PMS, PMDD and Medical Cannabis:
For many people who menstruate, the days leading up to a period can bring more than just cramps and mood swings. For some, the experience is severe, disruptive, and even debilitating. When conventional treatments aren’t enough, medical cannabis may offer a new path to relief.
Understanding PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects up to 75% of people with menstrual cycles, causing symptoms like bloating, fatigue, mood changes, breast tenderness, and headaches in the luteal phase (the two weeks before menstruation).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe and less understood condition, impacting around 5–8% of menstruating individuals. It includes many of the same physical symptoms as PMS but with significantly heightened emotional and psychological effects, including severe anxiety, depression, irritability, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
Despite its impact, PMDD is under diagnosed, often misattributed to generalised mood disorders or dismissed as ‘just hormones.’ The lack of widespread awareness and adequate treatment options has led many patients to seek alternatives.
Standard Treatment Options and their Limits
Doctors typically recommend a combination of the following for PMS and PMDD:
Hormonal birth control to regulate cycles
Antidepressants, especially SSRIs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain
Lifestyle changes (diet, sleep hygiene, exercise)
Cognitive behavioural therapy
While many people benefit from these approaches, others find them ineffective, poorly tolerated, or misaligned with their health goals. This is where medical cannabis may provide support, offering multi-symptom relief with fewer systemic side effects in some cases.
How Medical Cannabis May Help
Medical cannabis contains active compounds like THC and CBD interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, pain, inflammation, and sleep. For PMS and PMDD, cannabis may offer support across several key symptoms:
1. Pain and Inflammation
Cannabis is well known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. For menstrual cramps, headaches, lower back pain, and general discomfort, both THC and CBD can help ease pain without the gastrointestinal side effects often seen with long-term NSAID use.
2. Mood Stabilisation
CBD has shown potential in reducing anxiety and emotional reactivity. Some patients with PMDD also benefit from small amounts of THC, which may help lift mood or reduce irritability when dosed carefully. Importantly, cannabis may act more rapidly than antidepressants and may be used short-term around the luteal phase rather than continuously.
3. Improved Sleep
Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are common during PMS and PMDD. Certain cannabis strains or formulations may support deeper sleep and reduce nighttime restlessness.
What the Research Tells Us
Research specific to cannabis for PMS or PMDD is still emerging, but early evidence is promising:
Historical uses of cannabis for menstrual pain go back centuries, from ancient Egypt to Victorian England.
Modern studies show benefits for many PMS-related symptoms including pain, anxiety, and insomnia, all of which are core features of PMDD.
A growing number of patient-reported outcomes support its efficacy in improving quality of life during the premenstrual phase.
However, further clinical studies are needed, especially focused on long-term use, optimal dosing, and safety in combination with other treatments.
A Personalised, Clinical Approach Is Key
Medical cannabis is not a cure-all, and it’s not suitable for everyone. But when guided by a clinician trained in cannabinoid medicine, it can be an effective part of a broader treatment strategy.
At Inner North Medical Clinic, we consider:
Your specific symptoms (emotional vs. physical dominance)
Any history of mood disorders, hormone sensitivity, or medication use
Preferences around delivery method (e.g., oil vs. inhaled)
Potential interactions with other treatments, like antidepressants or hormonal contraception
We always start with low doses and adjust slowly, prioritising safety, clarity, and comfort. Our trauma-informed team recognises how deeply menstrual health can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, work, and identity.
Moving Beyond Dismissal
Too many people with PMS and PMDD are told to ‘just deal with it’ or offered one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in validating lived experiences and offering compassionate, evidence-informed care that meets people where they are.
If you’ve tried conventional treatments and are still struggling, you don’t have to suffer through your cycle. Medical cannabis may provide a safe, personalised option to help you reclaim consistency, stability, and relief. head to our dispensary page to find out more and book with a doctor.