Medical cannabis treatments for PMDD

Yes, some patients dealing with PMDD may find symptom relief with medical cannabis treatment.

What is PMDD?

PMDD occurs when the brain reacts extremely negatively to the hormonal changes that occur in the week to two weeks before menstruation. This results in severe mood changes, with patients prone to feelings of rage, depression, hopelessness, and helplessness. Some PMDD patients may feel suicidal or want to harm themselves.

A doctor will usually diagnose PMDD by tracking symptoms over at least two months, to check if they’re linked to the menstrual cycle. PMDD may be classed as a disability in cases where symptoms become so severe that they significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, 

What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?

PMS is an extremely common condition, with the NHS stating that most women will experience it at some point in their lives. Frequent symptoms of PMS include bloating, sore breasts, mood swings, fatigue, and depression. 

While these symptoms are also associated with PMDD, the main difference is the severity and frequency of symptoms. A person with PMS may feel low for a few days, whereas a PMDD sufferer may feel on the verge of harming themselves. Sore breasts in PMS may feel a little tender, while someone with PMDD may not be able to wear a bra because they’re so uncomfortable. The joint pain associated with premenstrual conditions is also much more severe in cases of PMDD.

PMDD will usually occur every month, without fail. PMS, on the other hand, may come and go from month to month.

What symptoms does PMDD cause?

The most problematic symptoms PMDD causes are pain and mood disorders:

What treatments are currently available for PMDD?

Because mood disorders associated with PMDD can be so dangerous, a doctor will normally prioritise treating depression or anxiety with relevant medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common approach for mood management in PMDD. 

Hormonal treatments can also help manage PMDD symptoms. These range from oral contraceptives that supress ovulation to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and GnRH agonists, which are medications that either stimulate or suppress specific hormones.

In some cases, a patient may opt for “surgical menopause,” more commonly known as a hysterectomy. A surgeon removes the uterus and ovaries, removing the cause of the hormonal fluctuations. This type of surgery is usually only offered as a last resort after other treatment options have failed.

How does cycle-synced dosing work for PMDD?

Cycle-synced dosing means prescribing medication to be taken only during specific stages of the menstrual cycle. For PMDD patients, this will normally involve prescribing SSRIs to manage mood swings and depression during the luteal phase. 

This is contrary to common advice surrounding SSRIs: that you must take them continuously and that they may take weeks to take effect. That doesn’t apply for short-term, PMDD-specific treatment, which works via a different mechanism to standard depression treatment. Pharmaceutical experts state that luteal-phase dosing offers relief for 60-70% of patients. 

Can medical cannabis treatment help with my PMDD symptoms?

A clinician may prescribe THC/CBD for PMDD UK patients for potential therapeutic relief for the following symptoms: 

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Digestive complaints

• Pain

• Sleep disorders

• Migraines

Medical cannabis for premenstrual dysphoric disorder could, for some people, help return a sense of control and balance via better symptom control. 

How does the endocannabinoid system relate to PMDD?

The endocannabinoid system or ECS is linked to most internal systems within your body, impacting many aspects of overall health and well-being. Pain modulation is a key function of the ECS, with many patient stories reporting reduce pain or perception of pain when taking medications that impact the ECS. 

The ECS is also linked to psychological health. One 2022 article in Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience states that ECS dysregulation is possibly linked to the onset of depression often associated with chronic conditions. Medications that offer a therapeutic effect on the endocannabinoid system could, in some cases, help mitigate some of the more problematic symptoms of PMDD, such as depression. 

What does the research say about cannabis and PMDD?

There’s currently limited research that directly looks at administering THC for PMDD and the effects this could have. Having said that, there are several studies that focus on the effects of medical cannabis on PMDD-related symptoms.

Mood disorders, including anxiety, are common symptoms of PMDD. A 2025 review of studies looking at the effects of medical cannabis on anxiety found that 70% of such studies reported a reduction in generalised and social anxiety. 

Pain is another problematic part of life with PMDD. As well as headaches, migraines, and abomincal cramps, joint and muscular pains are common. A 2021 report in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that patients self-reported improved pain management when taking cannabinoids, as well as better psychological well-being.

What forms of Releaf medical cannabis can be prescribed for PMDD?

When considering medical cannabis for severe PMS UK treatment options may include:

• Capsules

• Pastilles

• Dried flower for vaporisers

• Oils

• THC vapes 

The format you’re prescribed, if eligible, will be based on your personal preferences and lifestyle. 

Am I eligible for UK medical cannabis treatment for PMDD?

PMDD affects everyone differently, but where symptoms include depression, anxiety, pain, and sleeplessness, you may find some relief if you’re prescribed THC/CBD for PMDD. For several years now in the UK, medical cannabis has been legal for eligible patients, and Releaf’s recent patient survey shows that 97% of respondents report an improvement in their quality of life.

Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, with a world-class clinical team that includes over 50 specialists in a range of conditions, including women’s health-specific concerns. 

You can check your eligibility for medical cannabis for PMDD on the Releaf website. If you’re eligible, you can book a consultation and discuss how medical cannabis could fit into your treatment plan.

Here’s how Releaf pricing works: 

 

All Releaf patients can claim their UK medical cannabis card. It’s free of charge after you’ve paid for your first prescription. Your card will be delivered separately from your medication so give it 3-5 days to arrive. There are no guarantees that you won’t be stopped by the police, but a medical cannabis card helps you quickly identify yourself as a legal medical cannabis patient. Releaf can also offer advice on travelling with medical cannabis, including when you may need travel certificates.

Premenstrual dysphoriac disorder symptoms can be distressing and disabling, leading to many people seeking out alternative treatments for PMDD. If you’re ready to join the 240,000+ Releaf community, head to the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team. 

FAQs on medical cannabis for PMDD

Can medical cannabis help with the mood symptoms of PMDD, not just the physical pain?

Some evidence suggests that medical cannabis may be associated with better management of conditions such as anxiety and depression. Phytocannabinoids such as THC and CBD may have a therapeutic effect on the ECS, promoting homeostasis which is associated with better mood regulation.

Will I need to take medical cannabis every day, or only during my luteal phase?

It depends on the severity of your symptoms and how long they last. Some patients continue to experience depression even after other symptoms ease once menstruation starts. This is often due to the helplessness associated with having a chronic condition. Others many only require additional support during the luteal phase. Your clinician will advise you on the best treatment plan.

I am already on an SSRI for PMDD. Can I add medical cannabis?

It’s possible that you may be able to combine medical cannabis with your existing medications, although this will depend on the exact list of treatments you’re currently taking. Releaf clinicians always consider your whole treatment plan before deciding if medical cannabis is an option for you.

Can medical cannabis help if I am considering surgical menopause for severe PMDD?

In the lead-up to surgery, a clinician may discuss a prescription of medical cannabinoids for hormonal cycle pain. It’s also possible that medical cannabis could help with post-surgical pain, improved sleep, and better mood regulation, depending on a range of factors, including what other treatments you may be receiving. 

Can I take medical cannabis if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?

You won’t be prescribed medical cannabis if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding. Make sure to let your clinician know if you’re trying to have a baby or planning to in the near f