Managing PMS and PMDD Beyond Traditional Treatment

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are two of the most prevalent conditions women face, and their symptoms can be wholly disruptive to everyday life. While PMS is more common and less severe, both conditions can bring about uncomfortable symptoms.

PMS is characterized by mild to moderate physical symptoms like bloating, cramps and headaches, as well as emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability before menstruation. PMDD involves much more severe symptoms, including intense depression, overwhelming anxiety and extreme mood swings that significantly impair daily functioning. The key difference between PMS and PMDD is the severity and impact, with PMDD often requiring medical intervention like antidepressants or therapy, while PMS may be more likely managed with lifestyle changes.

A holistic approach to managing symptoms is more likely to yield positive outcomes in either condition. Let’s take a closer look at the most commonly recommended components of holistic symptom management for PMS and PMDD.

The Role of Diet in Managing PMS and PMDD Symptoms

Dietary changes can help alleviate symptoms of PMS and PMDD. While this can be one of the simplest changes to make, many women are not aware that their diet can have such an effect on the severity of symptoms. Reducing the intake of caffeine, sugar and salt can mitigate PMS and PMDD symptoms. Caffeine may exacerbate anxiety and irritability, sugar can lead to energy spikes and crashes and salt contributes to bloating.

By contrast, incorporating foods like leafy greens, whole grains and omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseed supports hormonal balance and reduces inflammation, potentially easing mood swings and physical discomfort.

Supplements can even be an easy way to adjust dietary intake. For example, magnesium can help regulate mood and reduce bloating, calcium stabilizes mood swings and vitamin B6 supports serotonin production, which can alleviate depression.

Stress Management Techniques for PMS and PMDD

Stress can significantly exacerbate PMS and PMDD symptoms, intensifying mood swings, anxiety and even physical symptoms like headaches, cramps or bloating. The cyclical nature of these conditions can also increase stress levels, creating a cycle where stress worsens symptoms, which in turn heightens stress. Managing stress is therefore crucial for general well-being and alleviating the severity of PMS and PMDD.

Incorporating regular stress management techniques can stabilize mood and reduce physical symptoms by lowering cortisol levels, which are often elevated due to stress. A few stress management techniques to try include:

• Mindfulness Meditation: Promotes calmness and present-moment awareness.
• Deep Breathing: An immediate aid to reduce stress.
• Yoga: Enhances physical fitness while providing mental peace.
• Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help process emotions and reduce anxiety.
• Social Support: Talking to friends or joining support groups provides emotional relief and a sense of community.

Additionally, regular physical activity, even walking or light stretching, can significantly lift mood, decrease stress hormones and improve overall hormonal balance throughout the menstrual cycle.

Alternative Therapies for PMS and PMDD Symptom Relief

Introducing alternative therapies can also help manage PMS and PMDD symptoms. For example, acupuncture can help regulate hormonal balance and reduce stress, which promotes overall well-being. Aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender and clary sage provides calming effects, enhancing mood and reducing anxiety or stress levels.

Herbal remedies, such as chaste berry, evening primrose, St. John’s wort, or Ginkgo, may also help, although their effectiveness varies. These products should be used with caution. Alternative approaches can complement conventional treatments, making them easily integrated into a holistic care plan.

Integrating Holistic Approaches to Care for PMS and PMDD at the Coyle Institute

At the Coyle Institute, we integrate holistic approaches into our treatment plans for PMS and PMDD because we focus on personalized care and achieving the most positive patient outcomes. We believe in a comprehensive strategy that combines the best of both worlds: traditional medical care, such as medication, innovative procedures and alternative therapies that are most likely to negate symptoms.

Our approach to PMS and PMDD often includes dietary guidance from a trained nutritional counselor due to the interplay between diet and hormone levels. Stress management is also central to our philosophy; we encourage techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing to mitigate the cycle of stress exacerbating symptoms. Additionally, we may recommend alternative therapies like acupuncture and aromatherapy to help regulate hormones and soothe the mind.

When To Seek Professional Help for PMS and PMDD

For many years, women have struggled with PMS and PMDD on their own because of the mistaken belief that premenstrual symptoms are just something you have to deal with as a woman. However, the medical understanding of how detrimental these conditions can be for a woman has led to many new methodologies for navigating symptoms. Therefore, you should never hesitate to contact your gynecologist when your symptoms are disrupting your day-to-day well-being. Whether you suspect you are dealing with PMDD-related mood swings, PMS-related severe pain or otherwise, if these symptoms get in the way of your usual performance, it may be time to see a doctor.

Find Holistic Care for PMS and PMDD at the Coyle Institute

PMS and PMDD are not gynecological conditions to take lightly, especially if your symptoms are so severe that it lowers your quality of life. If you would like to know more about how to manage symptoms of PMS and PMDD, reach out to the Coyle Institute at 850-637-8258 for a consultation to explore comprehensive and holistic treatment options.