Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) with Reflexology

Feb 14, 2011
Amy Kreydin

PMDD Symptoms Are Debilitating & Interfere With Normal Life - Julia Freeman-Woolpert

PMDD is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with debilitating symptoms that can interfere with a woman's ability to function in daily life.

Only a small percentage of women are diagnosed with true premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. According to Medicinenet.com, 30% of women suffer from PMS symptoms and only 3-8% of of those fall in the PMDD category.

PMDD’s true cause is unknown but theories include an abnormal response by the brain to hormone levels during a menstrual cycle. It is not necessarily an indication that the hormone levels are imbalanced but more that the interaction between them and neurotransmitters is not normal.

Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

While the symptoms of PMS and PMDD are oftentimes similar, the intensity of the symptoms is a giveaway in the PMDD. Depression is one of the symptoms that these two have in common but it can escalate to suicidal thoughts and behavior in PMDD. Stronger emotional and physical symptoms occur, ranging from:

anxiety and tension
unrelenting anger or irritability
change in appetite – cravings, binge eating, loss of interest in food
sensitivity to environmental stimuli – sights, sounds, smells
hot flashes – not to be confused with symptoms of menopause
digestive disorders – upset stomach, irritable bowel
dizziness
sleep disorders – too much or too little

Symptoms keep time with the menstrual cycle, showing up after ovulation, mid-cycle, and vanishing after a woman gets her period. PMDD may also be associated with eating disorders and smoking.

Seeking Medical Help and a Diagnosis

The initial step for a woman who suspects she could have PMDD or a severe form of PMS is to make an appointment with her gynecologist, midwife or primary care physician. Her health care provider will take into account the patient’s health history, conduct a physical and pelvic exam, and a psychiatric evaluation to understand all of the pieces.

Reflexology in the Treatment of PMDD

In addition to looking at her diet, exercise, nutrition supplements, relaxation and the possible addition of antidepressant or SSRI medications the reflexology client can find solace in the relaxation and balance of regular sessions with her reflexologist. Some clients will choose to go for a course of reflexology treatments prior to going on synthetic birth control hormones to see if the sessions will have a positive effect for her physical and emotional health.

Protocols for reflexologists working with clients diagnosed with PMDD or severe PMS symptoms might go something like this:

focus on brain reflex areas for serotonin pathways
digestive system reflexes – where serotonin can be found in the intestinal walls
central nervous system (CNS) reflex areas
endocrine system reflexes
Relaxation techniques – especially if the client reports difficulty relaxing the reflexologist may enhance the session with specially selected music, lighting, and comfort measures such as a heating pad for the abdomen or aromatherapy for relaxation.

Reflexology should not be considered the sole treatment for PMDD, or any condition for that matter, but as one part of a treatment or wellness plan. Some of my clients have reported benefits as early as their second and third reflexology sessions.

Be wary of untrained practitioners advertising reflexology services, especially in the United States. It is very common for a variety of bodywork practitioners to advertise such services with little to no formal training on the modality. Reflexology is not to be confused with a foot massage, pedicure or other spa-like service.

References:

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Stoppler, Shiel, Medicinenet.com, accessed online February 2011.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PubMed Health, accessed online February 2011.
Menstruation, Planned Parenthood, accessed online February 2011.
The author’s personal experience working with clients diagnosed with PMDD in her private practice as an ARCB Board Certified Reflexologist.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.