Postpartum PMDD and Navigating Hormonal Transitions

The postpartum period is often described as a time of joy and bonding, yet for many women it can also be a period of intense emotional turbulence. Having lived with PMDD myself, I understand how sudden hormonal shifts can amplify mood swings, anxiety, and irritability—sometimes in ways that feel frighteningly familiar. For women with a history of PMDD, these postpartum hormonal transitions can trigger PMDD-like episodes or worsen existing symptoms, overlapping with perinatal mood disorders.

In my clinical practice at PMDD Naturopath and Camilla Clare Holistic Health, I’ve seen this pattern repeatedly. One client, whom I’ll call “Lucy,” came to me three months postpartum. She described overwhelming irritability, fatigue, and racing thoughts—symptoms that mirrored her pre-pregnancy PMDD but felt intensified by the postpartum hormonal rollercoaster. While her GP had initially suggested standard postpartum support, Lucy found little relief and felt isolated by her intense emotional swings.

Understanding the Link Between PMDD and Postpartum Mood Changes

PMDD and perinatal mood disorders share a common thread: sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations. During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone rise steadily, creating a stabilising effect on mood for many women. After childbirth, these hormone levels drop abruptly, and for women with PMDD, this drop can trigger severe mood dysregulation.

This sensitivity can manifest as:

• Heightened anxiety or panic attacks

• Intense irritability or anger

• Low mood or postpartum depressive symptoms

• Fatigue and difficulty managing daily tasks

Recognising the link between PMDD and postpartum hormonal shifts is crucial. Many women are told their symptoms are “just the baby blues,” but for those with PMDD, these emotional responses can be severe, recurring, and disruptive to both personal well-being and family life.

Naturopathic Support for Postpartum PMDD

A holistic, root-cause approach can help women navigate this vulnerable period safely and effectively. In my work, I focus on three main areas:

1. Nutrient Repletion

Pregnancy and childbirth can deplete key nutrients that support mood and hormonal regulation. I often check and supplement for:

• Magnesium and zinc, which support nervous system stability and mood

• Vitamin B6 and B12, which aid neurotransmitter synthesis

• Essential fatty acids, critical for brain function and hormone balance

One postpartum client found that targeted supplementation, combined with nutrient-dense plant-based meals, reduced her irritability and restored energy within a few weeks.

2. Thyroid and Hormonal Support

Thyroid function can fluctuate postpartum, and suboptimal levels can exacerbate PMDD symptoms. Assessing and supporting thyroid health—alongside gentle herbal allies like Vitex for luteal phase stabilization once cycling resumes—can make a significant difference.

3. Nervous System Regulation

Rapid hormonal changes can activate the sympathetic nervous system, leaving women in a chronic state of stress. Trauma-informed emotional healing, nervous system regulation techniques, and mindful practices like gentle yoga, breathwork, and meditation can reduce this heightened reactivity. One client shared how integrating simple daily grounding exercises helped her feel more emotionally present with her baby, even during intense mood fluctuations.

Why a Root-Cause Approach Matters

Many conventional approaches focus on managing postpartum symptoms with medications or short-term interventions. While these can be helpful, they rarely address the underlying sensitivity to hormonal shifts that drives PMDD-like episodes. By combining nutrition, hormone support, and trauma-informed healing, we can reduce symptom intensity, restore emotional resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Supporting Yourself Postpartum

If you’re navigating postpartum PMDD, it’s important to acknowledge that your experiences are valid. Symptoms are not a sign of weakness or failure—they reflect your body’s heightened hormonal sensitivity. Small, consistent steps, like nourishing your body, supporting thyroid and hormone balance, and practicing nervous system regulation, can have a profound effect over time.

With the right support, postpartum PMDD can be managed, and many women find that they emerge from this period not only more stable but with a deeper understanding of their body, mind, and cycle.

Camilla Brinkworth is a professional 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 navigating hormonal transitions, postpartum challenges, and PMDD using nutrition, herbal medicine, and nervous system-based care.