Suffering with PMS or PMDD? Acupuncture can help with both

Many women suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). If your symptoms are severe you could be suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Acupuncture can help with both, as Claire Thorne explains

 

Claire Thorne – Acupuncture

Available Mondays 11.00am – 8.00pm

 

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects an estimated 3–8% of women of reproductive age. It is characterised by severe emotional and physical symptoms that are intense and disruptive, significantly affecting daily functioning, emotional stability, and relationships.

It can adversely affect every single aspect of their lives, for two weeks every month during the luteal phase, from around day 15 of the menstrual cycle onwards. That’s half of their menstruating lives.

PMS is often seen as manageable and symptoms usually resolve once menstruation begins. However, Chinese Medicine views anything beyond mild cramping on day one, slight fatigue, or subtle premenstrual changes as a sign of imbalance.

PMS or PMDD – What’s the Difference?

PMS symptoms include mild mood changes, bloating, fatigue, or breast tenderness; PMDD is a much more severe, often debilitating form.

Unlike PMS, PMDD involves:

– Severe physical symptoms including headaches, sleep difficulties, and muscular pain
– Pronounced emotional symptoms such as rage, anxiety, irritability, anger, mood swings and depression
– In severe cases, suicidality.

 

Western Treatment Options

Conventional medical treatments for PMDD often include antidepressants (SSRIs), hormonal contraceptives, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH agonists, which aim to suppress ovulation or stabilise mood. While effective for some, these can cause side-effects such as hormonal suppression, fatigue, nausea, or reduced libido.

 

Acupuncture Provides Natural Treatment

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

Regular acupuncture treatments can help restore hormonal harmony, reduce symptoms, and support a more comfortable, balanced cycle.

 

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture works by modulating the body’s neuroendocrine system. This helps to balance hormones, regulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and reduce stress-related cortisol levels.

Acupuncture also promotes the smooth flow of Qi and blood.

This improves circulation in the pelvic area and reduces the stagnation often associated with cramps, bloating, breast tenderness and emotional difficulty.

 

Benefits

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, reducing pain and emotional instability, and improving overall wellbeing throughout the month — not just before your period.

 

Take Action Today

• 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.
• Book in with an acupuncturist specialising in women’s health who has helped hundreds of women ease their flow.

Claire Thorne offers a free 15 minute discovery call to discuss how treatment might benefit you.

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To book an appointment with

Women’s Health Acupuncturist Claire Thorne

call 0117 377 1186 or

email [email protected]