Resources & Further Reading
Understanding PMDD and Hormonal Effects on the Brain
You're not broken, just cyclical.
About This Resource
Created by Antanika | Altered Integration Australia-wide peer support for psychedelic integration, women's cyclical awareness, and trauma-informed facilitation
This resource reflects my commitment to accessible, evidence-informed education that honours lived experience alongside scientific knowledge. Drawing on both peer-reviewed research and emerging studies in psychedelic therapy for women's health, these materials bridge the gap between what science knows and what women are experiencing.
My work integrates:
Psychedelic preparation and integration support
The Four Inner Seasons framework for cycle awareness
Trauma-informed facilitation grounded in lived experience
IFS (Internal Family Systems) and parts work
Understanding PMDD, early ovarian failure, ADHD, and complex trauma inc C- PTSD
Whether you're navigating PMDD, PME, Peri-Menopause or are in later stages of Menopause yourself, preparing for psychedelic-assisted therapy, supporting someone who is, or working professionally with hormonal health and altered states, these resources offer pathways to deeper understanding.
Integration is how we make our way back to ourselves, to each other, to making meaning.
If You're Experiencing PMDD
Start here for practical guidance and community support:
The Power of the Period | Lucy Peach | TEDxBunbury
Link: https://youtu.be/9Yj5BaqXFNI?si=-YXlbsSqROIsRKys
What it is: This is the true-life reflection of how Lucy Peach’s sex ed lessons with high school students evolved from “this goes up there, now good luck and have a nice life", into 'My Greatest Period Ever’. She found inspiration in her own menstrual cycle to find a new way of life, unlock and amplify her creativity and produce an award-winning sophomore album.
Jean Hailes for Women's Health - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Link: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
What it is: Evidence-based Australian resource with clear symptom information and management strategiesPMDA Australia (Premenstrual Disorders Australia) - Your Cycle, Hormones and PMDD
Link: https://www.pmda.org.au/post/hormones-and-pmdd
What is it: Community support, advocacy, and lived experience resourcesQueensland Health - Beyond Bloating and Mood Swings: Your Guide to PMDD
Link: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/features/breaking-the-cycle-a-guide-to-understanding-and-managing-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
What it is: Comprehensive government resource explaining PMDD vs PMSThe Royal Women's Hospital - Premenstrual Conditions
Link: https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/periods/periods-overview/premenstrual-conditions
What it is: Clinical information from one of Australia's leading women's health institutionsThe Australian Psychedelic Society - Women’s support Group
Link: Register + learn more- https://events.humanitix.com/aps-online-psychedelic-womens-group
What it is: A women’s Support group for women interested in women’s health and Altered States
If You Want to Understand the Science
For those who find understanding empowering:
Ruehr et al. (2024) - "Estrogens and human brain networks: A systematic review"
Published in: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology
What it covers: Comprehensive review of how estrogen affects brain structure and functionLe Melledo, Gurvich & Kulkarni (2024) - "Editorial: Impact of female hormones on the brain"
Published in: Frontiers in Endocrinology
What it covers: Overview of current research on hormonal effects across women's livesSheppard, Choleris & Galea (2019) - "Structural plasticity of the hippocampus in response to estrogens"
Published in: Molecular Brain
What it covers: Explains how hormones physically change brain structureMosconi et al. (2024) - "In vivo brain estrogen receptor density and relationships with cognition"
Published in: Scientific Reports
What it covers: Latest research on how brain receptors respond to hormonal changes
Psychedelics & Women's Health Research
Emerging research on psychedelics for hormonal conditions:
Hystelica - Research & Studies
Link: https://hystelica.com/research/
What it is: Pioneering non-profit researching psychedelics for women's health, including:PMDD and Microdosing Study (active recruitment)
Menstrual Cycle & Microdosing Survey
Microdosing and Menopause research
Gukasyan & Narayan (2023) - Case series on menstrual changes with psychedelics
What it is: Groundbreaking clinical observations of psychedelic effects on menstrual cyclesBlossom Analysis - PMDD and Psychedelics Report (2024)
Link: https://blossomanalysis.com/topic/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/
What it is: Exploratory research on psilocybin for PMDD, including interviews with researchers and practitionersDr. Amanda Feduccia - Psychedelics for Women's Health presentation
What it is: Overview of hormones, neurotransmitters, and why psychedelics may help PMS, PMDD, postpartum depression, and menopause
Why this matters: Most psychedelic research has excluded women or failed to track hormonal cycles. This is changing, but there's still a significant gender data gap. Anecdotal evidence from women using psychedelics for PMDD, menopause, and cycle-related symptoms is substantial- the clinical research is just beginning to catch up.
For Healthcare Practitioners & Professionals
Clinical guidelines and comprehensive research:
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Guideline on the Treatment of PMDD (2024)
Link: https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/guideline_on_the_treatment_of_premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd.pdf
What it is: Australian government treatment guidelinesNerattini et al. (2023) - "Systematic review and meta-analysis of menopause hormone therapy effects on Alzheimer's disease risk" Published in: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
What it covers: Critical review of hormone therapy researchSaleh et al. (2023) - "Hormone replacement therapy and cognition in at-risk APOE4 women" Published in: Alzheimer's Research & Therapy
What it covers: Important findings on HRT timing and effectiveness
Full Reference List Available
A comprehensive academic reference list (19 peer-reviewed sources, 2019-2025) is available as a separate PDF download for those wanting deeper research engagement. This includes complete Harvard-style citations and additional recent publications.
To receive the full reference list: Email antanika@alteredintegration.com.au
Contact information: Learn more: www.alteredintegration.com.au Contact: antanika@alteredintegration.com.au
DISCLAIMER:
Note: This resource is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a qualified professional or crisis line.
