Acupuncture for PMS & PMDD
Holistic acupuncture and Chinese medicine support in Wollongong for hormonal health, PMS, & PMDD.
Acupuncture for PMS & PMDD
It's common to notice changes in mood, energy, and physical symptoms before your period, but when these symptoms become severe enough to affect your relationships, work, or quality of life, they shouldn't simply be accepted as "part of being a woman."
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can have a profound impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing. Symptoms may include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, depression, moods swings, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches and migraines, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
At our clinic, I take an integrative approach to PMS and PMDD, combining both Western and Chinese medicine perspectives. Alongside your menstrual cycle history and symptoms, I consider factors such as stress, sleep, digestion, energy, lifestyle, pulse, and tongue to gain a complete understanding of your health.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine aim to regulate the menstrual cycle, support hormonal balance, calm the nervous system, and address the underlying patterns contributing to your symptoms. Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual presentation and health goals.
Understanding PMS
Pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a collection of symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before your period begins, in the luteal phase. These symptoms generally resolve once the period starts and recur again before each period.Common symptoms includeIrritability, short fuseMood swingsAnxious or low moodSleep disturbancesBloating and loose stoolsFatigueHeadachesBreast tendernessFood cravingsAcne
Understanding PMDD
Pre menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe and disabling condition that primarily affects mood and emotional wellbeing and significantly interrupts normal daily functioning.Women with PMDD often experience intense depression, anxiety and panic attacks, irritability, emotional sensitivity, anger , or suicidal thoughts during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms typically improve within a few days of the period starting. Physical symptoms can also occur including breast tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, joint pain, headaches and migraines.
PMDD is thought to result from an increased sensitivity of the brain to the normal hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the menstrual cycle rather than abnormal hormone levels themselves.
Chinese Medicine View
In Chinese medicine, a healthy menstrual cycle depends on the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, adequate nourishment of the body, and the harmonious function of the Liver, Heart, Spleen, and Kidneys.
The Liver plays a particularly important role before menstruation by ensuring the smooth movement of Qi. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant, often due to stress, emotional tension, or other underlying imbalances, it may contribute to symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, and period pain.
The Heart houses the Mind/Shen, while the Spleen produces the Qi and Blood needed to nourish both the body and mind. If these systems become depleted or out of balance, symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, fatigue, poor concentration, and emotional sensitivity may become more pronounced.
Treatment focuses on identifying your individual pattern of imbalance rather than simply treating the diagnosis. By supporting the smooth flow of Qi, nourishing Blood, calming the Shen, and restoring balance throughout the menstrual cycle, acupuncture and Chinese medicine aim to reduce both the physical and emotional symptoms experienced before your period.
How acupuncture works
Regulates HPO axis
Acupuncture helps regulate the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis to support healthy reproductive hormone signalling.
Nervous System Regulation
Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system to bring you back into your ‘rest and digest’ state (parasympathetic)
Regulate Neurotransmitters
Acupuncture increases serotonin and dopamine levels to support mood.
Reduce Inflammation
Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and support blood circulation to support physical symptoms like breast tenderness.
Can I have acupuncture alongside antidepressants for PMDD?
Yes, acupuncture can be safely used alongside antidepressants. Many people choose to combine acupuncture with their existing medical care to help support symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, stress, poor sleep, fatigue, and nervous system regulation. Acupuncture is intended to complement, not replace, any treatment recommended by your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist.Herbal medicine may also be offered depending on your presenting symptoms and what medication you are on. Your safety is always the priority, and any treatment recommendations will be tailored to your individual health history.