Health/Wellness,  Podcast Episodes

What is PMDD? Signs, Symptoms, & Natural Support for Hormonal Balance

June 3, 2025 /

If you’ve ever felt like your PMS symptoms are so intense that they take over your life, it might be more than just PMS. You could be dealing with PMDD—Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder—a hormone-related mood disorder that impacts millions of women but is still widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed.

In this post, we’re diving into the signs and symptoms of PMDD, how it’s diagnosed, and natural strategies to support your hormones—straight from a conversation with Ashley Rocha, trained herbalist and founder of LadyWell, a women’s hormone support company.

What is PMDD?

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a severe and often debilitating form of PMS that occurs during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle (the 1–2 weeks leading up to your period). While both PMS and PMDD share common symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and fatigue, PMDD symptoms are more intense and disruptive—affecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

According to Ashley, PMDD symptoms include:

  • Severe mood changes, anxiety, or depression
  • Irritability or anger that feels unmanageable
  • Debilitating fatigue, brain fog, or insomnia
  • Physical discomfort like bloating, cramps, and joint pain
  • Emotional instability, often leading to crying spells or panic attacks

One of the biggest indicators that you’re dealing with PMDD vs. clinical depression or anxiety is that symptoms disappear shortly after your period starts—then return like clockwork the following month.

How Is PMDD Diagnosed?

There’s currently no lab test for PMDD. Diagnosis is based on symptom tracking across at least two full menstrual cycles. You’ll need to track both physical and emotional symptoms, making note of when they start, peak, and subside. A healthcare provider may also conduct hormone testing or screen for mental health conditions to rule out other causes.

Ashley recommends using a simple symptom tracker or app to log your experiences. This step alone can bring massive clarity—and is essential to getting a diagnosis and a personalized support plan.

How Does PMDD Affect Hormones?

PMDD is rooted in hormone sensitivity—especially how your brain and body respond to natural hormonal shifts in the luteal phase. It’s not necessarily that your hormone levels are “off,” but rather that your body has a heightened response to normal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone.

Ashley also highlights how gut health and liver detox pathways play a critical role. If your body isn’t eliminating used-up hormones efficiently, they can recirculate and increase estrogen dominance—exacerbating PMDD symptoms.

Natural Support for PMDD: Lifestyle & Herbal Remedies

While conventional PMDD treatment often includes antidepressants (SSRIs) or hormonal birth control, Ashley believes in the power of herbal support, lifestyle changes, and root-cause healing.

Here are her top natural strategies for PMDD:

1. Track Your Cycle

This is foundational. Knowing when your luteal phase begins and ends helps you understand what’s happening in your body—and empowers you to plan ahead and show yourself compassion during tough days. New to tracking? Checkout this blog post where I lay out the basics for you.

2. Support Your Liver & Gut

Detoxing estrogen through daily bowel movements is essential. Focus on whole foods, fiber, hydration, and reducing inflammation. Adding a quality probiotic and considering liver-supporting herbs (like milk thistle) can also help.

3. Use Hormone-Balancing Herbs

Ashley recommends herbs like:

  • Chasteberry (Vitex) – Supports progesterone and mood balance
  • Ashwagandha – Helps regulate stress and cortisol
  • Rhodiola – A powerful adaptogen for mental clarity and focus
  • Reishi and Lion’s Mane – Support the nervous system and cognition

Her all-in-one supplement, LadyWell’s Daily Hormone Balance, combines these herbs with essential nutrients to simplify hormone support for busy women.

4. Reduce Stress & Improve Sleep

High cortisol levels can worsen PMDD. Make rest a non-negotiable and consider incorporating gentle movement, sunlight exposure, and nervous system support into your routine.

5. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors

Minimize exposure to synthetic fragrances, plastics, and toxic cleaning products that interfere with your hormones. Even small swaps—like changing your laundry detergent—can make a difference.

Can I Use These Remedies During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Ashley notes that while not all herbs are safe during these stages, LadyWell has a prenatal-friendly line, and their Daily Hormone Balance is generally considered safe postpartum. However, it’s always best to consult your provider before starting new supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Final Thoughts

If you think you might be experiencing PMDD, know that you are not alone—and you are not broken. There are supportive tools, education, and resources available to help you feel more balanced, understood, and empowered in your body.

To learn more about natural hormone support or check out LadyWell’s product line, visit getladywell.com or follow @getladywell on Instagram.

And if you’re looking for personalized hormone testing and support (including HTMA or DUTCH testing) to get to the root of your PMDD symptoms, click here to apply to work with me 1:1.

By  Comments Off on What is PMDD? Signs, Symptoms, & Natural Support for Hormonal Balance