Healing PMDD with Emotional Mind Integration, Family Constellations, and Hyper-Nourishment
Natural PMDD Treatment: Understanding Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects approximately 3-8% of menstruating individuals (Eisenlohr-Moul et al., 2017). Characterised by intense mood swings, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and physical symptoms, PMDD has been linked to hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and past trauma. Conventional treatments often focus on pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants or hormone therapies, but many individuals seek holistic approaches that address the root causes of their symptoms. Alternative medicine approaches, including herbal remedies and lifestyle changes, are also explored by many women seeking relief from PMDD symptoms. Emotional Mind Integration (EMI), Family Constellations Therapy, and Dr. Brooke Goldner’s Hyper-Nourishment Protocol offer a powerful, integrative approach to healing PMDD naturally.
A PMDD diagnosis typically requires tracking symptoms over at least two menstrual cycles to ensure accurate identification and differentiation from other mood disorders.
Introduction to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a significant number of women of childbearing age. Unlike typical PMS, which can cause mild discomfort, PMDD is characterized by intense physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. Women with PMDD often experience severe mood swings, breast tenderness, and menstrual cramps, among other symptoms. These symptoms can be so debilitating that they disrupt normal activities and strain personal relationships. In this section, we will explore the basics of PMDD, its symptoms, and the available treatment options, including natural remedies and prescription medications.
Understanding the Condition
PMDD is a complex condition influenced by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the fluctuations in ovarian hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can affect neurotransmitter function, leading to the emotional and physical symptoms associated with PMDD. Women with a history of mood disorders, early childhood trauma, or other mental health conditions may be more susceptible to developing PMDD. Consulting a qualified natural health practitioner can help women understand their symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
Risk Factors and Signs
Several risk factors can increase a woman’s likelihood of developing PMDD. These include a family history of the condition, a personal history of depression or anxiety, and significant stress. Common symptoms of PMDD include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, and bloating are also prevalent. Additionally, women may experience food cravings, weight gain, and fluid retention, particularly in the days leading up to menstruation. Recognizing these risk factors and signs can help in early identification and management of PMDD.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of PMDD can vary from woman to woman, but they typically follow a predictable pattern. Symptoms often worsen in the days leading up to menstruation and improve once bleeding begins. A diagnosis of PMDD is typically made based on the presence of at least five symptoms, including one or more emotional symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, or depression. Healthcare providers may use a symptom diary or calendar to track symptoms over several menstrual cycles to confirm the diagnosis. This tracking helps in distinguishing PMDD from other mood disorders and ensures appropriate treatment.
The Link Between Trauma, Emotional Patterns, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Emerging research highlights the connection between early-life trauma and increased susceptibility to PMDD. Women with PMDD may experience the following symptoms: severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and physical symptoms. Women with a history of childhood trauma are significantly more likely to develop severe premenstrual symptoms due to dysregulated stress responses and heightened inflammatory markers (Girdler et al., 2018). Unresolved emotional trauma can create subconscious patterns of mood changes, self-sabotage, unhealthy attachment styles, and chronic stress, which can further exacerbate hormonal imbalances.
Emotional Mind Integration (EMI) for PMDD Emotional Symptoms
Emotional Mind Integration is a therapy that resolves subconscious emotional conflicts by integrating past trauma and rewiring limiting beliefs. EMI is particularly effective for PMDD recovery because:
It addresses emotional dysregulation: PMDD symptoms typically feature heightened mood instability. EMI helps process unresolved emotional trauma that may influence mood. By addressing these emotional conflicts, EMI can help alleviate low mood and other emotional symptoms associated with PMDD.
It reprograms subconscious beliefs: Negative self-perceptions and deep-seated stress responses can fuel PMDD symptoms. EMI helps to replace these with empowering, healing narratives (Hall, 2019).
It supports nervous system regulation: Many PMDD sufferers experience heightened fight-or-flight responses. EMI techniques promote parasympathetic nervous system activation, reducing stress and emotional reactivity.
FFamily Constellations Therapy and Healing Systemic Patterns
Family Constellations Therapy, developed by Bert Hellinger, addresses generational trauma and inherited emotional patterns that may contribute to PMDD.
Breaking intergenerational trauma cycles: Studies suggest that unresolved trauma can be epigenetically passed down, affecting stress resilience and emotional regulation in descendants (Yehuda & Bierer, 2009). Unresolved trauma can lead to increased sensitivity to stress and emotional triggers, exacerbating PMDD symptoms.
