--- title: Do women with PMDD find microdosing psilocybin helpful? | Niyora description: In this small interview study, all 14 participants who microdosed psilocybin for PMDD reported some benefit, though how they used it and what they wanted from url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exploring-microdosing-psychedelics-as-a-self-managed-treatment-for-premenstrual-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do women with PMDD find microdosing psilocybin helpful? Interview study, 2025 # Do women with PMDD find microdosing psilocybin helpful? In this small interview study, all 14 participants who microdosed psilocybin for PMDD reported some benefit, though how they used it and what they wanted from it varied a lot. This is personal experience only, not proof that it works. Early or limited evidence 14 people with PMDD or severe PMS mood symptoms who microdose psychedelics ## What they did Qualitative interview study with 14 people who had diagnosed or self-identified PMDD, or self-rated their PMS mood symptoms as severe, and who were already microdosing psilocybin. Researchers used recorded semi-structured interviews, then analysed the transcripts for common themes. ## What they found Participants described how much PMDD affected their quality of life. All 14 used psilocybin, but their dosing patterns and goals varied widely. Every participant reported some benefit for their PMDD, and experiences were generally described as positive. ## What it means for you Some women are already self-treating PMDD with psychedelic microdosing and feel it helps, but with only 14 people, no control group, and self-reported outcomes, this cannot show whether it actually works or is safe. The authors say proper clinical trials are needed. 14 participants interviewed 14/14 reported some benefit ## About the study Original title Exploring Microdosing Psychedelics as a Self-Managed Treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Qualitative Study Authors Rachael L. Sumner, Yuyun Ni, Suresh D Muthukumaraswamy Year 2025 Study design Interview study Participants 14 What was tested Self-managed microdosing of psilocybin Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/hq8ps_v1](https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/hq8ps_v1) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder characterised by depression, irritability, mood lability, anxiety and physical symptoms that occur exclusively in the last week/s of the menstrual cycle. With a growing global interest in microdosing of psychedelic drugs, an increase in self-medication has occurred, including by those with PMDD. Aim: Qualitative interviewing was used to explore and contextualise the practise of microdosing psychedelics for PMDD. In addition to documenting motivations, barriers and experiences we set out to determine if there is a rationale for investigating microdosing as a treatment for PMDD.Methods: 14 participants were interviewed. They were diagnosed or self-identifying as having PMDD or they self-rated their PMS mood symptoms as severe. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to guide recorded interviews which were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results: Participants provide a rich account of their PMDD and how it impacted their quality of life. All participants microdosed with psilocybin. There was a striking variability in regimen as well as variability in treatment goals. Overall, all participants found benefit to their PMDD with microdosing. Conclusion: People are microdosing with psilocybin to manage their PMDD and while experiences were variable, they were generally positive. Information to support people engaging in this practise is lacking. Given the experiences of these participants and that PMDD is a potentially devastating disorder with limited treatments options, clinical trials into the potential of microdosing psychedelics to treat PMDD symptoms and improve the overall wellbeing of those affected is warranted. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2022 What causes PMS and PMDD and what new treatments are being studied? Survey study, 2020 What symptoms best predict whether PMDD will seriously affect daily life? Systematic review, 2014 Do acupuncture and herbal medicine help PMS or PMDD symptoms? Review, 2013 What treatments work best for PMDD? Review, 2009 What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options? Randomised trial, 2000 Does sertraline improve how women with PMDD feel and function? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