Health & Wellbeing

SEVERE PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Acupuncture is often excellent at treating hormonal disorders such as PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and recently it was my pleasure to help a patient suffering from a very debilitating condition called Premenstrual Disphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is like a type of very severe PMS. Up to 75% of women who have their periods may have mild PMS, but PMDD is much less common. It affects only between 3% and 8% of women. Unfortunately, women with PMDD are often misdiagnosed. Sometimes they go undiagnosed, being told they are just hormonal and need to get over it and unfortunately, it is all too common for women with PMDD to be incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Many of us may experience symptoms of PMS. But if you have PMDD, these symptoms are much worse and can have a serious impact on your life. Experiencing PMDD can make it difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships. PMDD causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before your period. Emotional symptoms can be quite extreme and can include: feeling angry or irritable, mood swings, feeling upset or tearful, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, feeling anxious or tense, overwhelmed or out of control, insomnia, taking less interest in activities you normally enjoy, feeling hopeless and at worst, suicidal feelings. Physical symptoms can include: breast tenderness or swelling, pain in your muscles and joints, headaches, feeling bloated, changes in your appetite, such as overeating or having specific food cravings. If you are suffering with symptoms like these, or with the milder symptoms of PMS, do consider trying acupuncture. This is what my patient had to say about her treatment... “Having issues with endometriosis and a hormonal disorder called PMDD (premenstrual dysforic disorder) which is difficult to treat, I thought I’d give acupuncture a try without expecting too much as even medication hasn’t been much of a success in my case . Long story short, within 3 months of treatment with Fiona, my period pain and bleeding has become so mild to the point that I can get out of bed and function for the first time after many years and the PMDD symptoms (mainly insomnia, anxiety, brain fog and joint pain caused by the sensitivity of the hormone changes after ovulation) have been reduced to a minimum level! I highly recommend Fiona for acupuncture treatment . She’s helpful, she will explain everything in detail and she will do everything to help you.”

Jo Cheaney Osteopath Bramhall Osteopathic Practice