How PMDD Affects Relationships, Careers, and Daily Life
By Camilla Brinkworth BHSc Naturopathy, Grad Cert Human Nutrition – Trauma-Informed Practitioner & Family Constellations Facilitator
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian dealing with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), you understand how deeply it impacts every area of your life. The emotional and physical symptoms can feel overwhelming, affecting your energy, mood, relationships, and career. What many women don’t realise is that PMDD doesn’t stem from abnormal hormone levels. In fact, hormone levels in women with PMDD are often entirely normal. The real issue lies in how the body responds to natural hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.
In this article, we’ll dive into how PMDD impacts daily life, from relationships to careers to simple everyday tasks, and explore natural, plant-based solutions to help support your body’s response to hormonal changes, bringing relief to your cycle and a renewed sense of balance.
How PMDD Impacts Daily Life
Living with PMDD means navigating the intensity of physical and emotional symptoms that arise during the luteal phase—two weeks before menstruation. These symptoms don’t just affect your physical health; they have a profound impact on your daily life.
Daily Tasks Become Overwhelming
Whether it’s running errands, doing household chores, or managing work commitments, PMDD makes even simple tasks feel like an uphill battle. Fatigue, brain fog, and physical discomfort like bloating and headaches can slow you down, making it difficult to keep up with your usual routine. You may feel frustrated by your inability to perform at the level you normally would, which can also lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety.
As a vegan or vegetarian, you’re already mindful of what you put into your body. However, PMDD’s impact on your energy levels can make even plant-rich, nutrient-dense meals feel like a chore to prepare. This is why it’s crucial to focus on nurturing your body with anti-inflammatory foods, omega-3 sources like Ahiflower, and magnesium-rich greens to help support your energy levels during this phase.
Emotional and Mental Health Struggles
The emotional toll of PMDD can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and depressive feelings often emerge during the luteal phase, making it difficult to focus on work, relationships, or simply enjoy the activities you love. For women with PMDD, these mood fluctuations can feel out of control, leading to feelings of hopelessness or isolation.
The good news is that PMDD doesn’t define you, and understanding that these emotional shifts are linked to hormonal fluctuations can bring a sense of relief. Supportive, plant-based remedies like Saffron—which can increase serotonin and improve mood—are particularly helpful for stabilising emotions.
How PMDD Affects Relationships and Social Life
The intense emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD can also take a toll on relationships. PMDD often leads to irritability, mood swings, and anxiety, which can make it challenging to connect with your partner, friends, or family. You may find yourself withdrawing from social activities, which can further contribute to feelings of isolation. In relationships, this can lead to misunderstandings if your loved ones are not aware of what you’re experiencing.
To address this, open communication with your partner and family about PMDD is essential. Explaining how hormonal fluctuations affect your mood and energy can help those around you offer more understanding and support. It’s also important to prioritise self-care and allow yourself the space to rest when needed—remember, your cycle doesn’t define your worth or your relationships.
PMDD and Career: Managing Work Life
For many women with PMDD, work life can become particularly challenging. Brain fog, fatigue, and irritability can make it difficult to stay focused or perform at your best. These symptoms can affect your productivity, leading to stress and feelings of inadequacy.
As a vegan or vegetarian, you may also feel more sensitive to the demands placed on your body, making it even harder to keep up with work commitments. The good news is, flexibility is key. If possible, try adjusting your workload during the luteal phase or using tools like time-blocking to create space for rest. Taking regular breaks throughout the day and incorporating mindfulness or breathing exercises can also help manage stress levels and improve focus.
Natural Solutions to Ease the Impact of PMDD
To support your body during the luteal phase and reduce PMDD symptoms, here are a few natural strategies to incorporate into your routine:
Dietary Adjustments: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and ginger, along with omega-3 rich foods like Ahiflower, which help balance hormones and reduce inflammation. Magnesium (found in leafy greens, seeds, and nuts) helps relieve tension and support your body during stressful times.
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) can regulate progesterone levels and reduce mood swings, while Kava is a powerful herb for relieving stress and improving sleep quality. Saffron helps enhance serotonin levels, bringing much-needed mood support.
Stress Management: Incorporating yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness meditation into your routine can help reduce cortisol levels and balance the emotional effects of PMDD.
Prioritising Self-Care: Give yourself permission to rest and recharge. When PMDD strikes, gentle self-compassion and setting boundaries are vital. Don’t feel guilty for scaling back on social or professional commitments when your energy is low.
Taking Control of Your PMDD Journey
While PMDD can feel all-consuming, it’s important to know that you don’t have to let it define you. Understanding how PMDD impacts daily life and using natural, plant-based solutions can significantly ease symptoms and help you regain control over your body and mind. By embracing a holistic approach that includes nutrition, herbal support, stress management, trauma-processing and self-care, you can manage your cycle and feel empowered.
If you’re looking for more personalised support, I invite you to explore my PMDD Transformation Programme. Together, we can create a plan tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to live more harmoniously with your cycle and reclaim your energy.
About Camilla Brinkworth
Camilla Brinkworth is a naturopath, clinical nutritionist, and trauma-informed practitioner specialising in PMDD, women’s health, and plant-based nutrition. Combining evidence-based natural medicine with emotional healing techniques such as Family Constellations, she helps women reduce PMDD symptoms and restore balance in mind and body.
Learn more about Camilla’s PMDD Transformation Programme and holistic consultations at www.camillaclare.com and www.PMDDnaturopath.com