Microdosing Guide for Female Biology

Harm Reduction, Dosage Guides and Words of Wisdom

Microdosing psychedelics has taken off as a way to manage and mitigate the debilitating symptoms of an array of mental health conditions. However, due to a lack of research and funding, there isn’t concrete guidance on microdosing, making it imperative to consider harm reduction techniques to ensure the best possible outcome. Harm reduction is essential for individuals who engage in activities with potential risks, including microdosing psychedelics. While microdosing may have potential benefits, it is vital to prioritize safety and responsible use. Here is a harm reduction guide for microdosing psychedelics that incorporates the menstrual cycle and PMDD.

Research and Education:

• Please educate yourself about the specific psychedelic substance you plan to microdose with, its effects, potential risks, and benefits.

• Stay updated with the latest research and information regarding microdosing. 

Start Low and Go Slow:

• Begin with the lowest possible dose. The standard is often around 1/10th to 1/20th of a typical recreational dose. 

• For those using psychedelic mushrooms, a microdose is .05-.25g (50-250mg). This amount refers to psilocybe cubensis. Keep in mind that certain strains have higher potency. 

• Gradually increase your dose only if necessary and if you feel comfortable doing so.

• Some signs that your dose may be too high include increased fatigue, headache, and excessive irritability or anxiety.

Sourcing and Purity:

• Ensure you obtain your psychedelic substances from a reliable and trusted source to minimize the risk of impurities or additives.  

• Consider using test kits to verify the purity of the substance.

• Growing your own mushrooms is an excellent way to eliminate added risks. 

• Please research the potency of the strain you are consuming, as there is a lot of variability among mushroom varieties. 

Set and Setting:

• Microdosing is sub-hallucinogenic and will not impact your ability to drive, work, or be with your children. 

• However, some may experience a pull to go inward, be in nature, or have time to themselves; keep this in mind when planning your dosing schedule. 

• For first-time users, finding a day without commitments is encouraged until you find your "sweet spot" and find activities that enhance your experience. Some people enjoy taking their microdose when they know they can hike, exercise, or have a window of alone time. In contrast, others prefer going through their daily life and responsibilities while allowing the microdose to enhance their presence. 

Consistency:

Establish a consistent dosing schedule. Most people who microdose take substances like LSD or psilocybin every few days or on specific days of the week. Examples of dosing schedules are:

1. Stamets Stack- “Stacking” refers to adding a non-psychoactive substance to enhance the benefits of a psychedelic microdose. The Stamets stack includes lion’s mane (functional mushroom) and niacin (vitamin B3). It is recommended to add 50-100 mg of lion’s mane and 100-200mg of niacin to the microdose.

• DAY 1-4: stacking days

• DAY 5-7: transition days

• DAY 8-11: stacking days

• DAY 12-14: transition days

• CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four weeks

• RESET: Two to four weeks rest

2.      Fadiman Protocol

• DAY 1: 1st microdosing day

• DAY 2: transition day

• DAY 3: normal day

• DAY 4: 2nd microdosing day

• CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four to eight weeks

• RESET: Two to four weeks rest

3.      Intuitive Dosing

• Listen to your body and follow your intuition when deciding if it is a good day to microdose.

• Keep a journal to track your experiences, doses, and any effects you notice.

• Take at least two days off per week.

Mindfulness and Intention:

• Set clear intentions for your microdosing experience. Focus on your well-being or meaningful work you would like to do for yourself. Setting an intention and a goal before you begin any microdosing protocol is encouraged so you may keep perspective on your “why” for partaking in this practice.

• Practice mindfulness and self-reflection during and after your microdosing sessions. These practices can look different for everyone; do not feel pressured to follow the latest trends. For some people, journaling and writing is a great outlet, but for others, it could look like joining a group to discuss thoughts, spending more time in nature, making art with your children, etc.

Understand Potential Interactions

• Some people find that certain foods or supplements can enhance or diminish the effects of microdosing, so pay attention to your diet.

• Be cautious of microdosing while taking certain medications or if you have certain health conditions, including heart disease.

• SSRIs are known to blunt the effects of psychedelics, so the positive effects of microdosing can take longer to be apparent.

Legal Considerations:

• Be aware of the substance's legal status in your country or state. Microdosing with illegal substances can carry legal consequences, and this is a practice that is not without risk.

Safety Precautions:

• Avoid operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require intense focus during a microdosing session until you are comfortable with your dosage amount. Drowsiness, headache, and fatigue can occur if your dose is too high. 

• Please be aware that psychedelic medicines can interact with daily medication and specific health conditions. 

Know When to Stop:

• If you experience adverse effects or discomfort, discontinue microdosing and seek support if necessary.

• Pay attention to your mental and emotional well-being and take breaks if you feel overwhelmed.

• It is essential to take breaks from microdosing to reduce tolerance and allow for integration. 

Community and Support:

• Connect with a supportive community or therapist who understands the practice of microdosing and can offer guidance and assistance.

Menstrual Cycle and Microdosing:

There is currently no formal research on microdosing and the menstrual cycle. Case studies, anecdotal reports, and indigenous wisdom inform harm-reduction techniques for microdosers with a menstrual cycle. Remember that microdosing is a self-experimentation practice, and its effects can vary significantly among individuals. Prioritize your well-being, and if you have any concerns or doubts, consult with a therapist or other professional experienced in psychedelic therapy for personalized guidance. 

Implications for PMDD:

For women with PMDD, paying attention to the phases of the menstrual cycle is paramount. To better understand your menstrual cycle, consider using period-tracking apps or tools to monitor it and its potential effects on your microdosing regimen. It is crucial to listen to your own body, especially if you are seeking psychedelic medicine for menstrual disorders or premenstrual conditions.

The follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is typically reported as a good time for microdosing as energy levels are higher and mood is more stable. Women with PMDD are preparing for the luteal phase during the entire cycle. Lowering stress levels during the follicular phase can have a beneficial impact on the challenges of the luteal phase.

Ovulation is typically a time of heightened social and physical energy. However, some women with PMDD will notice a corresponding uptick in rage and irritability due to elevated testosterone levels. Observe how microdosing feels during these days as some report heightened agitation while others report it being a lovely social lubricant for events, parties, and building deeper connections.

The luteal phase is already a challenging time with heightened sensitivities. Mushrooms can be "illuminators," meaning they bring buried emotions to the surface and highlight subconscious patterns or needs. This illumination can be troubling for some women during the luteal phase, as emotional discomfort and distress are not easily managed at this time. It is commonly reported that less of a dose is needed during the luteal phase of the cycle. This can be difficult as women who are feeling the distress of PMDD may be desperate to reach for more of the substance. However, it is first recommended to cut the dose in half during the week before your period so you can observe what comes up during this time.

Menstruation is a great time to gather insights and subtle messages from a microdose. For women with PMDD, there is a sense of normalcy and relief that occurs after menstruation begins, and microdosing can help with the integration of the PMDD experience itself. It is essential to look at the challenging emotions and experiences that occur during the luteal phase to understand better how to face them in future months. Please note women with co-occurring endometriosis may find it better to abstain from microdosing during menstruation all together.

Hailey Llewelyn is Co-Founder of the dysphoric project, Menstrual Health Researcher & Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Her passion for psychedelic research on menstrual related conditions is a deeply personal one; to learn more about Hailey’s personal story, check out Hailey’s Microdosing Journey. Hailey is currently accepting coaching clients for microdosing and PMDD, to book a microdosing call with Hailey, check her schedule here.