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Acupuncture for PMDD: Can It Help Relieve Your Symptoms?

What is PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It causes severe physical and emotional symptoms in the week or two before your period starts. These symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with your work, school, relationships, and daily activities.

Signs and symptoms of PMDD

The symptoms of PMDD can vary from woman to woman, but they often include:

  • Mood swings: You may feel sad, anxious, irritable, angry, or depressed.

  • Physical symptoms: You may experience fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, food cravings, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

  • Behavioral changes: You may withdraw from social activities, have trouble sleeping, or have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

How is PMDD diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with PMDD, you must have at least five of the following symptoms during the week or two before your period starts:

  • Depressed mood

  • Irritability or anger

  • Anxiety

  • Feeling on edge or restless

  • Decreased interest in activities

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Fatigue

  • Changes in appetite

  • Sleep disturbance

Your doctor will also ask you about your medical history and family history. They may also do a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other conditions.

How can acupuncture help with PMDD?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is thought to work by stimulating the body's natural healing abilities.

There is some evidence that acupuncture can be helpful for PMDD. A study published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the severity of PMDD symptoms.

How to get help for PMDD

If you think you may have PMDD, talk to your doctor. They can help you get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. There are a number of medications and therapies that can help relieve the symptoms of PMDD.

Conclusion

PMDD is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on your life. However, there are effective treatments available. If you are struggling with PMDD, please talk to your doctor. They can help you get the treatment you need to live a full and productive life.

Keywords: PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, acupuncture, British English

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