What’s a girl to do about it?

• Get Acupuncture: I know, shocker that the Acupuncturist is suggesting Acupuncture for this issue, but Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are actually incredibly effective at treating the root of this issue which is often stress.

• Up your B vitamins: B12 shots along with specific methylated B vitamins help synthesize brain neurotransmitters to quell anxiety and enhance energy levels.

• Meditate: Download your favorite meditation app like Headspace or Calm and take a seat.

• Calcium and Magnesium: Add these super nervous system soothers to your supplements.

• Aminio Acids: I can help you find the right amino acid to help bring your personal serotonin, dopamine and cortisol levels into balance.