PMS and PMDD
Support for premenstrual symptoms that looks beyond hormones alone
Premenstrual symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe physical and emotional changes that disrupt daily life. For some, this may include mood shifts, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, pain, or feeling unlike yourself in the days or weeks leading up to your period.
PMS and PMDD are real and common experiences. They are not a personal failure, and they are not something you simply have to push through. These symptoms are often influenced by how the body responds to normal hormonal changes, alongside stress, inflammation, nutrient status, and nervous system regulation.
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When Premenstrual Symptoms Feel Disproportionate
Many people are told that severe PMS or PMDD is “just hormones.” In reality, symptoms are often driven by hormone sensitivity, not hormone levels alone.
In practice, PMS and PMDD frequently overlap with:
Anxiety or low mood that worsens before the period
Migraines or headaches tied to the menstrual cycle
Digestive symptoms or bloating
Fatigue, burnout, or poor stress tolerance
Chronic stress, depression or anxiety
Understanding these patterns can help explain why symptoms feel cyclical, intense, or unpredictable.
Common Patterns I See In Practice
While everyone’s experience is unique, some common presentations include:
Mood changes that reliably appear in the luteal phase
Increased anxiety, irritability, or emotional sensitivity before menstruation
Worsening sleep or cravings in the second half of the cycle
Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, or pain alongside mood symptoms
Recognizing these patterns is often the first step toward meaningful support.
How A Naturopathic Approach Can Support PMS and PMDD
A naturopathic approach focuses on understanding how different systems interact across the menstrual cycle. Care may involve exploring:
Hormone sensitivity and signaling, rather than hormone levels alone
Nervous system regulation, particularly stress responsiveness
Inflammation pathways that can amplify symptoms
Nutrient status, including nutrients involved in mood and cycle regulation
Blood sugar balance, which can influence mood and energy
Lifestyle factors such as sleep, movement, and workload during the luteal phase
The goal is to support steadier cycles and improved quality of life, not to override your body’s natural rhythms.
What Working Together May Look Like
When we work together, care typically includes:
A detailed review of your cycle history, symptoms, and overall health
Discussion of stress, sleep, digestion, and energy patterns
Review of relevant labs, if available or appropriate
A collaborative, individualized plan that evolves based on how your body responds
Care is paced and adjusted over time, with respect for your capacity and priorities.
If you’d like more detail about my approach, you can read about how I work with patients here.
Is Naturopathic Care a Good Fit for PMS or PMDD?
This approach may be supportive if you:
Experience cyclical mood or physical symptoms that affect daily life
Want to better understand your cycle and symptom patterns
Prefer a whole-person, individualized approach
It may not be the right fit if you are looking for a single, immediate solution or are not interested in exploring contributing factors beyond symptom suppression.
Related Concerns
Many people with PMS or PMDD also experience:
Not sure where to start?
If premenstrual symptoms are interfering with your wellbeing, you don’t have to navigate this alone. A free 15-minute call can help you decide whether naturopathic care may be a helpful next step.