How can acupuncture help treat PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)symptoms?

Do you suffer from horrific premenstrual symptoms?

You may be suffering from PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects an estimated 3–8% of women of reproductive age and is characterised by severe emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase, from around day 15 of the menstrual cycle onwards.¹

It can adversely affect every single aspect of their lives, for two weeks every month, that’s half of their menstruating lives.

PMS or PMDD – what’s the difference?

While many women experience PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) - symptoms such as mild mood changes, bloating, fatigue, or breast tenderness; PMDD is a much more severe, often debilitating form.

While PMS is often seen as manageable and symptoms usually resolve once menstruation begins, Chinese Medicine views anything beyond mild cramping on day one, slight fatigue, or subtle premenstrual changes as a sign of imbalance. Regular acupuncture treatments can help restore hormonal harmony, reduce symptoms, and support a more comfortable, balanced cycle.

PMDD symptoms meanwhile, are intense and disruptive, significantly affecting daily functioning, emotional stability, and relationships.

Unlike PMS, PMDD involves:

• Severe physical symptoms including headaches, sleep difficulties, and muscular pain.²

• Pronounced emotional symptoms such as rage, anxiety, irritability, anger, mood swings and depression.³

• In severe cases, suicidality.³

 

Western treatment options: Conventional medical treatments for PMDD often include antidepressants (SSRIs), hormonal contraceptives, or GnRH agonists, which aim to suppress ovulation or stabilise mood. While effective for some, these can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or reduced libido.⁴

Acupuncture offers a natural alternative for both PMS and PMDD

For those seeking a natural or complementary approach, acupuncture offers a gentle yet clinically supported method to reduce both PMS and PMDD symptoms.

Acupuncture works by modulating the body’s neuroendocrine system - helping to balance hormones, regulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and reduce stress-related cortisol levels. It also promotes the smooth flow of Qi and blood, improving circulation in the pelvic area and reducing the stagnation often associated with cramps, bloating, breast tenderness and emotional difficulty.⁵⁻⁷

Research shows acupuncture can:

• Reduce mood-related symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and low mood;

• Ease physical discomfort including pain, bloating, and sleep disturbance;

• Stabilise hormonal rhythms and support long-term menstrual health.

• Regular acupuncture sessions can help to balance your menstrual cycle, enhance reducing pain and emotional lability, and improve overall wellbeing throughout the month — not just before your period.

What else can you do?

• Contact a women’s health specialist at your local surgery.

• Seek talking therapies and counselling if mood symptoms are distressing

• Prioritise self-care and rest especially during the luteal phase.

• Mitigate stress wherever possible — meditation, breathing, or gentle yoga can help.

• Nourish your body with wholefoods and reduce caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.

• Engage in gentle exercise, especially walking or stretching.

• Learn to track your cycle.There are a number of different Apps available. Information is power.

And finally, contact an acupuncturist specialising in women’s health who has helped hundreds of women ease their flow.

I offer a free 15 minute discovery call to discuss how treatment might help you with your PDD symptoms. 

Further information about the services I offer in Shepton Mallet, Wells and Bristol can be found here: https://www.houseofholistic.co.uk/services

References

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) (DSM-5). 2013.

NHS Wales. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Symptoms and Treatment. NHS Wales, 2025.

Mind.org.uk. PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder): Symptoms, Support and Treatment. 2025.

Epperson, C.N., et al. "Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Evidence for a new category for DSM-5." American Journal of Psychiatry, 2012;169(5):465–475.

Armour, M., et al. "The role of acupuncture in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2018;36:56–70.

Kim, S.Y., et al. "Effects of acupuncture on menstrual-related symptoms: A systematic review." BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2019;126(2):180–189.

Stener-Victorin, E., & Wu, X. "Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system." Autonomic Neuroscience, 2021;235:102870.