PMDD
A day-by-day plan for the two weeks before your period, built for women who lose half their month to PMDD and have been told to put up with it.
About three minutes. Free.
I'm Marie, a NIMH-registered Medical Herbalist. In over a decade in clinic I've treated hundreds of patients, and more than 150 women for hormone patterns. PMDD is the one most often mistaken for something else, and the one women are most often told to simply put up with.
Joanne came to me feeling very low, physically and emotionally, after being told there was nothing wrong. The symptoms were starting to seriously affect her work and home life.
"Six weeks and two consultations later I feel so much better, and feel a vitality I haven't felt for years."
If your life shrinks to a week or two of the month, you're not imagining it, and you don't need a diagnosis to deserve support.
NIMH Registered Medical Herbalist · Women's Hormone Health
If you find yourself becoming a completely different person in the days before your period, you're not imagining it — and you're not alone. Support is available.
PMS and PMDD are not personality flaws. They are real, recognised health conditions that can significantly affect relationships, work, confidence and daily wellbeing.
As a NIMH-registered Medical Herbalist specialising in women's hormone health, I take a whole-person approach to understanding why symptoms occur and how herbal medicine may help support your physical and emotional wellbeing throughout your cycle.
"Perhaps your confidence disappears overnight. Or perhaps you're experiencing intense emotional symptoms that leave you wondering why your cycle has such a powerful impact on your life."
These experiences are valid. And they deserve proper support — not dismissal.
Symptoms typically improve once menstruation begins, which is why tracking your cycle is often the first step toward understanding your unique pattern.
Both conditions involve premenstrual symptoms, but their severity and impact on daily life can differ significantly.
Premenstrual Syndrome describes a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before menstruation. Symptoms can range from mild to moderate and are experienced by many women at some point in their lives.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a more severe condition that can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships and quality of life. It is a recognised health condition that warrants proper support and assessment.
Symptoms vary from person to person and may change across different life stages. You may experience some, several, or all of the following in the days before your period:
Symptoms typically improve once menstruation begins. Tracking your cycle over several months can help identify patterns.
While hormonal fluctuations play an important role, PMS and PMDD are often influenced by multiple interconnected factors. This is why support should extend beyond symptom management alone.
Many women have been told PMS is simply something they must manage on their own. Others feel embarrassed discussing the emotional impact their cycle has on work, relationships and everyday life.
Been told that what you're experiencing is a normal part of being a woman and something you simply have to put up with.
Felt embarrassed discussing the emotional impact your cycle has on relationships, work and daily life.
Wondered whether the person you become before your period is "the real you" — and felt confused or ashamed by that.
Struggled to get a PMDD diagnosis recognised or taken seriously by healthcare providers.
Severe PMS and PMDD are not character flaws. They are health concerns that deserve understanding and support.
My approach combines herbal medicine expertise with a detailed assessment of your health history and symptoms. The goal is to understand your unique experience and create a personalised support plan that reflects your needs.
Carefully selected herbal medicine, individually prescribed to your needs, may help support:
Every herbal prescription is individually tailored to the person, not just the diagnosis.
Herbal medicine works best as part of a collaborative approach. Where appropriate, I work alongside GPs, specialists and existing treatment plans to ensure your care remains safe, joined-up and supportive.
If you are currently taking antidepressants, hormonal contraception or other medications, these will be reviewed carefully before any recommendations are made.
"I believe herbal medicine and conventional medicine are most powerful when they work together — not in opposition."
Marie Mulcahy BSc Hons Western Herbal Medicine · NIMH Registered
PMS involves physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation. PMDD is more severe, causing significant mood changes, emotional distress and disruption to daily functioning.
Hormonal changes can affect neurotransmitters, mood regulation, sleep, energy and emotional resilience. Many women with PMS or PMDD describe feeling unlike themselves in the luteal phase.
Yes. Anxiety is a common symptom of PMS due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle. Some women notice mild anxiety; others experience symptoms that significantly affect daily life.
For some women, PMDD symptoms may worsen during perimenopause due to increased hormonal fluctuations, resulting in more noticeable emotional and physical symptoms throughout the cycle.
If your symptoms are severe, consistently occur during the luteal phase and significantly affect work, relationships or quality of life, it may be worth discussing PMDD with your GP and tracking symptoms over several cycles.
Potential interactions must always be assessed individually. During your consultation, all medications and supplements will be reviewed before any recommendations are made.
Yes. Consultations are available online throughout the UK, so you can access support from wherever you are.
This varies depending on symptom severity, health history and individual goals. We discuss realistic timelines from the outset of working together.
If PMS or PMDD is affecting your quality of life, support is available. The first step is understanding your unique hormonal picture.