PMDD Pep Talk

Jamie's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation

In this heartwarming and empowering episode, we dive into Jamie's transformative journey with PMDD. After struggling in silence for 17 years, Jamie found herself on a quest for help amidst relentless symptoms that had hijacked her life. She shares her emotional path from feeling like her world was falling apart to redefining her relationship with her body and reclaiming her life. For years, Jamie was trapped in a cycle of exhaustion, grumpiness, and memory lapses. Despite trying various medications, her symptoms persisted, tearing through her relationships and haunting her daily existence. Feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed, she faced significant life challenges with little relief or support. The turning point came when Jamie discovered Jes and the PMDD rehab program. Through personalized coaching and a holistic approach, she learned to understand her symptoms, dig deep into the root causes, and prioritize her needs, something she had never dared to do before. Today, Jamie's life is a testament to resilience and transformation. Her sleep has significantly improved, reducing her PMDD symptom days from ten to just three each month. Nutritional changes and targeted exercises have empowered her, bringing a newfound self-respect and peace. Jamie is now able to embrace her life's challenges with hope and joy, rather than fear and shame. 👉 "I feel like a whole different human than when I started with you." 👉 "The world isn't crashing down on me anymore." 👉 "I'm nicer to myself, I'm nicer to my family, my body is happy." 👉 "I'm not carrying the guilt and shame anymore." 👉 "I feel like I can love myself like someone who doesn't have PMDD." Jamie's story is a beacon of hope for women worldwide battling the shadows of PMDD. It speaks to the power of understanding, the importance of the right support, and the impact of loving oneself enough to fight for a better life. If you're feeling trapped by PMDD like Jamie once did, this story is for you. Remember, there is a community ready to support you, and solutions tailored to your needs await. You are not alone, and with the right help, you too can transform your life. ❤️ If this story resonated with you, please subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit, the first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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51 - Feel Like Yourself Again With PMDD

In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes dives into how understanding and aligning with your core values can help you navigate the challenging waters of PMDD. Discover how these deeply personal guideposts can bridge the gap between who you are at your core and the person PMDD sometimes makes you think you are. You won’t find a cure-all solution, but you’ll find a meaningful compass to steer you back to yourself. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How PMDD alters perception and self-identity beyond just mood. The role core values play in anchoring your identity despite PMDD symptoms. How your values can help break cycles of guilt and shame. Why values work is crucial and where it fits within therapeutic approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. How reflecting on values improves decision-making and emotional regulation. The importance of doing values work before high-stress PMDD episodes. Key Quotes from This Episode: "PMDD might feel like your whole story, but it's just a chapter, and you get to write what comes next." "Your core values are the compass that points you back to who you really are." "The compass doesn't keep you from taking a wrong turn, but it can help you to find your way back." "When you repeat those behaviors over and over, it becomes your quality of life, so it is a little self-fulfilling prophecy with PMDD." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit, the first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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50 - Why PMDD Makes You Push People Away

In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes unpacks why PMDD often makes us push loved ones away, using the powerful metaphor of drowning. Discover how to navigate these turbulent waters without feeling overwhelmed by guilt or shame, and learn practical strategies for creating a support system that truly understands your challenges. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Understand the metaphor of the "drowning girl" and how it relates to PMDD. Differentiate between shame and guilt, and learn how each affects your healing. Discover the importance of preparing a support system on "dry land" before PMDD symptoms strike. Recognize the instinctive survival responses during PMDD episodes. Identify tools and strategies to communicate and coordinate with your support network effectively. Key Quotes from This Episode: "You cannot heal from a place of 'I am broken, I am the problem, I am bad...'" "Drowning does not look like drowning, and neither does PMDD." "A drowning person will drown the lifeguard... this is just so relevant for PMDD." "We need more self-compassion, and that starts with understanding the drowning girl metaphor." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit, the first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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49 - Jo's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation

