PMDD

Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Let me set the scene for you. We had traveled to a festival and took with us our then 16 year old daughter and several of her friends. On the way home I noticed that I was unusually edgy and had been prior months as well. While the trip was relatively stressful for other reasons, my mood set the stage for a very frustrated husband. Little did I realize I was testy, depressed, grouchy, mean and persistent about "getting my point across" as if I was right about everything and no one was going to tell me different.

I think that was the boiling point for my husband who is so very patient and accommodating otherwise. I knew from his description of my personality, I needed help or he might do something drastic.

I decided to make a Dr. appointment and as I sat there describing my feelings of anger, not wanting to be touched, depression and pain, my Dr. proceeded to leave the room and send in a gentleman who was a psychiatrist.

"Wow I thought, I must be off my rocker!"

Once listening to my complaints, this Dr. proceeded to diagnose me with PMDD pre menstrual dysphoric disorder and prescribe me an SSRI (Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors) or anti-depressant. Yeah!

I had answers...or so I thought.......

I was to take this pill 2 weeks prior to my monthly cycle for relief of my PMDD. I began the Rx shortly after receiving it and did so for about 6 months there after. How did I feel? Numb, disconnected, low libido and a general feeling of malaise. The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, but they are generally more severe and debilitating. Symptoms occur during the week just before menstrual bleeding and usually improve within a few days after the period starts. Do you suffer from PMS that almost seems too much to handle? Below, I have included a list of symptoms so you might be able to identify your mood swings, pain, and other debilitating symptoms of PMDD and some suggestions for relief.

Five or more of the following symptoms must be present and I have identified my previous symptoms for you with a *

Symptoms

• *Dis-interest in daily activities and relationships
• *Fatigue or low energy
• Feeling of sadness or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts
• *Feelings of tension or anxiety
• *Feeling out of control
• Food cravings or binge eating
• *Mood swings marked by periods of teariness
• Panic attack
• *Persistent irritability or anger that affects other people
• Trouble concentrating
• *Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain
• Sleep disturbances

After doing some research of my own which has now been verified by my education, I discontinued these pills and figured out my true problem leading to PMDD pre menstrual dysphoric disorder. I have shared this remedy with several clients and have documented great success within my practice.

I had an imbalance of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids and my food consumption while reduced carbohydrate, still was not balanced enough to reduce symptoms of inflammation.

My own Mother had wild PMDD consequently suffering uterine fibroids which resulted in a hysterectomy. This, a classic omega 3 deficiency.

Solutions

As I mentioned, an abundance of omega 6 in our diets from conventional animal proteins, grains and vegetable oils disrupt this fine balance. An under consumption of omega 3 fatty acids in the form of pastured, grass fed animal proteins and wild cold water fish will surely encourage a more inflammatory state. Begin by following my Phase I lifestyle.

Remember, Omega 6 is inflammatory and Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory. We need both for bodily systems but they need to be balanced.

• Be sure to consume protein at every meal. This is essential for quality regeneration, satiation and mental clarity. Don't forget to add a fat too!
• 1000-5000 mg. of Fish Oil (Taking 1000-2000mg daily is good practice increasing that to 3000-5000 mg. 2 weeks prior to your cycle) and one 1 Tbs. Cod Liver Oil. If using Krill, 1000mg. should suffice. Do be warned that fish oil thins blood so take it slow! You don't want to have "accidents". This reduces cramping too.
• While omega 6 fatty acids are essential, (the body cannot make but is a dietary requirement) as mentioned in previous pages, we are consuming an abundance and need to reduce our omega 6 fatty acids, not all omega 6 are created equal. GLA or Gamma Linolenic Acid is one of these essential fatty acids that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

  Evening Primrose Oil, and Borage are your sources of GLA or Gamma-Linolenic-Acid which happens to be the Uterus' best friend during times of menstrual distress. Not only does it act as an anti-inflammatory but with supplementation, GLA will convert in the body to DGLA, or Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid which regulates the production of several important families that regulate pain and inflammation hence cramps.

1000-3000 mg. Evening Primrose Oil 2 weeks prior to your monthly cycle and if you wish, 1000 mg. daily as a maintenance dose.

• B Vitamins-A nice B Complex is important for nerve energy
• Magnesium 300-600 mg daily. The product Natural Calm is a nice supplement and it is advised that you take this before bed.
• GABA Calm, an amino acid works nicely during those times of anxiety and tension. 500 mg. under the tongue as a sublingual will ease your tension in a matter of minutes.
• Vitex, an herb at 1-3 capsules daily regulates a womans hormones.
(Start out with the above and should you find you need additional balance, add the vitex)
• Exercise helps to release those feel good endorphins so be sure to get out there and raise your heart rate!

I make sure that I keep my omega 3 fatty acids high and I have no problems. Many months, I start my period as a surprise or just a small noticeable difference in water retention.

Disclaimer

Omega 3 fatty acid consumption also works as your natural blood thinner. If you are currently taking a medication such as Warfarin or Coumadin, consult with your Dr. These are dangerous drugs. I encourage you to work with your Dr. to thin your blood through natural means as mentioned above. Cancers and bone loss are implicated in long term use of this drug.



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