Understanding PMDD and How CBD Can Help

While many people experience PMS, PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) can drastically impair daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life. Our artisanal company, Baked Goods, briefly explains this condition and how to use CBD oil for PMDD.  

What is PMDD?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 10% of individuals who get periods have PMDD. PMDD is a disorder related to menstrual cycles – think of it as an intense form of PMS. Symptoms usually appear a few weeks before menstruation and may resolve a few days after the onset of the period. With PMDD, you can still get general PMS symptoms (i.e. bloating) – but PMDD symptoms can be severe enough to disrupt work, social life, and mental health. Signs of PMDD may include:

• Extreme mood swings, irritability, or anger
• Severe anxiety and depression
• Lack of concentration
• Fatigue
• Sleep troubles
• Appetite changes (i.e. bingeing, craving certain foods, etc.)

The exact cause is not fully understood. But researchers suspect it may involve an abnormal reaction to hormonal changes, particularly estrogen and progesterone fluctuations. This hormonal sensitivity also affects serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter vital for mood regulation.

How to Use CBD Oil for PMDD

CBD can act as a complementary tool for PMDD, which means it can potentially be integrated into a health regime of supplements and other therapies. It cannot cure PMS or PMDD. For PMDD in particular, taking CBD may be beneficial for:

1. Regulating mood: Studies suggest CBD may have antidepressant-like effects by enhancing serotonin signaling.
2. Reducing anxiety: By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD may improve resilience during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
3. Pain relief: CBD naturally contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
4. Sleep improvements: As CBD helps reduce anxiety, it may also improve sleep.

CBD can be taken in several forms, but we recommend using our trial version of our Baked Goods CBD oil. We like to say “start slow and go low”, which means begin at the lowest dose and gradually increase the dose if you need more relief. This trial CBD product is suitable for ‘testing the CBD waters’ and due to its smaller size, you don’t need to worry about wasting leftover oil.

If you’re concerned about hormonal changes, please speak to your health care provider. This can help rule out any others issues and understand other treatment options. CBD can lead to medication interactions, so ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner if cannabidiol is appropriate for you.

Place Your Order with Baked Goods Today

Are you ready to try CBD for your mood, pain, or sleep? Baked Goods has got you covered! We also take pride in our customer service. If you have any questions or comments, we want to know about them – fill in our contact form and we’ll respond shortly.

CBD can be considered for symptoms related to PMS, PMDD, perimenopause and menopause. To shop for CBD, click here to view our Baked Goods menu of sublingual oils, hard candies, and more.

NOTE: This article is not an alternative to formal medical advice and should not be relied on for diagnosing or treating your health condition or concerns. This post is published solely for the purpose of education. Please see your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your wellness or visit a nearby hospital if you require emergency help. 

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9132-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd

García-Gutiérrez, María S., et al. “Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders.” Biomolecules, vol. 10, no. 11, 2020, p. 1575, https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10111575. Accessed 14 Sept. 2025.

Slavin, M., Barach, E., Farmer, S., Luba, R., & Earleywine, M. (2017). Cannabis and symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Addiction Research & Theory, 25(5), 383–389. https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2017.1294165