PMS and PMDD: Can Cannabis and CBD Help?

PMS and PMDD: Can CBD and Cannabis help?

Last year, I became close with someone who at a certain time of the month would start acting a bit “peculiar”. It was like her wonderful woolen Locs of hair transformed into vipers lol. The vibe wasn't vibing to say the least 😅. Conversations were tenser, responses were short…definitely not a vibe. One day in frustration I asked “What’s up with all this?” She replied “I’m PMSing, leave me alone” and a light bulb went off. You never know how inspiration can find you. 💡

Throughout my practice, I’ve made it important to find solutions to the problems that people are presenting me. So when someone close to me is dealing with an issue, it becomes a priority of mine. I’ve personally seen how these conditions can drastically affect daily life. If you’ve been curious about what PMS and PMDD are, how they’re diagnosed, and how both traditional and holistic treatments—including cannabis and CBD—might help, you’re in the right place.

Defining PMS and PMDD

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) includes physical and emotional symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, irritability, breast tenderness, and changes in appetite that arise in the week or two before menstruation. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS, often featuring extreme irritability, drastic mood shifts, and feelings of hopelessness or anxiety.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, PMS affects about 90% of menstruating women at some point, while PMDD impacts an estimated 3-8% of women of reproductive age.

Pearls

• PMDD is a clinically significant disorder requiring professional attention.

• Hormonal fluctuations in serotonin and GABA levels may contribute to the severity of PMDD.

Signs, Symptoms, Progression, and Diagnosis

PMS and PMDD symptoms commonly appear during the luteal phase (the period between ovulation and menstruation). These can include:

• Mood changes: Irritability, depression, anxiety

• Physical symptoms: Bloating, headaches, breast tenderness

• Behavioral changes: Insomnia, appetite changes, trouble concentrating

While PMS symptoms typically resolve with menstruation, PMDD symptoms are more severe and can significantly affect daily life. The DSM-5 outlines the timing and severity of symptoms needed for a PMDD diagnosis. Keeping a symptom diary for at least two cycles can help in identifying patterns and confirming the condition.

Pearls

• A dedicated symptom diary over multiple cycles aids accurate diagnosis.

• Some women experience relief during pregnancy or after menopause, highlighting the crucial role of hormonal balance.

Demographic Data: Who Is Affected?

Most commonly, PMS and PMDD appear in women aged late teens to early 40s, though individuals beyond that range can still be affected.

Effects on African American Women
Recent research indicates that African American women may experience equal or higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe PMS and PMDD compared to other racial groups. A study published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities found that African American women reported more severe physical and emotional symptoms and often faced barriers such as limited healthcare access or cultural stigma. Underdiagnosis or undertreatment can be common when symptoms are dismissed or normalized as something to “push through.”

While these conditions don’t discriminate by race or socioeconomic status, factors like stress, cultural perceptions, and healthcare access can influence both the severity of symptoms and the likelihood of seeking treatment.

Pearls

• Stress linked to socioeconomic factors can exacerbate PMS and PMDD symptoms.

• Greater education and awareness lead to earlier diagnosis and better symptom management, especially in underserved communities.

Types and Pros & Cons of Traditional Treatments

Hormonal Contraceptives

• Pros: Help regulate hormone fluctuations, potentially stabilizing mood swings.

• Cons: Can have side effects such as mood changes and increased risk of clots.

Antidepressants (SSRIs)

• Pros: Regulate serotonin levels, improving mood-related symptoms of PMDD.

• Cons: Can cause side effects like nausea, sleep disturbances, or decreased libido.

Diuretics

• Pros: Help relieve bloating and water retention.

• Cons: Risk of electrolyte imbalance.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Pros: Exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can reduce symptoms.

• Cons: May require consistent effort and might not fully address severe symptoms.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends personalized approaches, as symptom severity can vary greatly between individuals.

Pearls

• Treatment depends on individual health conditions—what works for one may not for another.

• SSRIs can be used only during the luteal phase to limit side effects.

Holistic Treatments: Going Beyond Medication

1. Nutritional Supplements: Calcium and Magnesium have been linked to mood and stress reduction. Research in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research found calcium supplementation helped reduce PMS mood disturbances.

2. Herbal Remedies: Chasteberry may help regulate hormone levels, though more research is needed.

3. Mindfulness and Yoga: Can reduce stress and improve overall emotional well-being.

4. Acupuncture: Some report relief through improved energy flow and stress response.

Pros: Often fewer side effects, promotes overall wellness, encourages active patient involvement.
Cons: Varying scientific support; some remedies lack rigorous regulation.

Pearls

• Holistic treatments can complement traditional therapies for an integrative approach.

• Consistency in lifestyle and dietary changes is key for long-term benefits.

Potential Benefit of Cannabis and CBD to Manage Symptoms

Cannabis and CBD (cannabidiol) have drawn increasing attention for their potential in alleviating pain, anxiety, and mood swings associated with PMS and PMDD.

How Cannabis and CBD Work

Both cannabis and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which influences mood, pain perception, and the stress response. Beyond this, preliminary studies indicate that cannabinoids may help modulate serotonin and GABA, two neurotransmitters heavily implicated in mood regulation:

• Serotonin: Linked to mood, anxiety, and depression; balancing serotonin levels can alleviate the intense mood fluctuations seen in PMDD.

• GABA: Helps calm brain activity; enhancing GABA’s effect can reduce irritability and anxiety, common in PMS and PMDD.

Harvard Health Publishing discusses the growing interest in medical marijuana for pain and mood, though more studies on PMS and PMDD specifically are necessary.

Routes of Administration and Their Benefits

1. Tinctures and Oils: Allow precise dosage control; effects begin within 30-60 minutes.

2. Edibles: Provide longer-lasting relief but can take 1-2 hours to take effect.

3. Topicals: Target localized areas (like the lower abdomen for cramps) without systemic effects.

4. Inhalation (Smoking/Vaping): Quick onset in minutes, though effects might wear off sooner.

Pros

• May reduce pain, emotional distress, and anxiety with fewer side effects than certain pharmaceuticals.

• Multiple administration methods for personalized use.

Cons

• Legal restrictions exist; check local laws.

• Potential for drowsiness, appetite changes, or other side effects.

• Clinical research on PMS and PMDD specifically is still limited.

Pearls

• Start low and go slow with dosage, especially if you’re new to cannabis or CBD.

• Combining CBD with other natural remedies—like magnesium—may offer enhanced mood benefits.

Rolling It All Up

PMS and PMDD are common yet uniquely challenging conditions. It can severely impact mental health, relationships, productivity and overall quality of life. Like any other condition, identifying and acknowledging it is the first step to finding solutions. If you or a partner are regularly affected by changes in hormonal cycle, there are many options available to help manage the symptoms. CBD and cannabis are good options as they have been suggested to influence serotonin and GABA- neurotransmitters that affect mood. Remember, each person’s journey is different—some respond best to lifestyle modifications, while others need medical or complementary support. While it may seem scary, as you can see…there are ways to keep the vipers from striking or getting turned into stone 😉

Pearls

• Consult with a healthcare professional for a tailored treatment plan before trying new supplements.

• Growing research hints that improved gut health and nutritional support may further stabilize hormonal fluctuations.

We’re always here to listen and help—so reach out to us with any questions you may have. If you’re considering CBD products, I personally create trusted, safe, and effective CBD at DrDamas.com, offering you the peace of mind that comes from physician-formulated products.

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