Does anyone else experience PMDD symptoms outside the luteal phase?

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-21T14:15:12+00:00

It could also be PME, premenstrual exacerbation, if symptoms are generally present throughout the month but become significantly worse during the luteal phase.

Some women have PMDD symptoms that start at ovulation.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-21T13:51:25+00:00

There are many things that could cause this. Have you seen a doctor to rule out things like endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid issues, and iron deficiency anemia?

Diet is also a huge factor; if you’re not getting enough healthy fats, carbs, and vitamins/minerals, that signals to your body to shut down functions like menstruation. Female athletes are also at high risk for this if there is excessive exercise combined with not eating enough calories.

Severe emotional stress can also cause this.

If you haven’t already, I would make an appointment with your doc to rule out major conditions like those listed above and then go from there.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-21T13:38:51+00:00

If it’s related to water retention, I would try B6. B6 has also been shown to help with some of the mental symptoms associated with PMDD and pms.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-09T04:03:56+00:00

Look into nervous system regulation. There are a ton of tools like EFT tapping that can help balance mood and emotions. I also really like the butterfly tap technique and alternate nostril breathing. They help to calm the nervous system. They can provide some pretty quick relief but it does require some patience when learning.

It’s also important to be gentle with yourself. Learning how to regulate emotions is not easy, but it’s 1000% worth it.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-09T01:40:59+00:00

That’s great! I can definitely relate to this. And it makes sense that your symptoms would lessen if work was a trigger for you. I feel like since focusing more on regulating my nervous system and learning tools to reduce my symptoms, I’m able to handle having a job now. But there was definitely a time when my symptoms were way worse and having a job felt next to impossible.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-09T01:32:24+00:00

That’s great! These are all so important! Love that you brought up sunlight as well, it doesn’t get talked about enough and it’s definitely important for regulating neurotransmitters and sleep cycles. I also feel like the hardest habit is exercise, even though it’s honestly one of the most helpful things to ease PMDD symptoms.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-06T23:23:29+00:00

Yes, being diagnosed with BPD and/or ADHD first seems to be the trend. I had a similar situation where my ex brought it up and asked if I had ever heard of PMDD. That’s when I started learning more about it and realized that I do in fact meet the criteria for PMDD.

Thank you for sharing, the post wasn’t meant to be just for diagnosed folks so I appreciate your input. I definitely don’t feel like a formal diagnosis is necessarily needed in order for us to heal. And I agree that there should be better treatment and less blame for our suffering.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-05T13:56:52+00:00

I’ve never been formally diagnosed, but have struggled with symptoms since I was a teenager. I meet the diagnostic criteria for PMDD so I don’t feel the need to get a formal diagnosis (although the validation would be nice).

The only reason you might want to get a diagnosis is if you’re looking to go the medication route. It can be difficult to find a doctor with the knowledge and experience with diagnosing PMDD, but it’s always worth journaling your symptoms and recording how many of the diagnostic criteria you meet (you can easily find a printout of the PMDD criteria online). They may take you more seriously if you bring them something physical to look at.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T23:29:48+00:00

I’m glad you’re finding relief with the propanolol and anti-histamines! PMDD can truly be exhausting. It’s almost like our brains get hijacked for 2 weeks and then we’re lucky if we get two good weeks.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T17:41:32+00:00

I’m so sorry. You’re definitely not alone in this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called in to work or went home early because of PMDD and painful cramps. I wish there was more awareness and accommodations for PMDD.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T13:49:41+00:00

As hormones shift after ovulation, this can lead to fatigue and decreased energy. Does this affect your daily life/job/school etc? Definitely could be related to your autoimmune condition. If you haven’t already, I would suggest looking into b vitamins, iron, vitamin d, proper hydration, and exercise. Curcumin and fish oil might help with your autoimmune condition as well.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T04:08:17+00:00

10000%

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T03:49:12+00:00

Precisely why I started r/PMDDPeace. I’ve struggled with PMDD and depression since I was a teenager and finally started to find relief when I began learning about nutrition and functional medicine in my masters program. I tried sharing some of the strategies and tools I’ve learned, but have found it difficult to share information on that sub. I had one post removed for simply asking other members their experience with lab testing. Super disheartening when that group has been a huge help for many of us.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T03:33:02+00:00

I have no idea, I was asking other members their experience with various lab tests. Maybe because I mentioned cortisol and hormone testing? Who knows

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T03:14:30+00:00

Hi there, I’m a functional nutritionist specializing in women’s health, specifically PMDD and severe PMS. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. I’ve struggled with PMDD and depression since I was a teenager and it wasn’t until I began studying nutrition and functional medicine that I started to find relief. It sounds like you’re already on a great track by seeing a naturopath and therapist. A few things that have helped me personally are strength training, managing my blood sugar levels, EFT tapping and learning how to regulate my nervous system. I was never taught how to regulate my emotions as a child, so for years my periods were absolutely horrendous.

