How Saffron Can Alleviate PMDD Symptoms

Hi all :)

Welcome back for some light reading and blog article #2 where I chat some more about my PMDD journey, whilst also highlighting a particular treatment option that is clinically proven to support and alleviate PMDD symptoms.

As you may have read in my previous post, upon my PMDD diagnosis many years ago, I also received a long list of pharmaceutical drug options, including SSRI's (Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) aka anti-depressants, anti-anxiety pills, and various contraceptive treatment options with the intention of STOPPING my period to reduce the PMDD symptoms... WILD RIGHT??!

I left the GP's room that day back in 2021 feeling deeply concerned and somewhat helpless about how I would navigate the next steps. I began to see a naturopath for the first time during this period. I knew there would be something complimentary that had less potential side effects and was aligned with my health values. I just had to learn about and understand what this was as well as how I could utilise it to support my symptoms.

We began to trial a combination of liquid herbal medicines over the next 6-12 months, whilst I began to have hormone blood testings done. I was mindful that given the chronic nature of my disorder, it would take some time to balance and regulate whatever it was that had been causing a disturbance in my body for all these years.

One of the herbs that I began to trial was the infamous 'Crocus Sativus' - more commonly known as Saffron. I began to research systematic reviews and medical journals about the profound benefits Saffron could have on various mental health symptoms and conditions; including anxiety, depression, and mood instability.

Saffron itself actually contains bioactive compounds such as crocin, crocetin and safranal which are shown to contribute to its therapeutic actions. The compounds have various medicinal properties including, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective. One of the most studied areas of Saffron's impact on mental health is specifically for its effect on depression and mood instability.

Upon my research, I discovered that several clinical trials had demonstrated how Saffron significantly reduces symptoms of depression, specifically regulating and balancing moods. A meta-analysis by Lopresti and Drummond (2014) reviewed multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and concluded that Saffron was significantly more effective than placebo in treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety. The study also found Saffron to be as effective as standard anti-depressant medications like Fluoxetine and Imipramine, with fewer reported side effects.

In another study, Kashani et al. (2013) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which showed that Saffron supplementation within the diet led to a significant improvement in depressive symptoms compared to placebo. These findings actually suggest that Saffron could be a valuable natural treatment option for depression and anxiety, particularly for people who experience adverse effects from conventional medications or for personal reasons prefer not to be medicated.

I certainly can conclude that I had the most positive experience whilst taking a therapeutic dose of Saffron in the form of liquid herbs. Although changes appeared over time and were not as fast acting as the SSRI options, my body was thanking me for it, knowing nature was being used as intended. I also experienced no adverse side effects, and overtime my PMDD symptom severity began to reduce (though, keep in mind whilst Saffron was the star of my treatment, there were certainly other factors which supported my health overall - including nutritional supplementation, dietary and lifestyle changes, and stress management).

Saffron's potential as a natural treatment for mental health conditions is supported by a growing body of clinical research. Its efficacy in treating depression, reducing anxiety, and enhancing cognitive function makes it a promising alternative or complement to conventional therapies. As with any supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Saffron to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs.

If you resonated with my writings about PMDD, insights into my personal journey and potential treatment for this condition, please reach out and know your curiosities and desire to learn more are welcome. I hope you make it to the next issue of this blog series, where we acknowledge the importance of symptomatic relief, whilst further investigating ROOT CAUSES of those symptoms.

Yours in health & healing,