Healing PMDD Naturally: My Journey and What I’d Do Differently
By Camilla Brinkworth BHSc Naturopathy, Grad Cert Human Nutrition – Trauma-Informed Practitioner & Family Constellations Facilitator
Living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can feel incredibly overwhelming. For an incredibly challenging year of my life, I experienced the emotional and physical toll of PMDD—extreme mood swings, irritability, fatigue, insomnia and physical discomfort like bloating, headaches, and joint pain. It often felt like my body was betraying me, and every month, I braced myself for the same debilitating cycle. The emotional rollercoaster was exhausting, and the physical symptoms made everyday life feel like an uphill battle.
I decided that conventional treatments—the birth control, antidepressants, and other short-term fixes—weren't for me and that none of these offered a root-cause solution. I was searching for something deeper, something that would address the root causes of my PMDD. That’s when I turned to natural healing. What followed was a complete transformation of my body and mind.
In this article, I’ll share my personal journey of healing PMDD naturally, the dietary and lifestyle changes that made a significant difference, and what I would have done differently if I could go back. Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or have been managing PMDD for years, I hope my experience offers insight and practical steps for finding long-term relief.
My Personal Experience with PMDD
Like many women, I struggled tremendously with the emotional and physical toll of PMDD. My symptoms weren’t just annoying; they were life-altering. I would experience unpredictable mood swings, debilitating anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and physical symptoms like bloating and headaches that made even the simplest tasks feel impossible. These symptoms affected my work, relationships, and overall well-being.
I found myself constantly searching for relief, but conventional treatments—like hormonal medications and pain relievers—would have been a temporary fix at best. While they can help manage symptoms in the short-term, they don't address the deeper, underlying causes of my PMDD. For me, merely masking the symptoms wasn’t enough. I needed a more holistic approach—one that would heal my body and restore my nervous system.
As a naturopath and kundalini yoga and meditation teacher, I decided to look beyond conventional medicine. I began to research, experiment, and incorporate lifestyle changes, nutrition, and stress management techniques into my routine. Slowly, I started to see the transformation I had been desperately seeking. This journey led me to integrate dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing techniques—all of which played a pivotal role in managing my PMDD.
Why I Turned to Natural Healing for PMDD
After enduring a horrrendous year of emotional and physical strain with PMDD, I realised that relying solely on even natural herbal medicines and supplements wasn’t sufficient. While some natural remedies offered sigbnficant temporary relief, they didn’t address the deeper emotional and hormonal imbalances at the root of my symptoms. That’s when I chose to explore other forms of mind-body natural healing and trauma-informed healing as a long-term solution.
The shift to holistic healing was a game-changer. I understood that PMDD isn’t just about fluctuating hormones—it’s about how the body responds to those fluctuations. I needed to approach healing not just from a hormonal perspective, but from a more integrated approach that addressed emotional health, stress management, and nervous system balance.
By focusing on whole-body healing, I realised that nutrition plays a crucial role in hormonal balance and overall health. I also discovered that herbal remedies, adaptogens, and anti-inflammatory foods could help restore balance and reduce the intensity of PMDD symptoms. This holistic approach became the foundation of my healing journey.
The Benefits of a Holistic Approach
The most empowering aspect of using natural methods to heal PMDD is the sense of control it gives you. I no longer relied on medications to manage my symptoms. Instead, I began to realise that lasting change came from making intentional lifestyle choices and emotional healing.
This holistic shift not only improved my symptoms but also allowed me to understand my body in a more compassionate and informed way. I learned to listen to my body, treat it with care, and give it what it needed to thrive.
