PMS/PMDD Acupuncture

Dr Sunila Prasad specialises in providing compassionate care for hormonal health and mental well-being, and specifically the overlap between the two. As a qualified medical doctor with an additional BSc in Reproductive Health, she’s passionate about offering holistic solutions for PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder/severe PMS) through Traditional Chinese Acupuncture.

PMS/PMDD refers to a spectrum of psychological, behavioural and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the second half of your cycle) and either disappear or significantly reduce by the end of your period. 

Below are some of the common symptoms experienced across both PMS/PMDD (there are over 150 possible symptoms!):

• Physical symptoms including breast tenderness, migraines, or abdominal pain. 
• Behavioural symptoms including clumsiness, poor co-ordination and difficulty in concentration. 
• Psychological symptoms including anger, frustration, depression and anxiety. 

In PMDD, the psychological symptoms tend to be more severe (including suicidal ideation) and dominant to the point where they consistently impact on daily functioning. 

There is growing evidence that Acupuncture can help address the spectrum of symptoms listed above. The application of Chinese Medicine theory means that symptoms are being managed at the root cause in the following ways:

• Hormonal Balance: Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal fluctuations associated with PMS and PMDD, promoting a more stable menstrual cycle and reducing symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.
• Stress Reduction: Treatment helps to regulate the nervous system, which can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, alleviating anxiety and tension commonly experienced during PMS and PMDD.
• Emotional Support: Combined with lifestyle and dietary advice, treatment can recalibrate emotional imbalances by strengthening the mind-body-spirit connection.
• Pain Relief: Acupuncture can provide relief from physical symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and breast tenderness, by regulating the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body.
• Holistic Approach: By incorporating lifestyle and dietary advice into treatment plans, Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to managing PMS and PMDD, promoting health and wellbeing from the inside out.

The positive effects of Acupuncture are cumulative and so treatment typically involves regular acupuncture sessions over 2-3 menstrual cycles, in order to have a long lasting effect. Menstrual symptoms are no longer something you just have to cope with- experience the transformative power of acupuncture and discover relief from the challenges of PMS and PMDD.

Dr Sunila J Prasad’s Offering at our monthly Acupuncture Collective Clinic

If you would like to access the Women Supporting Women Fund to subsidise this treatment, find more details here.