When Jo joined us on the podcast, she shared her journey with PMDD, a condition she had been living with since age 13 but couldn't name for most of that time. For over two decades she was dealing with debilitating hormonal mood symptoms that were affecting her relationships, her memory, her sense of self, and nearly every area of her daily life. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Jo spent more than 20 years with PMDD before she had a name for what was happening. The intense irritability and rejection sensitivity that strained her relationships with family and partners. Why brain fog, memory loss, and a persistent mental block became some of her hardest symptoms to live with. What a full week of recovery after every PMDD episode actually cost her. How years of doctors, SSRIs, and a copper IUD left her feeling worse instead of better. The moment on Instagram when PMDD came up and everything finally made sense. Why she calls her HTMA the most productive test she has done so far. How mineral correction, dietary shifts, and personalized support changed her memory, her mornings, and her relationships. Key Quotes from This Episode: "My memory has gotten so much better. That's been a big thing." "I'm a lot happier now than I have been most of my life." "I can find support for myself and I don't have to worry or feel ashamed of myself." "I don't take things as personal, I feel more connected, not so distant." "This is the happiest I've ever been." The Bigger Picture: Jo's story shows that 20+ years of suffering doesn't have to be the whole story. Through root cause testing, mineral rebalancing, nutritional shifts, and a community that finally understood what she was going through, Jo found a version of herself she had never fully met before, and she's still becoming her. What This Means For You: Jo's transformation shows that PMDD doesn't have to run your life, your relationships, or your sense of self. With the right approach and support, you can: Finally understand what's actually driving your symptoms Reclaim your memory, focus, and emotional steadiness Show up differently at home, at work, and in your relationships Break free from the shame spiral that keeps so many of us stuck Experience a version of yourself that feels secure, connected, and genuinely happy ♥ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don't just help us grow, they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit, the first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

48 - The Body Reset For PMDD Rage And Overwhelm

In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes introduces the concept of "state changing," a powerful, yet simple approach to managing PMDD-related rage and overwhelm. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, Jes shares practical tools that can help shift your body's response during heightened emotional states. Discover how you can navigate these challenges with proactive strategies that go beyond traditional calming techniques. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The importance of state changing for PMDD management. Why calming down or meditation may not work during high escalation states. Simple, effective state change strategies you can use anywhere, anytime. The role of physical activity in managing stress hormones and emotions. How changing your environment can powerfully affect your mental state. The benefits of small acts of kindness during emotional spirals. How somatic techniques like humming can help reset your nervous system. The difference between state changing and avoiding feelings. Key Quotes from This Episode: "When your alarm is loud, you are moving out of a conscious ability to be in a thinking state." "A state change is when you deliberately do something that shifts your physical state or your surroundings so that your emotional state has something to follow." "You change your kid state, you change your animal state. You are allowed to change your own state." "The spiral was anchored to the place that you were physically in." Resources Mentioned: - Episode 46 - Escalation Patterns with PMDD - Episode 33 - Nervous System Regulation - Episode 40 - Building Your PMDD Emergency Kit HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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47 - Allie's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation

When Allie joined us on the podcast, she shared how PMDD hijacked her life for nearly two years, starting after a concussion that triggered symptoms so severe and relentless she was suffering for 25 days out of every cycle. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How a concussion became the trigger point for nearly two years of severe PMDD symptoms. What it looks like to be symptomatic for 25 days out of every cycle. The severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts Allie lived with. Why paranoia, brain fog, and disorientation left her feeling completely outside her own body. How sleep paralysis, nightmares, headaches, tinnitus, and worsening Crohn's symptoms stacked on top of each other. What countless ER visits and scans did and didn't tell her. Why temporary relief through birth control still wasn't her long term answer. How symptom mapping, nutrition, supplementation, nervous system regulation, and cycle phase education reduced her moderate to severe symptoms by roughly 8 days per cycle. Key Quotes from This Episode: "Living felt like a fight every single day, just to get up in the morning, take a shower, go to work. That was pulling teeth." "The doom and irritability is at an all-time low. And no cramps, which I loved." "It is possible to work through this. It's possible to feel better. It takes a lot, but the natural approach is every penny worth it." "You're not alone. Stay in that fight. There is light at the end of the tunnel." The Bigger Picture: Allie's story shows that PMDD, even when it spans nearly your entire cycle and every doctor has sent you home with no answers, can be understood, reduced, and managed with the right root cause approach. What This Means For You: Allie's transformation shows PMDD doesn't have to be your whole story. With the right support, you can: Reclaim days, even weeks, of your month from severe symptoms Understand your cycle phases and stop being blindsided by your own body Build nervous system tools that work before symptoms escalate Address root causes like gut health and nutrient depletion keeping you stuck Finally have the energy and capacity to pursue the life you want ♥ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don't just help us grow, they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit, the first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

