pmdd or perimenopause

PMDD or Perimenopause? How to Tell the Difference

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Perimenopause/ Menopause, PMS & PMDD

Many women enter their 40s convinced they’re “losing it.” “I’ve always had PMS… why does it suddenly feel unbearable?” they ask themselves. One month they feel like themselves, but the next they’re anxious, exhausted, crying over small things, snapping at loved ones, or struggling with brain fog and insomnia. If these symptoms sound familiar, you might be asking yourself whether …

Saffron for ADHD PMDD

Saffron for ADHD and PMDD: Benefits, Dosage & Best Time

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Early research suggests saffron may help support some ADHD-related symptoms, including focus, emotional regulation, sleep, and irritability. It may be especially relevant for women whose ADHD symptoms worsen before their period because PMDD and PMS can also affect mood, stress resilience, and neurotransmitter balance.  Most studies use about 28–30 mg daily of a standardized saffron extract, often taken in the …

magnesium supplement for PMS

Magnesium Supplement for PMS: Does It Help With Period Cramps, Mood, and PMDD?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Why does your body feel calm and capable one week, then suddenly tense, bloated, and emotionally raw the next? PMS is one common reason this happens to many women—and it’s not only due to rising and falling hormones. The intensity of PMS symptoms that you deal with also depends on how your nervous system, muscles, and inflammatory pathways respond to …

how to help pmdd

Saffron and PMDD: Natural Relief for Mood Swings, Anxiety & PMS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more than just “bad PMS.” It’s a severe and even debilitating condition that affects women’s moods, energy, and mental clarity in the two weeks leading up to their period.  While antidepressants are often prescribed, more women are exploring natural PMDD solutions that support both mood and hormone balance—without harsh side effects. One of the most …

histamine and pmdd

Histamine and PMDD: The Hidden Link Worsening Your Symptoms

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, PMS & PMDD

Emerging research shows a potential connection between histamine and PMDD in some women, offering new insights into treatment options and symptom relief. If you struggle with histamine and PMDD, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize that histamine, a compound involved in allergies and inflammation, can also influence mood, cramps, and other PMDD symptoms. Understanding the connection between histamine and …

autistic women

PMDD in Autistic Women: Symptoms, Causes & Effective Solutions

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects around 5-8% of menstruating women1. Among autistic women, the prevalence of PMDD is notably high, making the connection between autism and PMDD an important topic for discussion in women’s health.  Studies have found that between 14% and 21% of autistic women2 deal with PMDD—so if you’re …

adhd and pmdd

ADHD and PMDD Hormone Connection

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Brain Health, PMS & PMDD

There is a significantly higher prevalence of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) among those with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In fact, it is estimated that 46% of women with (ADHD) also struggle with PMDD. When compared to the general population, with only 28% reporting PMDD, it is clear those with ADHD are at increased risk. If you find that you’re …

Bloated Before Period

Bloated Before Period—Solutions to Manage PMS Bloating

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Menstrual Cycle, PMS & PMDD

Period bloating is a common and often frustrating symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It’s that uncomfortable, swollen feeling that makes your jeans feel a bit too tight and leaves you longing for your comfiest pair of yoga pants. It may even make you feel like you’ve had weight gain come out of nowhere, even though you haven’t, and it can …

diindolylmethane DIM supplement benefits

DIM Supplement Benefits For Women

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Period Problems, PMS & PMDD

If you’ve been struggling with PMS symptoms, heavy periods, acne, breast tenderness or symptoms of PCOS or perimenopause then you’ve probably come across a DIM supplement as a solution.  That’s because DIM supports healthy estrogen levels in the body.  What Are DIM Supplements? DIM is short for diindolylmethane, a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol. DIM1 is a compound that can only be made …