Addressing PMS & PMDD Naturally
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are not just “part of being a woman” -they’re signs that your body may be out of hormonal balance.
Bloating, mood swings, cramps, anxiety, rage, or crying spells that arrive like clockwork before your period—these are signs your body is out of hormonal balance. Balancing hormones naturally through nutrition, lifestyle modifications, cleaning up your home/skincare products, and incorporating supplements during specific phases of your cycle all tremendously impact the pain levels, cramping frequency, and mood swings.
PMS affects up to 75% of menstruating women, and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) affects roughly 5-8%—causing symptoms severe enough to interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning.
At Dr. Lana Wellness, we take a root-cause, naturopathic approach to PMS and PMDD—identifying underlying causes behind your symptoms and rebalancing your body.
In fact, Dr. Lana swears by incorporating regularly scheduled acupuncture appointments throughout the month to focus on supporting various hormonal functions and fluctuations during each phase of the menstrual cycle.
PMS is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms—such as bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, fatigue, and irritability - that typically occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation.
PMDD is a more severe form of PMS, characterized by intense mood changes like anxiety, depression, or anger that can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
While these conditions are common, they are not normal - and they are very often manageable.
At Dr. Lana Wellness, we take a naturopathic and functional approach to PMS and PMDD by addressing the underlying causes, which may include:
Estrogen dominance or low progesterone
Poor liver detoxification
Chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation
Blood sugar imbalances
Inflammation or gut dysfunction
Environmental toxins (such as endocrine disruptors in skincare, plastics, and household cleaners)
By rebalancing hormones naturally through targeted nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and strategic supplementation, many of our patients experience a dramatic shift in their cycle symptoms. We also educate our clients on cycle syncing - supporting different phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual) with specific foods, movement, and self-care practices to reduce symptoms and increase vitality.
Dr. Lana also emphasizes the power of acupuncture throughout the month to regulate the nervous system, support ovulation, enhance liver function, and reduce PMS-related pain and emotional fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) involves physical and emotional symptoms—bloating, breast tenderness, irritability, fatigue—in the luteal phase (after ovulation). PMDD is a more severe form characterized by intense mood changes such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or rage that significantly disrupt daily life. Both have hormonal and neurological roots that respond well to naturopathic care.
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PMDD can be significantly managed—and for many women, resolved—through naturopathic interventions targeting estrogen dominance, progesterone insufficiency, serotonin regulation, and stress hormones. This may include targeted nutrition, specific supplements (such as vitex, magnesium, and B6), acupuncture, and lifestyle changes. Results vary by individual.
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Evidence-informed options include magnesium glycinate (for mood and cramps), vitamin B6 (for progesterone support and mood), vitex agnus-castus (for luteal phase balance), and omega-3 fatty acids (for inflammation). However, the right protocol depends on your specific hormone picture—we don't recommend self-supplementing without testing.
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Cycle syncing is the practice of tailoring your nutrition, movement, work demands, and self-care to each phase of the menstrual cycle—follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual. By aligning with your hormonal rhythms rather than fighting them, many women experience a dramatic reduction in PMS symptoms and a more consistent sense of energy and mood throughout the month.
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Yes. Acupuncture has a strong track record for reducing PMS-related pain, mood disturbances, and bloating. Dr. Lana uses phase-specific acupuncture protocols throughout the month to regulate the nervous system, support ovulation, enhance liver detoxification of estrogen, and calm the inflammatory response that drives many PMDD symptoms.