Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Remedies NYC - Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) impacts every aspect of life for those who experience it, from physical discomfort to emotional turmoil. But there's hope. Healing Arts NYC provides natural, holistic solutions to treat PMDD. 

-Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Natural Remedies for PMDD at the Healing Arts NYC Health and Wellness Center in Manhattan NY 10017 and Connecticut

What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe and debilitating form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects about 5–8% of menstruating people. Unlike PMS, PMDD causes more extreme emotional and physical symptoms that can disrupt daily life, relationships, and work. It typically begins in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle and resolves a few days after menstruation starts. 

Women with PMDD often feel misunderstood, as the symptoms go beyond "normal" menstrual discomfort. The good news is that PMDD can be managed effectively and holistically with the right approach. 

PDMM Symptoms

PMDD brings with it a wide range of symptoms that can deeply affect one's quality of life. Here are the most common ones explained in detail:

• Severe mood swings: Intense emotional highs and lows can make it challenging to maintain stable relationships.
• Depression or hopelessness: Feelings of sadness or despair can significantly limit daily activities and motivation.
• Irritability or anger: Even minor inconveniences can provoke intense frustration, impacting social interactions.
• Anxiety or tension: Constant worry or nervousness may make it challenging to focus or relax.
• Fatigue: An overwhelming lack of energy can interfere with work, exercise, and social life.
• Physical pain: Symptoms like cramps, headaches, and breast tenderness can feel unbearable.
• Sleep problems: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness disrupts daily routines and worsens fatigue.
• Food cravings or overeating: Intense cravings for salty, sweet, or fatty foods can lead to feelings of guilt or shame.

Common Causes of PDMM

The exact cause of PMDD isn't fully understood, but several factors contribute to its onset and severity. These include biological, hormonal, and lifestyle components:

• Hormonal sensitivity: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the luteal phase intensify emotional and physical responses in some individuals.

• Neurotransmitter imbalance: Low serotonin levels, a key mood-regulating chemical, may heighten irritability, anxiety, and depression.

• Chronic stress: A buildup of emotional or physical stress can worsen symptoms and make PMDD harder to manage.

• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, or vitamin B6 can exacerbate symptoms.



• Genetic predisposition: A family history of PMDD or mood disorders increases the likelihood of experiencing similar symptoms.

Treatment focuses on nourishing your body with natural remedies like whole food supplements, herbal-based therapies, and tailored dietary guidance. The program aims to restore hormonal balance, boost serotonin production, and strengthen your immune system. Dr. Armitstead also equips patients with stress management techniques and lifestyle adjustments to help manage symptoms without relying on medication.

The goal is simple but powerful—to alleviate PMDD symptoms and help you regain control of your daily life. By working with your body's natural healing processes, Dr. Armitstead ensures a long-lasting impact on your health and well-being. 

What Can Happen if PMDD Is Left Untreated

Without proper care, PMDD can severely disrupt your quality of life and overall health. Those who leave the condition unmanaged often find that symptoms grow progressively worse over time, taking a heavier toll on their emotional, social, and physical well-being.

Left untreated, PMDD can strain personal and professional relationships, as mood swings and irritability lead to interpersonal struggles. Work performance and career satisfaction may suffer due to fatigue, low concentration levels, and increased stress. Untreated PMDD raises the risk of long-term mental health challenges, including major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders.

On a physical level, neglecting PMDD could exacerbate menstrual irregularities and intensify symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. Poor sleep patterns and chronic pain could also emerge as secondary issues. Importantly, leaving the condition unmanaged may feed a cycle of emotional distress, further compounding the sense of frustration and isolation commonly experienced by those with PMDD. 

Amanda's PDMM Case Study

When Amanda walked into Healing Arts NYC, she had been struggling with PMDD for over a decade. Every month, the symptoms took over her life, leaving her exhausted and emotionally drained. Amanda experienced everything from intense mood swings to debilitating fatigue and persistent anxiety during the luteal phase of her cycle. She felt like she'd tried everything, but nothing seemed to work.

Dr. Alicia Armitstead introduced Amanda to nutrition response testing, explaining how muscle testing could uncover the root of her symptoms. Amanda was skeptical at first but hopeful. During her evaluation, Dr. Armitstead identified a vitamin and mineral deficiency that contributed to Amanda's low serotonin levels. She also pinpointed chronic stress and poor gut health as significant factors.

Amanda's treatment plan included whole food supplements, herbal remedies, and a personalized diet free from processed sugars and caffeine. The approach also involved stress-reduction techniques, like meditation and light exercise routines. Within three weeks, Amanda noticed subtle changes in her mood. By the end of three months, the mood swings had almost disappeared, and her energy levels had returned.

Amanda followed up regularly with Dr. Armitstead, refining the program to meet her body's changing needs. Today, Amanda describes herself as a "new woman." Her PMDD symptoms no longer control her life, and she's able to maintain a balanced emotional state even during challenging moments. 

Additional References

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health