Managing PMDD symptoms may require medications, supplements, and/or other strategies to relieve symptoms.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
Getty Images / Javi Sanz
Chasteberry
Chasteberry comes from theVitex agnus-castustree.
Some believe that it can help with hormone balance, pain, and inflammation.
Studies suggest chasteberry may help reduce symptoms like irritability, bloating, and headaches.
Some research found it is more effective than a placebo (nontherapeutic substance).
Calcium
Calcium is a common mineral found in dairy, vegetables, and other foods.
Calcium is best known for supporting bone health and may also help with PMDD.
One study found that taking 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily substantially improved symptoms compared with a placebo.
A typical dose of calcium is 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day.
Though essential fatty acids seem helpful for symptoms, there isnt enough research to confirm their use.
Side effects are generally mild but can include nausea and stomach discomfort.
St. Johns Wort
St. Johns wortis a popular herb used for mood support.
Examples of these interactions arebirth controland immunosuppressants.
Magnesium
Magnesium occurs naturally in the body and in certain foods, like vegetables, dairy, and nuts.
It plays an important role in the body and may help relieve anxietya common symptom of PMDD.
One study found that people taking 250 mg of magnesium for three months felt less nervous and anxious.
When combined with vitamin B6, magnesium seemed to work even better for PMS symptoms.
However, other studies found that magnesium did not affect anxiety.
Its hard to say whether magnesium offers benefits for other PMDD symptoms.
There hasnt been enough high-quality research to determine its effectiveness, and individual experiences may vary.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Vitamin B6is found in many foods like grains, vegetables, and proteins.
It is also known as pyridoxine.
Vitamin B6 is sometimes recommended for PMS.
Research suggests that combining vitamin B6 with magnesium can improve symptoms like anxiety and cravings.
Vitamin B6 in doses of 100 mg daily or less is generally considered safe for adults over 19.
Research has shown that it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In other studies, saffron helped reduce the overall number of PMS symptoms.
In studies, saffron was compared to a placebo and fluoxetine over two menstrual cycles.
The results showed that saffron worked better than a placebo at improving PMDD symptoms.
Saffron also caused fewer side effects and was better tolerated than fluoxetine.
In studies, the saffron dose was 15 mg twice daily or 30 mg once daily.
You usually take it for 14 days, starting two weeks before your period.
Stomach discomfort, trouble sleeping, and longer menstrual bleeding have been reported in connection with saffron use.
Though medications are the primary treatment, certain dietary supplements may offer extra support.
However, research is still limited, and individual results can vary.
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National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B6.
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