Key Natural Approaches I Used to Heal PMDD
As I worked through my journey of healing PMDD naturally, I focused on dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices that supported my overall well-being. These approaches made a significant difference in managing my symptoms. Here are the key strategies that had the most impact:
Dietary Changes and Anti-Inflammatory Plant-Based Proteins
I knew that what I ate had a profound impact on my hormonal health, so nutrition was one of the first areas I focused on. Incorporating more anti-inflammatory plant-based proteins into my diet was a game-changer. Foods like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and quinoa provided me with the essential proteins I needed for neurotransmitter health, while also reducing inflammation that exacerbated my PMDD symptoms. These plant proteins are also rich in fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, which helped stabilise my energy levels and reduce common PMDD symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and bloating.
Herbal Remedies for Hormonal Support
I also turned to herbal remedies to support my body’s hormonal balance and emotional health. Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) was one of the first herbs I used to regulate my progesterone levels, better regulat my cycle and reduce mood swings. I also introduced Saffron into my routine, as it’s clinically proven for its powerful mood-enhancing properties, which helped reduce the emotional intensity of PMDD. For stress relief and better sleep, Kava became an essential part of my evening routine. These herbs helped balance my hormones, support my nervous system, and provided relief from the emotional intensity and anxiety that often accompany PMDD.
Magnesium and Omega-3 for Stress Management
I quickly realised the importance of supporting my nervous system. I made magnesium a key part of my daily routine, as it helped me manage stress, relax my muscles, and improve sleep. Magnesium supported my body’s ability to cope with the stresses of life, and PMDD. Additionally, I focused on omega-3 fatty acids from Ahiflower oil, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. These helped reduce inflammation, supported serotonin production, and stabilised my mood, which was crucial during the luteal phase.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Healing
As someone who had experienced emotional trauma in the past, I recognised that stress management and emotional healing were just as important as nutrition and supplements. I began integrating mindfulness, meditation, and gentle yoga into my daily routine to help calm my nervous system. I also explored Family Constellations and Rapid Core Healing, which allowed me to release emotional trauma and deep-seated stress. These practices supported emotional regulation and helped me process the emotional triggers that were amplifying my PMDD symptoms.
What I’d Do Differently: Lessons Learned Along the Way
Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for the progress I’ve made, but there are a few things I would do differently if I could start over. Here are the lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Trust the Process and Be Patient: Healing takes time. I would have been kinder to myself, trusting the process and not rushing the healing journey.
Incorporate Holistic Support Sooner: I would have integrated stress management and trauma healing techniques much earlier on.
Prioritise Emotional Health and Self-Care: Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. I wish I had placed more emphasis on self-care and emotional healing.
Maintain a Balanced Approach: Gradual, balanced changes are key to sustainability. I would have focused on small, manageable steps instead of drastic changes all at once.
How Natural Healing Can Help You Too
If you’re reading this, you may be wondering how natural healing can help you manage PMDD. The journey I’ve shared was deeply personal, but the strategies I used are applicable to many women experiencing the same struggles.
If you’re just beginning your journey or looking for ways to manage PMDD naturally, here’s how you can start:
Start with Nutrition
Add Herbal Support to Your Routine
Incorporate Stress Management Techniques
Prioritise Emotional Healing
You don’t have to go through this alone—support is available.
Healing PMDD naturally takes time, dedication, and compassion. With a combination of nutrition, herbal remedies, stress management, and emotional healing, you can reclaim control of your health and find long-term relief.
If you’re ready to start your healing journey, I invite you to explore my PMDD Transformation Programme. Together, we can create a plan that’s tailored to your unique needs, helping you restore balance and live life more freely.
About Camilla Brinkworth
Camilla Brinkworth is a naturopath, nutritionist, and trauma-informed practitioner specialising in PMDD support, plant-based nutrition, hormonal health, and emotional healing. With a deep understanding of the connection between PMDD and emotional trauma, Camilla helps women regain control of their health by combining holistic nutrition, herbal remedies, and trauma-healing practices. Through her PMDD Transformation Programme, she guides women in managing their symptoms naturally and restoring balance to both their body and mind. Camilla’s personal journey with PMDD drives her passion for supporting women on their healing journey and empowering them to thrive.