PMDD Therapy

Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Pre-Menstrual Exacerbation (PME) and severe PMS

PMDD therapy designed for those who suffer.

Pre-Menstrual Disorders

PMDD , PME, and Severe PMS

Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is an endocrine disorder affecting about 8% of menstruating women. It presents as a severe form of PMS during the luteal phase of menstruation (the time between ovulation and menses) causing physical and mental pain, including acute and often debilitating mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and, in severe cases, suicide. Your GP or OB/GYN typically diagnoses PMDD, and for more details of the diagnostic criteria for PMDD, please visit this site.

There are many treatment options available for those that suffer, including Dialetical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) along with medically advised treatments (such as SSRI medications, birth control pills, and naturopathic options – all under the supervision of a doctor), vitamins, exercise, and meditation. At Impart Therapy, we have created a special PMDD therapy that takes a holistic, integrated approach to treatment, including a focus on DBT/mindfulness as well as wellness coaching. PMDD is a serious issue, and those that suffer need a comprehensive approach to help

Pre-Menstrual Exaberation (PME)

PME is extremely common for those that have previously been diagnosed with mental ailments, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and/or depression, and during one’s luteal phase (again – the timeframe between ovulation and period) symptoms get much worse. PME is different from PMDD in that during the follicular phase (the time between onset of period and ovulation) the initial symptoms do not disappear, but may lessen. Similar to PMDD, PME can be treated with a holistic approach.

Severe PMS

Severe PMS is often a term used to describe those who face extreme mental, emotional, and physical hardships during luteal phase, without meeting the criteria for PMDD. Like PME, treatment for severe PMS is similar to PMDD.

Whether you suffer from PMDD, PME, or Severe PMS, our PMDD therapy approach and treatment is similar.

PMDD/PME Group Support

Each month, we run a free of charge, DBT focused support group for PMDD/PME sufferers. These groups are aimed at peer support and education, providing the tools to help our clients. If you are interested in learning more about our PMDD/PME Support Groups, please click to find out more!

PMDD Explained

What causes PMDD?

Experts are uncertain what causes PMDD, but it is linked to the brain’s reaction to the fluctuating hormones during our cycle. PMDD is thought to be caused by an abnormal sensitivity to the normal cyclical changes in hormones that occur each month following ovulation (Eisenlohr-Moul, 2019).

PMDD Sufferers

PMDD sufferers do not have a hormonal imbalance, but rather a sensitivity to the hormonal fluctuations. This sensitivity likely exists on a continuum or spectrum, with severity ranging from absent, mild, moderate, or severe. This can change month by month or even year by year. Permimenpause (the transition into menopause which on average lasts about 4 years) is a reported particularly difficult time for PMDD sufferers.

If you think you may have PMDD, talk to your doctor.

You may be asked to track your symptoms for a period of three months before a diagnosis can be made, and you can download a tracker here.

Follicular vs. Luteal Phase

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase of your cycle is between menstruation and ovulation (typically 1 to 14 days, although this range is different for everyone). During this time, there are little to no symptoms reported, and some refer to this phase as our “magical time.”

Luteal Phase

The luteal phase starts after ovulation and continues until the onset of bleeding. It is during this timeframe when sufferers notices symptoms. Some experience the majority of symptoms the week or so leading up to their period, but others notice immediately upon ovulation. During menstruation (either immediately or a few days after onset), PMDD sufferers report their symptoms abating.

Therapy that works with you

Are you ready to get on the path to a healthier you? Get in touch today to get started!