Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Medical Cannabis
-
Overview
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a complex and disabling condition¹ marked by cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms in the lead-up to menstruation². Affecting an estimated 3-8% of menstruating individuals³, with 5-8% experiencing severe distress or significant impairment in daily activities⁴, PMDD remains a challenging condition to manage. Without a clear cause, current treatments focus on symptomatic control—targeting mood regulation or hormonal balance—though many patients find limited relief.
This module explores the potential of medical cannabis as a therapeutic option for resistant PMDD symptoms, offering a non-hormonal alternative to traditional treatments that may carry reproductive side effects.
Preview this module by watching the video above.
Estimated Duration: 1 hour
Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology and effects of PMDD
- Identify conventional interventions for PMDD and describe their potential strengths and drawbacks
- Discuss medical cannabis' mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for treating symptoms of PMDD (e.g. pain, low mood, anxiety and sleep problems)
- Identify considerations and risks for selecting medical cannabis products to treat PMDD
References
¹ Osborn, Elizabeth, et al. “Women’s Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Qualitative Investigation.” BMC Women’s Health, vol. 20, no. 1, Oct. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-01100-8. Accessed 26 June 2024.
² Hantsoo, Liisa, and C. Neill Epperson. “Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Epidemiology and Treatment.” Current Psychiatry Reports, vol. 17, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0628-3. Accessed 26 June 2024.
³ Halbreich, Uriel, et al. “The Prevalence, Impairment, Impact, and Burden of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMS/PMDD).” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 28, no. 3, Aug. 2003, pp. 1–23, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00098-2. Accessed 26 June 2024.
⁴ Slavin, Melissa, et al. “Cannabis and Symptoms of PMS and PMDD.” Addiction Research & Theory, vol. 25, no. 5, Mar. 2017, pp. 383–89, https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2017.1294165. Accessed 26 June 2024.
Overview
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a complex and disabling condition¹ marked by cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms in the lead-up to menstruation². Affecting an estimated 3-8% of menstruating individuals³, with 5-8% experiencing severe distress or significant impairment in daily activities⁴, PMDD remains a challenging condition to manage. Without a clear cause, current treatments focus on symptomatic control—targeting mood regulation or hormonal balance—though many patients find limited relief.
This module explores the potential of medical cannabis as a therapeutic option for resistant PMDD symptoms, offering a non-hormonal alternative to traditional treatments that may carry reproductive side effects.
Preview this module by watching the video above.
Estimated Duration: 1 hour
Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology and effects of PMDD
- Identify conventional interventions for PMDD and describe their potential strengths and drawbacks
- Discuss medical cannabis' mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for treating symptoms of PMDD (e.g. pain, low mood, anxiety and sleep problems)
- Identify considerations and risks for selecting medical cannabis products to treat PMDD
References
¹ Osborn, Elizabeth, et al. “Women’s Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Qualitative Investigation.” BMC Women’s Health, vol. 20, no. 1, Oct. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-01100-8. Accessed 26 June 2024.
² Hantsoo, Liisa, and C. Neill Epperson. “Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Epidemiology and Treatment.” Current Psychiatry Reports, vol. 17, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0628-3. Accessed 26 June 2024.
³ Halbreich, Uriel, et al. “The Prevalence, Impairment, Impact, and Burden of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMS/PMDD).” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 28, no. 3, Aug. 2003, pp. 1–23, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00098-2. Accessed 26 June 2024.
⁴ Slavin, Melissa, et al. “Cannabis and Symptoms of PMS and PMDD.” Addiction Research & Theory, vol. 25, no. 5, Mar. 2017, pp. 383–89, https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2017.1294165. Accessed 26 June 2024.