Acupuncturist for PMDD
Hello! Following on another post about PMDD and the lack of ob-gyn focused on it, I want to ask this community for a recommendation of an acupuncturist that can target treatment for PMDD. The answer I had from my ob-gyn was to take the pill but from memory those did not work well for me on other aspects.
Any suggestions for providers of acupuncture or other alternative treatments in Berkeley/Albany would be much appreciated!
May 7, 2024
Parent Replies
Hi there — I highly recommend acupuncturist Rachel Alkire at Grow Family Acupuncture. She is so knowledgeable and supportive on all things, especially issues involving reproductive health.
I love my acupuncturist, Naya Colkett, who is in Berkeley. https://emilyhookeracupuncture.janeapp.com/locations/strawberry-creek-clinic
I've been seeing her for years and she specializes in female/reproductive health I believe.
Check out the Oldershaw Clinic on Grand Ave. in Oakland!
I highly recommend Abigail Surasky for help with this. She's a gifted and compassionate acupuncturist who helped me several times with PMDD issues. https://www.abigailsuraskyacupuncture.com/
As for another alternative, consider getting the Mirena hormonal IUD. My ob-gyn suggested this for me as I was still really struggling with symptoms at the age of 52 and it changed my world. The insertion is uncomfortable and it takes about 6 weeks of spotting before you begin to get the benefits but it was 100% worth it for me. Nearly all my symptoms (bleeding every 3 weeks with major cramping, fatigue, mood swings, etc) disappeared, it was a flipping miracle! I would get some spotting every once in awhile but that's it, now that's pretty much stopped too. Can't believe I didn't get it sooner and that more docs don't discuss this.
Nikki Cerone-Fancher is really knowledgeable and specializes in gyn/fertility. She's in SF but I think she does herb consults via zoom.
FWIW, on alternative treatments / ob-gyn, my personal experience with PMDD is that I never saw an ob-gyn for the condition, just a therapist and psychiatrist. I'm sure everyone's experience is different, but for me, I was already on birth control (IUD) and getting on an antidepressant (SSRI) was night and day.
Highly recommend Ivy Lee at Luminae Wellness in Berkeley/Kensington, I’ve been to a lot of acupuncturists and she is the BEST! She specializes in menstrual and reproductive health, fertility, pregnancy and emotions. Her approach is holistic and she truly cares. www.luminaewellness.com