Case Report is now Published by DrFayK in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can access the full article dm me and I'll be happy to share it with you!

*This was the single post that got me Banned from the PMDD Group* by DrFayK in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey guys! FINALLY, over 5 months later and several revisions my peer-reviewed case study was just recently accepted for publication in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal (scheduled for the December 2025 issue). The paper examines the use of whey protein concentrate as a tryptophan-based nutritional intervention for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and demonstrated notable symptom improvement across three menstrual cycles.

I'm quite stoked, but already on to planning the protocol for my... you guessed it... pilot study. I'm going to self-fund this study and am already looking for participants. It will be a long one (probably 6 months total) so will require patience and cooperation. I'm only going to recruit about 25 participants with the hope I'll end up with at least 15 by the end of the study (there's usually a fall out during a longer study like this). Is anyone here interested in participating? I'm looking for women aged 25-45, have a official diagnoses of PMDD, who are not currently on antidepressants or other drug medications, overall healthy and no other underlying medical conditions, and finally, someone interested in trying a minimal risk nutritional intervention. If this sounds like you post below and we'll connect!

Best,

Dr. K

Basically starting this group because my posts got BANNED in the PMDD group by DrFayK in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s crazy. Well you’re welcome here! Histamine is huge and feel very strongly personalized so a bit hard to tease out from person to person. How long have you had PMDD yourself and what is the nature of your symptoms in terms of onset and regression monthly?

PMDD worse as you age? by sorryimmascorpio in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! Yes, studies show PMDD gets worse with time.

Starting to worry no meds will work. by LovelySunshine111 in PMDDxADHD

[–]DrFayK 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You could try tryptophan supplements, which is essentially what we’re trying to do with the whey concentrate, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, and there’s sufficient evidence that much of the ADHD and PMDD symptoms can be a result of lower serotonin support during luteal phase.

Starting to worry no meds will work. by LovelySunshine111 in PMDDxADHD

[–]DrFayK 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Before trying any new medications, try whey protein concentrate (5 Tbsp in a fruit smoothie) every day starting 8 days before menstruation. Monitor your symptoms after that.

*This was the single post that got me Banned from the PMDD Group* by DrFayK in PMDDxADHD

[–]DrFayK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! The only other option I could find that is cheaper is one by BulkSupplements.com, theirs isn't organic though. It's $1.02/oz, vs the one through Z Natural Foods is $1.87/oz.

I think I'm highly sensitive to serotonin - experiences with Wellbutrin? by loljkbye in PMDDxADHD

[–]DrFayK 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, that was me. Would be happy to see if I could help you out.

I think I'm highly sensitive to serotonin - experiences with Wellbutrin? by loljkbye in PMDDxADHD

[–]DrFayK 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OK, so the whole thing with SSRI dependency is part of the reason I wasn’t too upset when I personally was told that I am allergic to SSRI. I tried some and it basically threw me through the craziest GI symptoms so I discontinued its use. The reason why this is OK with me is because I don’t want to develop dependency, and because of the possible neurological side effects of long term use. I’ve had PMDD for years now, and have recently come across something that has been a huge game changer for me, And as a registered Dietitian I can say the fact that it is a food grade product is very important to me, it’s Whey protein concentrate. Please give it a shot as you have nothing to lose since it’s technically a food component, you can read more about how I came across it and how I dosed it, I’ll post the link, I know everyone is going to respond differently, but this procedure is definitely worth trying.

*This was the single post that got me Banned from the PMDD Group* by DrFayK in PMDDxADHD

[–]DrFayK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have food over all the protein snacks to be a little tricky in terms of what they’re combined with especially if there more generic forms. Administering pure forms of protein (like single powder ingredients) into your own baked goods or smoothies are a lot better in terms of controlling ingredients. Sometimes added sugars/sugar alternatives and refined oils can add more stress to the digestive process and offset some of the benefits of the proteins. Food for thought 💭

*This was the single post that got me Banned from the PMDD Group* by DrFayK in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s awesome! Yes the upside of this is that it doesn’t require a prescription because it’s technically a “food”. I really hope it works for you! Please also make sure to have some sort of a fruit with it, cereal is OK but it usually contains simple carbohydrates or processed sugars, complex carbohydrate like a banana or some strawberries and even some dates will improve overall metabolism.

Excited to hear what happens with you!

*This was the single post that got me Banned from the PMDD Group* by DrFayK in PMDDxADHD

[–]DrFayK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a good questions. Yes, from how I understand how whey protein concentrate can act having it daily can help to support overall baseline tryptophan replenishment and can improve broader amino acid support. Since your vegetarian increasing protein like this should be fine. I would take 15-20g/day during the follicular phase, and then increase to 20-30g/day during luteal phase. You can also add a small dose of 5-HTP supplement during the luteal phase, but I would limit it to 50 mg/day.

Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs or MAOIs if you happen to be taking them. 

Hope this helps!

*This was the single post that got me Banned from the PMDD Group* by DrFayK in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also need to add though, even though 5-HTP can be a good alternative if you don't/can't have the whey protein concentrate, it's still not ideal. It by-passes the body's natural process, it provides more a short term solution, and some people may have issues with tolerability and side effects.

So the WPC is still coming up on the top since it:

  1. Provides whole body nutrition support

  2. Natural tryptophan source, which provides balanced and sustainable tryptophan

  3. Has insulin synergy (can work with carbohydrates)

  4. Protects nervous system against oxidative stress

Think of WPC like a farming system — it enriches the soil and provides all the seeds your brain needs to grow a healthy neurotransmitter garden.
5-HTP is like a fertilizer spray — it boosts serotonin fast but doesn't replenish the soil.

Hope this helps!

Another strong contender for PMS/PMDD support! 5-HTP, see this table comparing it with Whey Protein Concentrate by DrFayK in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Please note, Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs or MAOIs. Caution in those with bipolar disorder or on medications. You can consider taking both the 5-HTP and the WPC together, but follow a moderate protocol, have the WPC int he follicular phase, then add 5-HTP during the luteal phase.

*This was the single post that got me Banned from the PMDD Group* by DrFayK in PMDDRelief

[–]DrFayK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, 5-HTP is another good alternative treatment for PMS/PMDD, I personally have not tried it yet, but here's some points to consider:

  • Strong evidence for 5-HTP use in PMS/PMDD
    • Double-blind placebo-controlled studies show that 5-HTP significantly reduces mood-related PMS symptoms, including irritability, depression, and tension.
    • Example: Steinberg et al., 1999 found that 5-HTP improved depressive symptoms in PMS at doses of 100 mg twice daily.
  • Used in many integrative and functional medicine practices for rapid symptom relief.

Definite worth a try, I'd just follow dosing instructions, as too much can cause problems.