46 - Why Meditation Won't Work During a PMDD Meltdown

In this episode of the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast, Jes dives into why meditation may not be your friend during a PMDD meltdown. Through her personal experience and professional expertise, Jes reveals the importance of understanding your PMDD symptom escalation scale and matching the right tools to your current state. By tuning into this conversation, you'll equip yourself with practical strategies for navigating PMDD more effectively. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Discover the 4 zones of PMDD symptom escalation from regulated to crisis. Understand why certain tools, like meditation, may be ineffective or even detrimental during high-intensity moments. Explore the trigger loop, including anchors, triggers, feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and their impact on your cycle. Learn the critical difference between managing symptoms and transforming your life with PMDD. Get practical advice on building a personalized escalation scale menu for accessible, real-time support. Why co-regulation is essential in the crisis zone and how to have a plan in place before reaching this state. Key Quotes from This Episode: "PMDD might feel like your whole story, but it's just a chapter, and you get to write what comes next." "Meditation at an 80 is like pouring water on a grease fire. It doesn't put it out, it makes it spread." "The tools have to match your state, or they backfire." "Awareness is everything, and then the action you take on the awareness is what actually changes things." "Your PMDD support needs to meet your stage of escalation." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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45 - PMDD Since Adolescence Why You Feel Emotionally Stunted

Struggling with PMDD since adolescence can feel like a never-ending battle against a tide of emotions and lost time. In this episode, Jes dives deep into the journey of living with PMDD from a young age and how it impacts the flow of life, relationships, identity, and beyond. Together, we'll explore the grief of lost years and the hope of reclaiming your life from these symptoms. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The average time between PMDD symptom onset and diagnosis and its impact on life. How undiagnosed and misdiagnosed PMDD affects adolescence and early adulthood. The implications of misdiagnosis and how it shapes personal identity. Understanding the trauma link with PMDD and its effect on symptoms. The reality of PMDD in terms of lost days and how symptom mapping can be vital. How grief and hope coexist in the journey toward healing and reclaiming life. Practical steps for shifting the narrative from being a problem to facing a challenge. Key Quotes from This Episode: "PMDD might feel like your whole story, but it's just a chapter, and you get to write what comes next." "There's a huge overlap between PMDD and trauma, and the trauma is one of the root causes of PMDD." "You can't grieve something you can't see, and you can't see it clearly until you start to get far enough away from it." "Even now, I still feel like I'm playing catch-up in my career, in some of my relationships, in my sense of self." "The grief means that you're far enough out of the worst of it to finally see it." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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44 - Jen's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation

**Episode Title: Jen's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation** **Show Notes:** From an unrelenting cycle of anxiety, rage, and debilitating physical symptoms, Jen's journey with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) was fraught with search and struggle. For years, she questioned her sanity and sought remedies that failed to bring relief. But beneath her suffering, hope awaited—a testament to resilience and transformative healing. For 17 long years, Jen's life was overshadowed by the disruptive force of PMDD. Symptoms that intensified post-pregnancy made everyday tasks feel insurmountable, leading her to step away from a career she dearly loved. Despite trying medications, therapies, and numerous lifestyle changes, nothing fully alleviated her pain or restored her life’s balance. Everything shifted when Jen stumbled upon Her Mood Mentor on Instagram, which felt like a lifeline from the universe. Engaging with a support system shaped by shared experience, not only did Jen discover effective strategies tailored to her needs, but she found a community that truly understood her journey. Today, Jen's life is transformed. She experiences more energy, less anxiety, and reduced irritability. Her days are no longer governed by uncontrollable symptoms, but rather are filled with time, space, and vitality to live fully. **In Their Own Words:** 👉 "I've noticed a huge difference in my energy levels." 👉 "Only a moment of crying instead of days." 👉 "I have more energy to work out." 👉 "No depression or emotional sensitivity." 👉 "I don't have breast tenderness for 2 weeks of every month anymore." Jen's story embodies a beacon of hope for other women battling the isolating impact of PMDD. You’re not alone—the path to healing is possible and accessible. **What This Means For You:** If you're feeling overwhelmed by PMDD, Jen's story is a testament to the power of understanding, community, and personalized care. Change is possible; it starts by recognizing your experience is real and seeking the support that truly resonates with you. ❤️ If this story resonated with you, please subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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43 - Stop Calling Your Luteal Phase Hell Week

