Acupuncture can be really helpful for balancing hormones, even in extreme cases where you are suffering with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
Feeling angry before your period is a pretty common occurrence. It may be caused by PMT but it may also be a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which has been under diagnosed in the past but is now becoming more regularly recognised. People who experience this intense emotion don’t always know how to deal with it. After the PMDD has passed you may feel like your emotions, such as anger, depression or anxiety, were out of control, or you may feel that it was justified but difficult to manage your response. If anger is your main emotional symptom, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis may be Liver Yang Rising or in extreme cases, Liver Fire Blazing. The intense anger is often combined with a red face and eyes, dry mouth and throat, with a desire for cold drinks. Commonly there is also a headache behind the eyes and insomnia with the mind racing. If depression is your main symptom and you also experience lower back pain and exhaustion, your TCM diagnosis may be Kidney Yang Deficiency which would be treated using a different combination of points.
With Acupuncture, this is best addressed with treatments before the onset of PMDD or during the PMDD . However, treatment throughout the menstrual cycle together with the patient following dietary and lifestyle advice will help with this aspect of PMT. Common recommendations will be to do regular exercise as this helps to keep your qi (similar concept to vital force/prana) moving properly. Certain foods may aggravate this condition so, depending on your diagnosis, you will be given some foods to try to eat more of as well as some foods to avoid.
For tailored advice to your situation and a treatment plan, contact me to book an appointment.
How do I book an appointment?
Click here to book an appointment.
Valerie Salt is an Acupuncturist and Naturopath specialising in male and female fertility and hormone health. She is based in Henleaze, Bristol. She has completed advanced training in Fertility and is proud to be a Fertility Support Trained Acupuncturist.