Community-Led Survey is Seeking Participants to Determine Effects of Microdosing on PMDD Symptoms

Moms on Mushrooms, a community dedicated to psychedelic education and advocacy for mothers, has launched a survey to determine the effects of microdosing on women who face premenstrual challenges, particularly Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The citizen science survey is designed to collect anonymized data from participants, offering the opportunity to contribute to a growing body of research that has yet to be thoroughly explored. The results will be crucial to the future of related studies, shifting the way science views women’s reproductive and mental health, especially through the use of psychedelics.

Understanding PMDD

PMDD is a significantly more severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) that greatly impacts a woman’s emotional state, physical health, and behavior in the latter half of her menstrual cycle. These intense symptoms go far beyond the common discomforts associated with PMS and can be debilitating to one’s everyday life and well-being. Key symptoms of PMDD include severe mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and feeling incredibly overwhelmed and out of control. In some cases, women with PMDD also experience suicidal ideation due to these symptoms. 

PMDD affects around 5-8% of menstruating women in the United States. While the exact cause of PMDD remains unknown, it is thought to be related to hormonal changes that trigger an abnormal serotonin response, affecting mood, sleep, and pain sensitivity. Genetics, environmental factors, and individual susceptibility to hormonal functions may also play a role. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat PMDD, but these medications are not always effective and can lead to a range of side effects.

Study details

Psychedelics like psilocybin have demonstrated promising potential for treating various mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Given the psychological nature of PMDD symptoms, Moms on Mushrooms proposes that microdosing psilocybin might alleviate some of these effects. 

In collaboration with  Psychedelic Association of Canada board member Dr. Pamela Kryskow, Moms on Mushrooms has created a survey to gather 100% anonymous data from women who have PMDD. The survey will use Quantified Citizen, the leading app for citizen science and online health studies, to ensure the safety of participant data and to remain fully HIPPA compliant. This data on the relationship between PMDD and microdosing could offer new insights into alternative treatment pathways, potentially providing relief for those for whom traditional medications are ineffective or unsuitable.

How to get involved

If you or someone you know suffers from PMDD or believe to have PMDD despite a lack of diagnosis, you are greatly encouraged to fill out the survey to contribute to groundbreaking research in women’s health and become a part of the community-led investigation.

For more information about Moms on Mushrooms and their mission, please visit their website here.

To stay informed about the latest developments and updates in this study, please click here. By registering, you’ll be among the first to receive all the latest news and progress updates.