Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle and is similar to PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, but the symptoms are more severe. Women may experience mood swings, fatigue, irritability, anxiety and insomnia, and may find it difficult to work, participate in social activities or maintain personal relationships. Conventional treatment for PMDD and PMS is similar and may include antidepressants and oral contraceptives, but these can have serious side effects. Herbal therapies that work for PMS can be an alternative to conventional drugs for PMDD. It is important to consult a health care professional before starting herbal therapy.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, or Vitex agnus-castus, is a perennial tree with tiny berries native to Europe. Traditional healers use the berries to treat menstrual and menopausal disorders. A study by R. Schellenberg published in the January 2001 issue of "BMJ" shows that chasteberry tablets were more than twice as effective as placebo in relieving irritability, mood swings, anger, headache and breast fullness. An in vitro study by D. E. Webster and colleagues published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that chasteberry activates the mu-opiate receptor, which regulates pain and mood pathways. These studies support the traditional uses of chasteberry for female menstrual disorders. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and identify the active ingredients. Women who take dopamine-related medications, or are pregnant or taking birth control pills should not take chasteberry.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a perennial with white flowers native to North America. The roots are used to treat menstrual and menopausal disorders, rheumatism, tinnitus and dizziness. Active ingredients include glycosides, salicylic acid, tannins and alkaloids, and the plant has antispasmodic, sedative and emmenagogue action, meaning it normalizes menstrual flow. Womensmentalhealth.org states that black cohosh is used clinically in treating PMDD, but research is needed to support its use. A study by M. R. Rhyu and colleagues in the December 2006 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" found that black cohosh contains chemicals that bind to and activate the mu-opiate receptor. This may explain how black cohosh relieves symptoms shared by PMS, PMDD and menopause. Further studies are needed to confirm these studies. Women with a hormone-dependent cancer should not take black cohosh. The herb should not be used continuously more than three months.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial shrub with tiny yellow flowers native to Europe and Asia. Traditionally it is used to treat mild depression, pain, neuralgia, anxiety, tension, menopausal symptoms, sciatica, sunburn, varicose veins and wounds. The aerial parts contain glycosides, volatile oil, tannin and resin, and the plant has anti-inflammatory, astringent, analgesic and sedative actions. A study by Sarah Canning and colleagues published in the March 2010 issue of "CNS Drugs" tested St. John's wort tablets on women with menstrual symptoms shared by PMS and PMDD sufferers. The study found that the tablets were more effective than placebo in relieving mood swings, anxiety and depression. Womensmentalhealth.org states that St. John's wort is used clinically to treat PMDD, but further studies are needed to support its use. Women taking antidepressants, indinavir or antiretroviral agents should not take St. John's wort.
References
- "BMJ": Treatment For the Premenstrual Syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study.
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology": Activation Of The Mu-opiate Receptor by Vitex Agnus-Castus Methanol Extracts
- The Center for Women's Mental Health: Herbs for PMDD
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry": Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa) Behaves As A Mixed Competitive
- "CNS Drugs": The Efficacy of Hypericum Perforatum (St John's wort) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
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