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Fertility Nutrition

Premenstrual Syndrome vs. PMDD: Where Do Your Symptoms Fall?

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist
July 18, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Do you suffer from PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) or PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder)? There is no question that PMS and PMDD are both major challenges for many women. So, what’s a girl to do?

What is PMS?

Up to 40% of women experience extreme PMS symptoms regularly. PMS consists of a host of disrupting symptoms that begin around the 7-10 days leading up to menstruation. Years ago, doctors considered PMS largely an emotional problem. While it holds true that PMS increases anxiety and depression for many women, today we know PMS also includes physical symptoms that affect quality of life.

Main types of PMS to watch for

Health experts now recognize 5 main types of PMS:

  • Type A- Anxiety. It’s related to estrogen dominance and imbalanced progesterone. You may experience your period early and it could contain many clots.
  • Type C- Food Cravings. This type is believed to affect an astounding 50% of women, and is traced back to imbalanced insulin and blood sugar levels.
  • Type D- Depression. We often see this type in women with low body weight or who are going through perimenopause. Declining estrogen, unbalanced progesterone and low serotonin are believed to be contributors.
  • Type H– Hyper Hydration (bloating/breast tenderness). High salt intake and poor lymph flow are usually involved.
  • Type P- Pain. This type is associated with increased cramps, inflammation and sensitivity throughout the body in the week before your period.

How Is PMDD Different From PMS?

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) includes the basic symptoms of PMS (bloating, cravings, fatigue, breast tenderness, etc.), but is also characterized by at least one of the following severe symptoms:

  • Marked sadness, hopelessness
  • High anxiety and nervous tension
  • Extreme mood changes
  • Intense irritability or increased anger
  • Suicide or self-harm thoughts

Researchers are not sure why some women have PMDD and others don’t. It’s theorized that mood disorders like anxiety or depression play a role, yet not every woman with PMDD has a history of mood disorders. Newer research finds PMDD is associated with abnormal levels of many hormones, including beta-endorphins linked to pain during the entire month.

The Gia Allemand Foundation, a nonprofit organization advocating for the prevention, treatment, and research of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) shares, “An estimated 3 – 8% of women of reproductive age have PMDD [That’s 5,000,000 women in the U.S. alone]. This number does not account for missed or misdiagnosis nor women whose ovulatory cycle is suppressed by hormonal, chemical, or surgical means. Criteria for diagnosis is set by The American Psychological Association (APA) and The International Society for Premenstrual Disorders (ISPMD).”

Women we speak to with PMDD often feel dismissed by their doctors and, sadly, many go mis- or undiagnosed, but this is beginning to change. If you don’t get the support you need, seek out a new doctor or natural health professional. For PMDD, following a complete natural health program – eating a Fertility Diet, employing herbs, nutritional supplements and natural therapies, daily exercise, and stress reduction – and having consistent support is the best choice! Some women report seed cycling reduces their symptoms.

Finding Solutions That Work for You

While the research into PMS and PMDD is promising, I find it hard to pigeonhole either into a neat diagnostic box for every woman. Some women experience fluctuations in symptoms and severity of symptoms month after month after month. Your symptoms could shift with age, stress, and lifestyle factors, too.

For balanced hormones, optimal fertility, and less PMS:

  • Follow a Fertility Diet, eliminating known triggers of inflammation (processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, gluten).
  • Learn more about the biphasic use of herbs and an herbal formula like FertiliCare.
  • If you have PMS or PMDD and blood sugar imbalance, elevated androgens, and overall hormonal imbalance, dietary changes along with an herbal blend like Harmonize Formula may work best.
  • Try to exercise as often as you can. A daily walk is great!
  • Find tools to help you manage your emotional symptoms and stress.

Important: It’s easy to be tempted to make unhealthy choices during PMS week, but do your best to resist. Watch out for stressors like excess caffeine, refined sugar and carbohydrates, and alcohol. Research and our own experience show these foods and lifestyle choices clearly aggravate symptoms for many women.

Lifestyle and dietary changes can make a huge difference if you’re dealing with PMS or PMDD. No one wants to feel miserable for a week or more of each month. I know making adjustments to your normal routine may be tough at first, but most women find the rewards are well worth it.

Learn more:
PMS: 5 Natural Ways to Feel Better Now
Video: Emotional Health – Let’s Talk About PMS
DIY Therapeutic Bath for PMS

References

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007193.htm
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Different from PMS? (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/expert-answers/pmdd/faq-20058315
  • Which Type of PMS Are You? (2018). Retrieved from: http://www.healthyeatingandliving.ca/post/which-type-of-pms-are-you
  • Romm, A. (2013, May). PMS: Getting Your Hormones in Balance So Your Period is Not A Curse! Retrieved from: https://avivaromm.com/pms/
  • Briden, L. (July 1, 2017). Why I Ask Some Patients to Quit Sugar (and What I Mean by Sugar). Retrieved from: https://www.larabriden.com/quit-sugar-and-what-i-mean-by-sugar/
  • Rossignol, A.M. and Bonnlander, H. (1991, Feb.). Prevalence and severity of the premenstrual syndrome. Effects of foods and beverages that are sweet or high in sugar content. Journal of Reproductive Medicine; 36(2):131-6. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2010896
  • Pirisi, A. (2000, July). PMS: New Relief? Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200007/pms-new-relief
  • Women & PMDD. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://giaallemandfoundation.org/facts-and-figures/

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Menstrual Health: 10 Self-Care Practices To Ease PMS

About the Author

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She's the Co-Author of "Healthy Healing" with over 1 million copies sold, a Certified Herbalist, and a health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies program at East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Mary's College. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
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➡️ Balanced hormones
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The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

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The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

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Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

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👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

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Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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View

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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View

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This is simply not true. 

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The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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