Case report, 2023
Does a combination of maca, progesterone, and magnesium help PMDD symptoms?
One woman improved significantly in headaches, cramping, menstrual flow, and psychiatric symptoms within three months. This is one person's experience, so we can't be sure others would benefit.
What they did
Doctors followed one woman who was using maca (a plant supplement), bioidentical progesterone, and magnesium to treat PMDD symptoms. They tracked her symptoms and hormone levels over several months.
What they found
Within three months, her premenstrual headaches, cramping, menstrual flow, and psychiatric symptoms improved. Within four months, her hormone levels (LH) normalized. When she stopped the progesterone and continued with just maca, magnesium, and B-complex, the improvements lasted for another three months.
What it means for you
This is one woman's experience. The combination showed promise for treating PMDD, but we need studies with more women to know which parts actually help most and whether it works for others.
three months
time to symptom improvement
four months
time to hormone level normalization
three months
duration of improvement maintenance
About the study
- Original title
- An Integrative Approach for Improving and Managing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A Case Report
- Authors
- Mona Fahoum, Kim Ross, DCN
- Journal
- Current Research in Complementary & Alternative Medicine
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Case report
- What was tested
- Lepidium peruvianum (maca), bioidentical progesterone therapy, and magnesium supplementation
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.29011/2577-2201.100211
Original abstract
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) describes symptoms a woman experiences in the luteal phase of menstruation, including physical, emotional, and/or behavioral changes ranging from mild to severe.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) shares defining emotional and behavioral attributes with PMS, though it is the most severe form classified as a depressive disorder.Women are increasingly interested in seeking natural or alternative therapies to address these conditions.The purpose of this case report is to share the experience of one woman who had improvements in premenstrual headaches, menstrual cramping and flow, and intense psychiatric symptoms associated with a diagnosis of PMDD within three months of using Lepidium peruvianum (maca), bio-identical progesterone therapy, and magnesium supplementation.Within four months, normalization of LH levels was achieved.Further, upon reducing or resolving symptoms, she continued to maintain this improvement for three months on Lepidium peruvianum, magnesium, and a B-complex.This case also provides clinical utility for personalized care utilizing a combination of natural therapies alongside bioidentical hormone therapy.
Reproduced under CC-BY-SA.
Topics
Related studies
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Study, 2015
Does treating the uterus with injections and freezing help severe PMS and PMDD?
Review, 1999
Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?
Survey study, 2024
What factors are linked to PMDD in female university students?
Case report, 2023
Can stopping ovulation help severe PMDD when other treatments do not work?
Survey study, 2013
Are premenstrual symptoms linked to how women experience their body?