The PMDD Naturopath Holistic Approach

Why I take a holistic treatment approach

Because the science points to a network problem, the care plan needs a network solution. My approach supports your brain chemistry, your stress system, and your daily life—all together. Imagine you’re juggling work, family, and a social life. You don’t need yet another ball to juggle—you need the whole juggling act to get easier.

1) Foundations first

Here are some examples of diet, lifestyle and supplement considerations that can help and may become part of your treatment plan:

• Sleep and circadian rhythm: consistent bed/wake times, morning light, calmer evenings. Small wins here often pay off fast.

• Plant-rich, anti-inflammatory meals: steady blood sugar, plenty of fibre, colourful plants, and adequate plant proteins (tofu, tempeh, legumes, quinoa).

• Key nutrients:

• Magnesium for stress support and sleep.

• Omega-3s for mood and inflammation (I prefer Ahiflower as my top omega-3 + omega-6 GLA source).

• Iron, B12, iodine, vitamin D checked and corrected when needed.

• Alcohol and caffeine: dial back in the late luteal week if you notice they make symptoms worse.

2) Targeted, evidence-informed supports

I don’t prescribe pharmaceuticals. Instead, my work uses nutritional and herbal medicine to support the same biology (GABA, serotonin, HPA axis) in a gentler, well-timed way.

Herbal medicine (used cyclically and safely)

• Saffron – for low mood, anxiety, and irritability in the late luteal phase. I use a standardised extract and dose it consistently; many women feel a steadier mood quickly

• Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) – to support healthy cycle signalling and late-luteal stability. Best taken in the morning, and given 8–12 weeks to assess effect.

• Kava – short-term support for anxiety, tension and sleep in the premenstrual week. I use quality-assured extracts, screen for liver issues, and avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives.

Nutrients (test first, then target)

Some of many possible examples include:

• Magnesium (often bisglycinate) in the evening for stress regulation, sleep, and muscle tension.

• Omega-3s & GLA from Ahiflower® daily to support mood and lower inflammation.

• Vitamin B6 (as P-5-P) where indicated, with sensible dosing.

• Iron, B12, vitamin D, iodine/selenium only if labs show you need them—guessing helps no one.

Natural ways to steady the ALLO/GABA “calm system”

• Timing matters: I build luteal-phase plans (or symptom-onset plans) that combine things like magnesium, targeted herbs, breathwork and sleep routines to reduce late-luteal reactivity.

• Gentle somatic work (paced exhale, grounding, light movement) widens the gap between trigger and reaction when your system feels on edge.

Safety & fit

• Every plan checks for interactions, contraindications, and life context (workload, parenting, travel).

• Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically assessed.

• If you’re on any medications, we coordinate to keep your plan safe.

In short: we use well-chosen herbs, targeted nutrients, and precise timing across the cycle to support the brain and nervous system—without pharmaceuticals.

3) Trauma-aware nervous-system work

• Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing to process deeper emotional patterns and trauma held in the body that drive the monthly symptoms in a safe, structured way.

• Somatic and regulation skills: breath, paced exhale, gentle movement, and simple grounding you can use anywhere—school run, staff meeting, or a too-brightly lit supermarket aisle.

• Psychological support: when useful, I coordinate with therapists so your plan is joined-up.

4) Personal data, not guesswork

• Cycle and symptom tracking to confirm a late-luteal pattern.

• Targeted lab testing (when indicated) to rule out “look-alikes” and correct nutrient gaps.

• Review and refine: your plan adapts as your body responds.