Family Constellations for PMDD: Healing the Roots of Emotional Cycles
Living with PMDD is often isolating and confusing. The emotional intensity, irritability, and mood swings can feel like something is “wrong” with you—but over time, I’ve come to understand, both through my lived experience and my work as a naturopath, trauma-informed emotional healing practitioner, and Family Constellations facilitator, that PMDD can reflect patterns that run deeper than hormones alone. In fact, some of these patterns can be traced through family systems—not just through genetics, but through the ways trauma and emotional experiences are passed down.
At PMDD Naturopath and Camilla Clare Holistic Health, I often work with women who have exhausted conventional treatments and supplements, yet still feel trapped in cycles of emotional and physical upheaval each month. Many of these women discover, through Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing, that understanding family dynamics and unconscious trauma can be transformative.
Understanding Family Constellations
Family Constellations is a therapeutic approach that helps uncover hidden dynamics within family systems that may contribute to emotional and physical patterns in the present. The method recognises that unresolved trauma, loss, or family secrets can influence behaviour, emotional responses, and even hormonal regulation—often unconsciously.
In my PMDD-focused work, we explore how intergenerational trauma and family patterns may contribute to heightened emotional sensitivity or premenstrual distress. This isn’t about blaming anyone—it’s about understanding where certain patterns originate and gently releasing the emotional weight that can exacerbate PMDD symptoms.
How PMDD Can Run in Families
Many women assume PMDD “runs in families” because of genetics. While there is a biological component, my clinical experience shows that trauma and emotional patterns often travel down generations, creating subtle vulnerabilities. For example:
A grandmother who experienced unspoken grief or domestic stress may unconsciously pass down coping strategies or emotional reactivity.
A mother who struggled with anxiety or mood swings may transmit a heightened sensitivity to stress or hormonal changes in subtle relational ways.
These inherited emotional patterns can amplify PMDD symptoms, making cycles feel heavier, more overwhelming, or more emotionally charged than they might otherwise be.
I once worked with a client, “Elena,” who noticed that her premenstrual irritability and anxiety mirrored her mother’s and grandmother’s experiences. Through Family Constellations, we explored how unresolved grief in her maternal line had subtly shaped her emotional responses. The insight alone—combined with Rapid Core Healing—helped Elena feel a sense of freedom and relief she had never experienced with supplements or diet changes alone.
The Benefits of Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing for PMDD
1. Emotional insight and release
Family Constellations allow clients to see the hidden loyalties and unresolved dynamics affecting their emotional responses. Recognising these patterns creates space for change and reduces unconscious triggers that intensify PMDD symptoms.
2. Nervous system regulation
Rapid Core Healing is a trauma-informed approach that works directly with the nervous system, helping release stored tension and trauma. For women with PMDD, this can significantly reduce anxiety, irritability, and emotional overwhelm before and during their cycle.
3. Complementary to naturopathic care
While nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle interventions support the biological and hormonal aspects of PMDD, Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing address the emotional and systemic dimensions—helping clients feel more integrated, calm, and in control.
4. Breaking intergenerational cycles
Clients often report not only feeling relief from premenstrual symptoms but also noticing improved relationships and emotional patterns with family members. By releasing inherited trauma, PMDD can become less emotionally and physically taxing over time.
Integrating Constellation Work into a Holistic PMDD Approach
A complete approach to PMDD recovery considers multiple layers:
Nutrition and supplements: Supporting liver function, hormone metabolism, and key micronutrients.
Nervous system support: Breathwork, meditation, and gentle movement to reduce sympathetic overdrive.
Emotional healing: Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing to release unconscious trauma.
Lifestyle rhythm: Sleep, exercise, and stress management tailored to menstrual cycle phases.
The combination of these strategies allows women to move beyond mere symptom management and into true cycle awareness and empowerment.
Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing are not quick fixes, but for women with PMDD who have explored conventional treatments without full relief, they offer a pathway to deeper understanding, emotional freedom, and lasting change. PMDD isn’t just a monthly inconvenience—it’s a signal from your body and psyche that something in the system needs attention. Addressing the family, emotional, and nervous system dimensions can be a transformative step toward reclaiming your life and your cycles.
Camilla Brinkworth is a naturopath, trauma-informed emotional healing practitioner, and Family Constellations facilitator with lived experience of PMDD. Through PMDD Naturopath and Camilla Clare Holistic Health, she supports women worldwide in overcoming PMDD with a holistic approach combining plant-based nutrition, herbal medicine, nervous system regulation, and systemic emotional healing.