Signs You Might Have PMDD (That Your Doctor May Miss)
By Camilla Brinkworth, BHSc Naturopathy, Grad Cert Human Nutrition – Trauma-Informed Practitioner & Family Constellations Facilitator
What Is PMDD and Why Is It Overlooked?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that affects an estimated 5–8% of women of reproductive age. Unlike typical PMS, PMDD symptoms are intense, disruptive, and cyclical—appearing in the luteal phase (the two weeks before your period) and easing once menstruation begins.
Despite how debilitating it can be, PMDD often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, or even “stress.” Why? Because many healthcare providers aren’t trained to recognise the hormonal sensitivity and nervous system dysregulation behind PMDD.
How Is PMDD Different From PMS?
PMS might make you feel moody or tired, but it doesn’t derail your life. PMDD can.
PMS:
Mild symptoms that don’t significantly interfere with work or relationships.
PMDD:
Severe emotional and physical symptoms that make everyday life feel impossible.
Intense mood changes that feel out of control.
A predictable pattern: symptoms appear after ovulation and lift once bleeding starts.
If your symptoms leave you feeling like a totally different person every month, it’s not “just PMS.”
The Most Common Signs of PMDD (Often Missed by Doctors)
1. Severe Mood Swings That Feel Out of Control
PMDD rage, tearfulness, or despair can feel like an emotional hijack. These aren’t “normal PMS moods”—they can be extreme, sudden, and frightening.
2. Intense Anxiety or Panic Attacks Before Your Period
If you notice heightened anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or panic in the luteal phase, PMDD could be the culprit.
3. Relationship Strain Every Cycle
Arguments, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness often appear in predictable patterns, impacting your partner, family, or friends.
4. Physical Symptoms That Flare Before Bleeding
Bloating, migraines, breast tenderness, joint pain, and fatigue often peak before menstruation begins.
5. A Predictable Pattern
The biggest PMDD clue? Symptoms disappear within a few days of bleeding starting. This cyclical pattern is key for diagnosis.
Why PMDD Isn’t Just About Hormonal Imbalance
Here’s a crucial truth:
Most women with PMDD have normal hormone levels. The problem isn’t how much estrogen or progesterone you have—it’s how your brain and nervous system respond to these normal hormonal shifts.
Hormonal changes in the luteal phase can impact serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, and trigger an exaggerated stress response. If you’ve had past trauma or chronic stress, your nervous system may already be hyper-alert, amplifying PMDD symptoms.
This is why a root-cause approach needs to support:
Hormonal sensitivity
Nervous system regulation
Emotional healing
Natural Strategies for PMDD Relief
✔ Plant-Rich, Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Whole plant foods, leafy greens, and magnesium-rich meals calm the nervous system.
✔ Targeted Herbal Support
Vitex for progesterone balance
Saffron for mood regulation
Kava for anxiety relief
✔ Plant-Based Omega-3s and Omega-6 GLA
Ahiflower oil, flaxseeds, and chia for serotonin support and reduced inflammation.
✔ Stress & Nervous System Regulation
Extended exhalation breathing
Yoga Nidra
Gentle movement
✔ Emotional Healing
Trauma-informed practices like Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing to resolve stress patterns that amplify PMDD and unprocessed trauma can be at the root of PMDD.
When to Seek Professional Support
If PMDD symptoms are affecting your work, relationships, or mental health, you don’t have to struggle alone. Conventional treatments like antidepressants or birth control can help some women—but for many, these don’t address the root cause.
A trauma-informed naturopathic approach combines nutrition, herbal medicine, nervous system repair, and emotional healing to bring lasting relief.
Key Takeaway: PMDD Is Not a Life Sentence
Your body isn’t broken—it’s asking for support. By addressing hormonal sensitivity, calming your nervous system, and healing emotional patterns, you can reduce PMDD symptoms and reclaim your quality of life.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
I created the PMDD Transformation Programme to guide women through evidence-based nutrition, herbal medicine, and trauma-informed care so they can feel balanced and in control again.
👉 Click here to learn more and book your PMDD Strategy Session.
With love,
Camilla x
About Camilla
Camilla Brinkworth is a qualified naturopath and nutritionist specialising in natural PMDD treatment, hormonal balance, and plant-based health. With a trauma-informed approach and personal experience overcoming PMDD, Camilla helps women reduce symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety through evidence-based nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies. She offers online consultations and programs designed to support hormone health, improve emotional wellbeing, and restore balance naturally.
👉 Discover the PMDD Transformation Program or Book a Consultation to start your journey toward long-term relief.