Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms & Treatment
updated 9.3.25
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is like PMS on steroids.
It also, is very similar to postpartum rage that occurs when your cycle returns after having a child.
In this post, I'll explain the symptoms of PMDD and the #1 treatment strategy you'll want to focus on to omit medications and heal naturally.
First…
What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
It’s described as your classic premenstrual syndrome, which occurs in the luteal phase, the two weeks before your menstruation, plus the additional symptoms listed below.
abdominal distention
bloating
cravings
altered libido
breast swelling
pain
weight gain
dizziness
headaches
fainting
fatigue
insomnia
acne
pain
hair loss
minor accidents
Including… some of these symptoms as well.
aggression
Angry outbursts - moms describing screaming for no reason at all
forgetfulness
restfulness
depression
loneliness
poor judgment
tearfulness
PMS vs Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
The key difference between PMS and PMDD is the aggression, anger, and depression that occur the week before your period.
“When you feel like you’re about to freak out … I drop and do ten push-ups. Or squats. Or jumping jacks. Seriously, the instant physical release is usually what I need.”
Why does premenstrual dysphoric disorder happen?
In Chinese medicine, they connect this rage and anger to your liver health. source
Studies have found that fluctuations in liver enzymes, such as ALT, correlate with sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. source
Dr. Lara Briden links this rage to an increase in histamines
Previous Trauma: Eighty-three percent of women with PMDD had experienced early life trauma. source
Women with PMDD are usually overly sensitive to the normal fluctuations of progesterone and its metabolites, such as alloprgenanolone, a steroid hormone. source
PMDD is due to unstable progesterone concentrations. source
Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Many moms turn to SSRIs, like Prozac or Zoloft, but what they don’t realize is that if you address your hormonal imbalances, liver health, excessive estrogens, and trauma, your body can heal.
The Natural Treatment Plan for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
1. Take the Dutch Hormone Test to see if you have excessive estrogen and learn how to metabolize this with diet, supplements, and opening your drainage pathways. {I cover this in The Present Momma, TG Framework}
You can take it here: https://www.taragregorio.com/dutchhormone
2. Address and support your liver health by cutting out ALL alcohol, taking herbs and supplements, and listening to your body to learn when you need these supplements.
3. Address all trauma and release it from your body. One of the key parts of the Postpartum Rage Masterclass is to begin writing and write out all of your thoughts, fears, and ideas about your cycle and motherhood.
4. Reduce your histamines by addressing your decrease in progesterone.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder remedies
#1: Address your liver health
My first choice is the Bupleurum liver cleanse by Planetary Herbal.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/43AXpnv
Incorporate Milk Thistle
or Schisandra
Try Castor Oil Packs
#2: Make Pooping a priority
The estrobolome is a collection of bacteria in the gut that is capable of metabolising and modulating the body’s circulating estrogen. It is the bacteria in the gut, and the estrobolome, that affects estrogen levels, which in turn can impact weight, libido, and mood. source
#3: Address any trauma you’ve experienced
I’ve always found writing very powerful in releasing trauma and negative thoughts. Here are some writing prompts to get you started, and I cover more within The Present Momma:https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/writing-through-postpartum-depression-13-writing-prompts-for-mental-health
#4: Learn how to metabolize the estrogen in your body to release it
To metabolize these hormones, we need to see if your cortisol is high and what time of day, if your progesterone is low, and how you metabolize your estrogen. The Dutch Hormone test gives us a complete view of how you process your hormones.
#5: Incorporate herbal medicine
I cover more remedies in this post:https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-postpartum-rage
Supplements for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
The supplements to focus on for PMDD should include
Supplements to support estrogen clearance. This includes:
DIM (Diindolylmethane)+ I3c: Helps detoxify estrogen and push it down safer metabolic pathways (shown on a DUTCH hormone test).
But note: DIM can sometimes lower serotonin, so use it based on your symptoms or just use I3c.
Zinc: Supports hormone production and works synergistically with DIM.
B vitamins: Especially B6, B12, and folate (not folic acid).
High-quality vitamin D:, preferably D3 paired with K2.
Postpartum Rage vs Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Postpartum rage and PMDD are both very similar in symptoms; postpartum rage would occur after childbirth, and PMDD tends to occur when your cycle returns. But, these can be the same time. For example, when I stopped breastfeeding, my cycle returned, and I experienced both postpartum rage and PMDD.
Read more about postpartum rage here: https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-postpartum-rage
Conclusion
Crying all the time, depression, and screaming with rage are not the real you. These are signs you have PMDD or bad PMS. Your body is screaming for help. Are you listening? There are simple steps you can take to heal your body. Join The Present Momma to learn how to heal naturally.
xo Tara
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