Managing PMS & PMDD with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

PMS & PMDD Support

Many women are told that severe PMS is simply something they have to live with. While mild symptoms are common, feeling miserable for one to two weeks every month is not something you should have to accept.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects every woman differently. Some experience only a day or two of mild symptoms, while others struggle for up to two weeks before their period begins. For some, symptoms become so intense that they meet the criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a more severe condition that can significantly affect daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being.

PMS and PMDD symptoms can be both physical and emotional. You may experience:

• Breast tenderness
• Menstrual cramps
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Joint or muscle pain
• Acne flare-ups
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Crying spells
• Food cravings

For women with PMDD, symptoms can become much more intense and may include overwhelming sadness, feelings of hopelessness, panic attacks, irritability, or extreme anger.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through it month after month. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Point Injection Therapy (PIT), and simple lifestyle changes can work together to help regulate your cycle and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

How We Approach PMS & PMDD

We often recommend scheduling treatments during the second half of your menstrual cycle—the time when PMS symptoms typically begin. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s natural rhythms and encourages the smooth flow of Qi, which can help ease both physical discomfort and emotional symptoms.

One of the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine is that it can be individualized and adjusted from month to month. Your symptoms aren’t always the same—stress, sleep, work, and life changes all influence how you feel throughout your cycle. By modifying your herbal formula as your body changes, we can continue to support what you need most each month.

We also offer Point Injection Therapy (PIT), which uses small injections of homeopathic medicines into specific acupuncture points. Many patients find PIT especially helpful for relieving menstrual cramps and supporting mood during the days symptoms are at their worst.

Small Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Along with treatment, a few healthy habits can help minimize PMS and PMDD symptoms:

• Exercise regularly to support circulation and reduce stress.
• Prioritize stress management through activities like walking, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• During the week before your period, try reducing caffeine, sugar, and salty foods, which can contribute to bloating, mood changes, and energy crashes.

If your period leaves you dreading half of every month, know that there are options. You deserve to feel like yourself throughout your entire cycle—not just the weeks between your periods. We’d love to help you find a treatment plan that works for you.