Restoring balance to the feminine lineage: Many women carry subconscious emotional burdens from female ancestors, leading to suppressed emotions, internalised stress, and physical symptoms such as PMDD.
Healing relationship dynamics: Dysfunctional family dynamics, especially concerning the mother-daughter relationship, can contribute to emotional distress and hormonal imbalances (Scholz, 2011).
By resolving these inherited emotional burdens, Family Constellations Therapy provides deep emotional relief, helping women create a healthier internal and external environment.
The Role of Hyper-Nourishment in PMDD Recovery
Dr. Brooke Goldner’s Hyper-Nourishment Protocol is a nutrition-based healing approach that focuses on an abundance of raw, plant-based foods, particularly leafy greens, omega-3-rich seeds, and high-antioxidant fruits. This protocol has been clinically shown to significantly reduce inflammation, whilst these nourishing foods support hormonal balance, and enhance mental clarity—all crucial for PMDD recovery.
How Hyper-Nourishment Helps PMDD
Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to PMDD symptoms. High doses of raw greens and flax/chia seeds provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits (Calder, 2017). In addition to reducing inflammation, this diet can also improve menstrual pain and other physical symptoms.
Balances hormones naturally: Nutrient-dense smoothies flood the body with micronutrients essential for hormonal stability, such as magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Supports neurotransmitter function: A diet rich in leafy greens and plant-based omega-3s supports serotonin production, which is often deficient in PMDD sufferers (Young, 2007). Avoiding salty foods can help reduce bloating and discomfort associated with PMDD.
Example PMDD Healing Smoothie
A powerful healing smoothie following Dr. Goldner’s protocol may include:
8 cups of mixed dark green leafy vegetables (packed down inside a large, powerful blender)
1/4 cup of flaxseeds or chia seeds
The remaining 1/4 of the blender should be fruit (frozen fruits such as banana, mango, berries and pineapple work well)
Water up to the line of the greens
A pinch of celtic sea salt
Drinking these smoothies daily floods the body with nutrients that help reduce bloating and alleviate PMDD symptoms at the root cause.
Integrating Emotional and Nutritional Healing for PMDD
By combining Emotional Mind Integration, Family Constellations, and the Hyper-Nourishment Protocol, individuals with PMDD can experience profound healing. This integrative approach:
Addresses the emotional root causes through subconscious reprogramming and generational healing.
Reduces systemic inflammation and hormonal imbalances using high-nutrient, anti-inflammatory foods.
Restores nervous system balance, reducing stress and emotional reactivity.
This holistic path empowers individuals to heal from PMDD naturally, without reliance on pharmaceutical interventions, by addressing both the mind and body’s deep-seated imbalances.
Herbal Remedies for Relief
Herbal remedies such as evening primrose oil, St. John’s Wort, and chasteberry may provide relief from PMDD symptoms. These herbal supplements can help alleviate mood swings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as physical symptoms such as menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified natural health practitioner before using any herbal remedies, as they can interact with other medications or have adverse reactions. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as aerobic exercise, yoga, and a balanced diet can help reduce stress and improve overall symptoms. By combining herbal remedies with lifestyle changes and other treatments, women can find effective relief from PMDD symptoms.
Conclusion
PMDD recovery requires a multifaceted approach that nurtures both emotional well-being and physical health. Emotional Mind Integration helps reprogram subconscious trauma, Family Constellations Therapy resolves generational stress patterns, and the Hyper-Nourishment Protocol provides the necessary nutrients to reduce inflammation and restore hormonal balance. By integrating these methods, women can experience not only symptom relief but deep, lasting healing.
If you’d like to receive personalised PMDD recovery support from somebody who has both personal experience with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and years of clinical experience, learn more about the PMDD Recovery programme here.
References
Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: nutrition or pharmacology? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 83(1), 152-166.
Eisenlohr-Moul, T. A., et al. (2017). Toward the reliable diagnosis of DSM-5 premenstrual dysphoric disorder: The critical role of diary screening. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 86, 22-30.
Girdler, S. S., et al. (2018). History of abuse and neglect predicts PMDD symptoms in women with chronic PTSD. Journal of Affective Disorders, 225, 79-87.
Hall, R. (2019). Emotional Mind Integration: Healing Trauma and Transforming the Subconscious Mind. Inner Balance Press.
Scholz, D. (2011). Family Constellations and Their Role in Healing. Systemic Perspectives Press.
Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin.
Yehuda, R., & Bierer, L. M. (2009). The relevance of epigenetics to PTSD: Implications for the DSM-V. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(5), 427-434.
Young, S. N. (2007). How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 32(6), 394-399.