PMDD Naturopath in Melbourne

Naturopathic support for PMDD in Collingwood, Melbourne, and via telehealth

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What is PMDD?

PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, is a serious mental health condition linked with hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. Symptoms appear in the luteal phase, the 10 to 14 days before a period, and ease once the bleed begins. It is an extremely heightened version of PMS, and there is nothing mild about it.

PMDD can affect every part of a person’s life: their social life, school, ability to work, and intimate relationships.

Jacqui has worked with many people living with PMDD. It is possible to bring PMDD out of the shadows and move through it with the right care and support.

 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms for 10 to 14 days of every cycle, that is half your life.

Symptoms of PMDD

 

Emotional and mental symptoms

  • Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness and self-critical thoughts

  • A noticeable change in anxiety levels, including a constant “on edge” feeling, heightened hypervigilance, or being easily startled

  • Panic attacks, shortness of breath or a tight chest

  • Mood swings, with a loss of control over anger and rage outbursts

  • Marked anger and irritability in relationships that only appears in the luteal phase

  • Crying more often

  • Less interest in social activities and lower motivation at work. The joy of life can feel much less during this time

  • Brain fog, with difficulty concentrating and retrieving information, which can interfere with work and home life and cause a lot of distress

Physical symptoms

  • Lethargy and a marked lack of energy

  • Difficulty sleeping, including trouble getting to sleep, waking frequently, or waking with anxiety or panic

  • A marked increase in headaches or migraines, typically 2 to 3 days before or during the bleed. For many people this is the physical symptom that brings them in, and it almost always comes alongside emotional changes

  • Breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, and swelling of the face and extremities

 

Your first consultation

Your first consultation to discuss your PMDD is detailed and thorough, so Jacqui can understand the full timeline of your symptoms. She will ask questions such as:

  • Have there been significant emotional events in the last 6 months to 6 years?

  • When did the anger/rage begin, or when did it get worse?

  • What stressors came before the anxiety or panic attacks started?

  • Did the anxiety or depression come first?

These are just some examples. From there, Jacqui builds a treatment plan for you, which may draw on herbal medicine, nutritional medicine and homeopathy.

Ready to talk about your PMDD?

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Many people experience some mood or physical changes before their period. With PMDD, the emotional symptoms are severe enough to significantly disrupt work, relationships and daily life, and they follow a clear pattern, appearing in the luteal phase and easing once the period starts. The experience of PMDD is much longer in length than PMS.

  • Yes. Jacqui sees clients in person in Collingwood, Melbourne, and via telehealth Australia-wide.

  • Everyone is different. Follow-up appointments typically continue over 3 to 12 months, depending on your individual case.

  • No. Many people come to Jacqui suspecting PMDD based on the pattern of their symptoms. It can still be helpful to speak with your GP, but not necessary for starting appointments with Jacqui.

What clients say

“I had developed PMDD, where my entire state of being would change from ovulation until my bleed. Severe anger, depression, sadness and a LOT of crying for two weeks per month. After my first session with Jacqui, I had a significant change in the next ‘PMDD’ window. It reduced by 80%. Just some mild anger 3 days prior. The next cycle after that, there were no symptoms. I am now feeling really free in myself, and so glad I did this work on myself.”

J.T

“My PMDD cleared up within 2 months. I was suffering with this for 5 years! So thrilled with my results.”

B.N

“My PMDD was extremely debilitating. I had anger and rage towards my kids and partner, and I felt really melancholic 1-2 weeks before my period. Libido was non existent. After seeing Jacqui, I can happily say that all of these symptoms have ceased. I am much calmer and compassionate around my family, and I now have a healthy sex drive :-)”

K.P