Treating PMDD at Yin Space

Written By Maddy McCarthy

For many women, the weeks following ovulation can feel like an emotional storm. Think waves of sadness, irritability, or exhaustion that seem to arrive uninvited each month. When these symptoms become severe and cyclical, they may signal Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that affects mood, energy, and emotional balance.

At Yin Space, I consider the Western medical understanding of PMDD and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective. By weaving the two together, I can find a more holistic and compassionate approach to support emotional and hormonal recovery.

The Western Medicine View: Hormones, Neurochemistry and Support

In Western medicine, PMDD is seen as a hormone-sensitive mood disorder linked to how the body responds to normal hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. During the luteal phase (the two weeks before bleeding), fluctuations in progesterone and oestrogen can affect serotonin - the “feel-good” neurotransmitter - leading to anxiety, low mood, or irritability.

Common treatments may include:

  • SSRIs (antidepressants) to stabilise serotonin levels.

  • Hormonal therapies, such as oral contraceptives, to regulate fluctuations.

  • Lifestyle and nutritional support - regular sleep, blood-sugar balance, gentle movement, mindfulness.

  • Therapy or counselling, especially for managing stress or emotional overwhelm.

These approaches can be effective, but some find that medications alone don’t address the deeper energetic or emotional patterns behind PMDD. This is where TCM offers valuable insight.

The TCM View: Flow, Balance and Emotional Harmony

From a Chinese medicine perspective, PMDD reflects an imbalance in the movement of Qi (energy) and Blood through the body’s meridians - especially those connected to the Liver, Spleen, and Heart.

When Liver Qi stagnates, emotions become trapped. Irritability, frustration, bloating, or breast tenderness may appear. If Spleen Qi is weak, fatigue, digestive upset, or worry can follow. Yin or Blood deficiency may bring insomnia, heat sensations, or anxiety.

In treatment, a practitioner gently works to harmonise Liver Qi, nourish Blood, and calm the Shen (spirit) - helping the body and mind flow more freely again.

Acupuncture is a particularly elegant way to achieve this. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and soothe the nervous system, encouraging both emotional balance and physical ease.

Where East Meets West

Research increasingly supports this integrative view. A 2014 BMC Complementary Medicine review found that acupuncture and herbal therapy reduced PMDD symptoms by nearly 50% in many cases. Other studies show that acupuncture may influence serotonin and endorphin activity, improve circulation, and regulate the stress response, all key factors in PMDD management.

Rather than replacing Western treatments, acupuncture can complement them, helping reduce side effects and improving overall resilience.

A Gentle Invitation

If you live with PMDD, know that your experience is valid and that healing can happen on multiple levels. You might begin by exploring acupuncture once a week through a few cycles, simply observing how your mood and energy shift. Over time, many find a quieter emotional landscape, steadier energy, and deeper connection to their body’s rhythm.

At Yin Space, we believe every woman deserves to move through her cycle with ease and grace. Acupuncture offers not just symptom relief, but a way to reconnect with your natural balance.

References

Maddy McCarthy