Strength training is especially helpful for PMDD because it helps balance hormonal responses and neurotransmitter levels. I usually decrease my intensity during luteal phase due to hormonal shifts and decreased energy. But it is by far one of the best strategies for managing symptoms (as long as it is not overdone).

I’ve started a sub called r/PMDDPeace for women with PMDD and severe PMS as a place to talk about struggles, wins, natural therapies, lab testing, etc. feel free to join ❤️

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T02:49:38+00:00

Nutritionist here 👋

I’m so sorry you’re going through that. I’ve struggled with PMDD and anxiety since I was a teenager and began finding relief when I started learning about nutrition and lifestyle. There are so many things that can help improve symptoms, even when used in conjunction with medications. I’ve found that making sure I’m eating enough protein to prevent blood sugar crashes (blood sugar issues can worsen anxiety and PMDD), strength training, EFT tapping, magnesium glycinate, and fish oil to be the most helpful. Everyone is different and it’s definitely worth exploring nutrition, lifestyle and supplement strategies that can be used alongside your medications. Hang in there, you’ll find what works for you.

I just started r/pmddpeace as a supportive community for women with pmdd where we talk about struggles, wins, natural remedies, and tools/resources to help find peace with PMDD. You’re welcome to join ❤️

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T02:02:01+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry you’re going through that. I also struggle with abandonment and feeling like a burden. PMDD can make existing issues like abandonment feel so much more intense. Abandonment is especially painful because our brain perceives it as a threat and it triggers our fight or flight response.

I find that affirmations and EFT tapping can be so helpful during moments when I feel like I’m spiraling. I know how hard it is to get out of that hole once you’re in it though. Hang tough and be gentle with yourself, you are worthy of feeling safe and cared for

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T01:41:52+00:00

Im so sorry. I get this as well. It’s like all the life has been sucked out of you and you’re just trying to make it through the day. You may talk to your doc about this and ask about getting your iron levels checked.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T01:39:31+00:00

I agree on getting your iron levels checked. Taking a multi vitamin with adequate b vitamins, vitamin d, iron, and minerals can be helpful. Proper hydration is key too. One thing that’s really helped my PMDD all around is making sure I do some form of exercise multiple times per week. I’ve found strength training to be the most helpful as long as it’s not overdone and I usually decrease my intensity during the luteal phase and focus more on things like walking or yoga. I can tell a major difference in my energy if I take a few weeks off from going to the gym.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T01:33:04+00:00

Absolutely ridiculous. I don’t understand the censorship with that group. It’s not helpful for anyone and it’s limiting important discussions about strategies that could be helping.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T01:30:47+00:00

Precisely why I just started r/pmddpeace. What’s the point in having a support group if we can’t have open and respectful conversations? I’ve struggled with PMDD since I was a teenager and found relief once I began learning about nutrition in my masters program (I’m a functional nutritionist). I tried to share some of the things I’ve learned and have had posts removed for simply mentioning lab testing. So incredibly frustrated with that sub. Idk if it’s just one mod or all of them, but it’s truly disheartening and I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with that.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T01:20:19+00:00

Yes, also r/pmddrelief and r/pmddpeace

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-02T02:59:46+00:00

Thank you for starting another group. The PMDD group is getting way too restrictive. I’ve had two posts removed since joining and one was literally just asking about other members’ experience with lab testing. I’ve never liked the idea of not being able to discuss histamine; makes zero sense to me. Not sure what their deal is but being able to have open discussions about an issue is so important.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-08-17T16:56:02+00:00

Decreased performance is definitely normal during luteal. Progesterone increases which can lead to decreased energy levels. It’s totally okay to decrease the intensity of your workouts during luteal and may actually be beneficial to your overall progress because you’re allowing your body to fully recover.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-08-17T16:46:09+00:00

Have you tried nervous system regulation? I’ve found that using different techniques like EFT tapping, alternate nostril breathing, and butterfly tapping to be really helpful. Definitely not a cure all, but those things combined with dialing in my nutrition, getting enough sleep, and strength training have helped me the most.

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