REPLAY: PMDD: Debunked & demystified with Lisa Costa-Bir & Sandra Villella
FX Medicine Podcast CentralShow Notes
Join Naturopath Sandra Villela and our Ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir as they discuss and dispel some of the myths around Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that affects and estimated three to eight percent of women. PMDD, both a gynaecological and mental health disorder is an under-recognised disorder that is riddled with misconceptions around the role of excess oestrogen.
Together, Sandra and Lisa discuss the latest research including PMDD sufferers' sensitivity to normal hormone fluctuations and the important role of progesterone the relationship with neuroactive steroids like pregnenolone, oestradiol, progesterone, and corticosteroids. The roles of allopregnanolone and serotonin in PMDD are discussed, as well as prescribing solutions including saffron, vitamin B6 (including dosages to prevent peripheral neuropathy) and vitex, and protocols to boost clinicians prescribing confidence. The conversation is rounded off by nutritional strategies and light therapy's serotonin-boosting potential shown to be beneficial for PMDD symptom management.
COVERED IN THIS EPISODE
[01:02] Welcoming Sandra Villella
[01:54] Prevalence and diagnosis criteria of PMDD
[05:24] Changing the naturopathic approaches to PMDD
[09:02] Hormones as neuroactive steroids
[13:37] Allopregnanolone
[16:26] Serotonin and saffron
[21:00] Calcium
[24:51] Vitex
[30:14] Surgical option: bilateral oophorectomy
[32:48] Mental health concerns for women with PMDD
[36:46] Considering a patient’s history of trauma
[38:53] Dietary recommendations and strategies
[41:51] Light therapy
[44:03] Summarising today’s key takeaways and thanking Sandra
Find today's transcript and show notes here:
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