Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) has long been a health condition causing much distress for women. It is a type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) condition with severe symptoms that can significantly interfere with a patient’s daily activities and relationships. However, in recent years there has been a growing understanding of this disorder and how to treat it effectively.

There are a number of physical and psychological symptoms associated with PMDD, which can make it difficult to cope with day-to-day life. However, there are currently treatments available in Australia that can help to ease the symptoms.

From traditional medication to making lifestyle changes (e.g. exercise and diet), to complementary and alternative medicines (e.g. traditional Chinese medicine and chiropractic care), there’s a wide range of treatment options PMDD patients can try out to resolve their condition.

In recent years, medical practitioners have also begun studying the potential of medicinal cannabis in managing and treating PMDD symptoms. Although research is early and ongoing, there have been hopes for medicinal cannabis to help with pain symptoms associated with PMDD.

Keep reading to learn more about PMDD and its treatment options in Australia.

What is PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is a group of symptoms that occur in the lead-up to a woman’s period. For most women, these symptoms are mild and do not require treatment. However, for some women, the symptoms can be so severe that they significantly interfere with their day-to-day life. This is what is known as PMDD.

Symptoms for PMDD typically start around ovulation (halfway through the menstrual cycle) and continue until the start of the period. For some women, the symptoms may be so severe that they struggle to carry out their usual activities or have difficulty maintaining relationships.

What are the Common Causes of PMDD?

The exact cause of PMDD is unknown. However, it is thought to be linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. In particular, it is believed that fluctuations in levels of the hormone progesterone may play a role.

It is also worth noting that PMDD often occurs in women who have a family history of mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the condition.

Some risk factors that have been associated with an increased chance of developing PMDD include:

• A family history of PMDD or other mood disorders
• A history of depression or anxiety
• Stressful life events

PMDD can develop at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women in their late 20s to early 40s. It may be linked to changes in hormone levels that occur during this time in a woman’s life.

What are the Symptoms of PMDD?

The symptoms of PMDD can vary from woman to woman, but usually include a combination of physical and psychological symptoms. However, there are some general symptoms associated with the disorder.

These may include:

• Severe mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Irritability
• Tension headaches
• Fatigue or insomnia
• Digestive problems such as bloating or constipation/diarrhea
• Acne flare-ups
• Menstrual pain

Symptoms typically begin around one to two weeks before a woman’s period and resolve once her period begins. However, the severity and duration of symptoms can vary from woman to woman.

What are Treatments for PMDD?

There are a number of different treatment options available for PMDD in Australia. Treatment will generally be tailored to the individual, taking into account the severity of their symptoms and any other health conditions they may have.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common treatments for PMDD:

• Traditional medication: A range of traditional medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of PMDD. These can include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and pain relief medication
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is sometimes used to treat PMDD. This can involve taking progesterone or birth control pills to regulate hormone levels
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can help to ease the symptoms of PMDD. Reducing stress levels may also be helpful
• Psychotherapy: Talking to a therapist about symptoms and feelings can be beneficial for some women with PMDD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that has been found to be particularly helpful in treating PMDD
• Complementary and alternative therapies: Some women may find relief from symptoms by using complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy
• Medical cannabis: There is ongoing research into the potential of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of PMDD. In particular, there is interest in its ability to help with pain symptoms associated with the disorder. However, further research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn

Treatment for PMDD requires a multi-disciplinary approach. This means that a team of healthcare professionals will work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. This may include your GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, and/or obstetrician/gynecologist.

Medicinal Cannabis and PMDD

Medicinal cannabis is a therapeutic product made from the cannabis plant. It contains active compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is involved in a number of physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, and appetite.

Medicinal cannabis is made up of a range of different cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the compound responsible for the “high” that people experience when they smoke cannabis. CBD does not cause a high, but it has been shown to have a number of therapeutic and medicinal benefits. As a result, the ratio of THC to CBD in a medicinal cannabis product is carefully controlled.

The use of medicinal cannabis to treat health conditions is a relatively new concept. However, it is an area that is growing rapidly, with more and more countries legalising its use. In Australia, medicinal cannabis was legalised in 2016 and has since been made available to patients with a range of conditions. It is currently regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

There is currently limited evidence for the use of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of PMDD. However, there is some research that suggests it may be beneficial to those experiencing PMDD.

A study published in the Addiction Research & Theory Journal suggests that medicinal cannabis can help to ease the symptoms of PMDD, including insomnia, irritability, depression and joint pain. It is thought to work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating mood and other functions.

However, the correct dosage is important when taking medicinal cannabis. Too much THC can actually worsen anxiety and paranoia, research is currently focused on finding the optimum THC to CBD ratio for the treatment of PMDD.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids and PMDD

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for PMDD.

Who can prescribe medical marijuana in Australia?

In Australia, medicinal cannabis can only be prescribed by a specialised medical practitioner. This includes doctors who have completed an accredited course in medicinal cannabis prescribing, as well as certain specialists such as oncologists, neurologists and palliative care physicians.

Medical professionals need to apply with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to prescribe medicinal cannabis products. The TGA will only approve applications after deeming that the appropriate medicinal cannabis product is being prescribed.

There are two main ways to access medicinal cannabis products in Australia: through a clinical trial or via the Special Access Scheme (SAS). Clinical trials are ongoing research studies that aim to assess the safety and efficacy of new treatments. To be eligible for a clinical trial, you must meet certain criteria set by the researchers conducting the study.

The SAS is a mechanism that allows patients with serious conditions to access unregistered therapeutic goods, including most medicinal cannabis products. Access is granted on a case-by-case basis and requires approval from the TGA. To be eligible for the SAS, the treating medical practitioner must also have tried all conventional treatments for their patients’ condition and found them to be ineffective.

What age does PMDD usually start?

The age at which PMDD can start varies from person to person. However, most cases of PMDD are diagnosed in women who are in their late teens or early twenties.

What is the root cause of PMDD?

The exact cause of PMDD is not yet known. However, it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels, particularly during the lead-up to menstruation. It is also believed that there may be a genetic component, as PMDD often runs in families.

There may also be other risk factors associated with PMDD such as stress, anxiety and depression.

What is the difference between PMDD and PMS?

PMS is a common condition that affects many women in the lead-up to their period. The symptoms of PMS are similar to those of PMDD, but they are usually less severe. The main difference between PMDD and PMS is that the symptoms of PMDD are severe enough to interfere with everyday life.

Another key difference includes PMDD symptoms usually starting one to two weeks before menstruation and disappearing once the period begins, whereas PMS symptoms typically begin during the second half of the menstrual cycle.