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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe, debilitating form of PMS. We’re going to be breaking down what it is, how it differs from PMS, what causes it, and whether medical cannabis for premenstrual dysphoric disorder could play a role in symptom management.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
What Is PMDD and How Does It Differ from PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, can be experienced by anyone who has periods. Essentially it’s the name for the symptoms most people have on the run up to a period, including bloating, cramping and headaches. Most people who have periods will experience at least one of these symptoms each month. And whilst they’re not pleasant, they’re generally considered mild to moderate in comparison to PMDD.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS. Instead of bloating, cramping and headaches, PMDD causes intense emotional and physical symptoms in the weeks leading up to a period. And this can significantly disrupt daily life with symptoms such as severe mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and difficulty functioning.
While the exact cause of this severe chronic condition isn’t fully understood, PMDD is thought to stem from an abnormal reaction in the brain to the natural hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. This can affect neurotransmitters (which are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in how your brain and body communicate) like serotonin. This heightened sensitivity to both hormones and neurotransmitters is what makes PMDD far more debilitating than PMS.
What Are the Common Symptoms and Causes of PMDD?
Like we said above, the exact cause of PMDD isn’t known. It could be an abnormal reaction to the normal hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. This can affect things like serotonin - a substance found naturally in the brain that can affect mood.
Genetics may also potentially play a role, as the condition can run in families. And finally, some environmental factors such as stress, trauma, or lifestyle habits can further contribute to its severity.
Common emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD include:
- Mood swings, depression, or crying
- Feeling hopeless, anxious or anxiety
- Anger, irritability or a sense of losing control
- Trouble concentrating or “brain fog”
- Changes in sleep or eating habits, including cravings
- Fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Sore breasts
- Headaches/migraines
- Bloating or weight gain
These symptoms can be so severe that people can struggle with home life, work life, and relationships.
How Is PMDD Diagnosed?
The above symptoms can also often overlap with symptoms of other conditions. Which is why it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose PMDD. And, the only way to get a diagnosis of PMDD is by symptom tracking alongside the menstrual cycle for at least 2 months, and often over multiple months. And this can often also delay PMDD treatment in the UK.
Many people are often supported by gynaecologists or mental health professionals until they get their diagnosis, and after the fact. But, as you can imagine, this doesn’t make PMDD any less frustrating, painful and debilitating to daily life.
Now, let’s explore medical cannabis for PMDD.
How Does Medical Cannabis Help with Period Pain and Dysmenorrhoea?
The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids which are active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. THC is just one of these compounds. It’s psychoactive, so it can produce a ‘high’. One of its potential therapeutic benefits is pain relief. CBD is another compound, but it’s non-psychoactive, so won’t cause a ‘high’. Although it still has some potential therapeutic benefits including easing inflammation, anxiety, and helping to manage overall wellbeing.
To understand how medical cannabis works in the body to potentially help with PMDD, we first need to explain the endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that experts believe plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, inflammation and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis has the potential to work positively on so many different conditions. THC and CBD can interact with and influence these receptors to potentially regulate pain, mood sleep and more.
But what’s the link between the endocannabinoid system and PMDD? Well, for someone with PMDD, this could mean the ECS can potentially play a key role in relieving menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, and uterine inflammation tied to PMDD - plus more. Think about cannabinoids for menstrual pain, anxiety, depression and how they can work to potentially be a life-changing solution for those suffering with PDMM and some of its debilitating symptoms.
Can Medical Cannabis Help Manage PMDD Symptoms?
Whilst medical cannabis for PMS vs PMDD isn’t really something you need to consider, there is some emerging research and patient reports that suggest cannabinoids may potentially help with symptoms common in PMDD, such as mood swings, sleep issues, and physical discomfort.
For example, this study into menstrual-cycle-related discomfort highlights how THC and CBD’s effects on pain, inflammation, and the body’s endocannabinoid system could theoretically support symptom management. However, clinical data remains very limited at the time of writing this article, there are no large, high-quality trials on the effectiveness of medical cannabis for PMDD.
It’s also important to remember that individual responses to medical cannabis can vary widely. So, whether or not it’s an appropriate option for you must always be assessed by a qualified clinician, like the experts at Alternaleaf.
CBD vs THC for PMDD: Which Cannabinoid Is More Effective?
THC for PMDD pain and sleep
This study explores how THC can potentially reduce pain intensity by modulating pain perception via central nervous system pathways.
There’s research that implies THC can induce sleep. When it binds to receptors in the brain, it sends messages to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain’s arousal system, causing you to feel sedated or sleepy.
CBD for PMDD mood swings
We mentioned above that CBD has shown to have anti-anxiety effects. And this is potentially partly due to its interactions with the serotonin (5-HT) receptor, which then creates a possible link between medical cannabis and hormonal imbalance - and creates another potential way to ease PMDD symptoms like low mood or anxiety.
Like we mentioned above, THC is psychoactive, so it can produce a ‘high’, CBD is non-psychoactive, so won’t cause a ‘high’. But have you ever considered the two compounds as a pair? A phenomenon known as the entourage effect suggests that sometimes the two together can potentially produce different effects on certain health conditions. And many medical cannabis strains actually contain both.
As always, it’s important to have clinical oversight - like the guidance of our expert clinician at Alternaleaf - and start low and go slow. That way you, and your clinician can assess how your own body reacts to your medication. Remember, everyone is different.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Medical Cannabis for PMDD?
Every medication comes with potential risks, and medical cannabis is no different. But possible side effects are rare, and can vary depending on THC and CBD content. Likewise, personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition could also play a role. Although medical cannabis is generally well tolerated, some possible side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis, as your prescriber will be able to advise on dosage to avoid this while still achieving symptom relief.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications, such as antidepressants or SSRIs. Your clinician will explain all this in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. And if you are experiencing any side effects, speak to them. It may be a simple case of altering your dosage.
Always consult your healthcare professional if you’re considering medical cannabis. Ongoing medical review is important, and you’ll have clinical supervision every step of the way with Alternaleaf. Our experts will personalise your treatment plan and alter it when necessary. They’ll assess your medical history before prescribing, and take any previous or current medication into account.
Summary
PMDD is a serious hormonal and neurological condition that can significantly impact mood, wellbeing, and daily functioning.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. We have a dedicated Women’s Health Service, with a team of specialists who are trained in prescribing medical cannabis for women’s health conditions. Find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.