In this episode of the PMDD Pep Talk with Jes, we challenge the language used around PMDD and its impact on your experience. Jes delves deep into how words can shape your mental and physical response to PMDD symptoms, and why reframing "hell week" could make a significant difference in your journey. If you’ve felt trapped by your cycle, this episode might just be the key to unlocking a new perspective and sense of agency. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How language can influence your PMDD experience and perception. The difference between identity-first and person-first language, and why it matters. The powerful framework Her Mood Mentor uses to approach PMDD beyond symptom management. An introduction to metacognition and why thinking about your thinking is a crucial tool. The role of interoception and how it connects with PMDD and trauma. Simple, actionable language shifts to foster agency and promote healing. Key Quotes from This Episode: "Are you describing your current experience, or are you making a permanent declaration about your identity and your future?" "Your thoughts create your beliefs, and your beliefs create your behavior, and your behavior creates your life." "Changing your language really does not mean minimizing what you're going through." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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42 - PMDD and ADHD Why Iron Is the Missing Piece

In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes dives into the unexpected link between PMDD, ADHD, and iron levels, particularly focusing on ferritin, the storage form of iron. If you've tried every treatment under the sun for PMDD and still struggle to find relief, this conversation may hold the missing piece you've been searching for. We embark on an insightful journey that uncovers how iron, dopamine, and gut health intertwine to shape the symptoms you experience. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The significant role of ferritin in dopamine synthesis and its impact on ADHD and PMDD symptoms. How standard iron testing might not reveal the whole story and why a full iron panel is crucial. The relationship between gut health and hormone clearance, highlighting why gut issues can exacerbate PMDD symptoms. The complex interplay of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, and how they affect absorption and symptom management. Real-life insights from a client case study illustrating how tailored testing and treatment can transform lives. Key Quotes from This Episode: "Your mood is really downstream of your biology. Your biology is downstream of your gut, and your gut is something that we can actually assess and address." "If hepcidin goes up, it closes the door on iron absorption. You can't supplement your way past a closed door." "Minerals do not operate in isolation. They exist in a web of relationships." "Nora finally feels like her body is on her team, and that is the goal in the work that we do." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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41 - Yvette's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation

In this episode of the PMDD Pep Talk, we dive deep into Yvette's journey with PMDD and how she transformed her life with the right support and approach. From battling severe symptoms for half of her life to discovering the tools to manage and even reduce them significantly, Yvette shares her raw and inspiring story. Whether you're struggling with PMDD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope and practical insights for reclaiming joy and control. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Yvette's journey from misdiagnosis and confusion to clarity and healing. The impact of PMDD on Yvette's personal and professional life. How understanding your cycle and PMDD-specific symptoms is crucial for healing. The role of nutritional therapy and comprehensive coaching in symptom management. How addressing root causes instead of masking symptoms can lead to a more connected, joyful life. The importance of having a support system and community in the healing process. Why celebrating small wins and self-compassion are keys to long-term success. Tips for shifting from surviving PMDD to thriving despite it. Key Quotes from This Episode: "I'm laughing again." "I'm not ashamed anymore." "I feel a lot more like me again rather than two versions." "This isn't crippling me anymore." "I respect myself now." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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40 - Your PMDD Emergency Kit - What to Carry When Your Body Decides to Go Rogue in Public

In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes walks you through building your personalized PMDD emergency kit, offering a practical guide to help you feel more prepared when symptoms strike in public. With personal anecdotes, Jes shares the tools that keep her grounded, encouraging you to create your own toolkit that meets your unique needs. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The importance of having a PMDD emergency kit and how it can support you during unexpected flare-ups. Suggestions for essential items to include in your kit, such as hand lotion and facial mist spray. How applying sensory tools can help regulate your nervous system on the go. Tips on choosing items that help ground you, reducing stimulation in public spaces. The role of planning ahead by preparing your kit on a good day, ensuring you're ready for challenging moments. Key Quotes from This Episode: "When PMDD symptoms hit you in public, maybe you're in a meeting or the grocery store, you need something to reach for that isn't going to make things worse." "You really can't problem solve your way through an activated nervous system, so we build the kit when we feel well." "Start with even 3 things in a little bag and build from there—but please do this on a good day, not mid-luteal." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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39 - How to Explain PMDD to People Who Dont Get It

In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes dives into the important topic of explaining PMDD to those who may not get it. If you've ever struggled to put into words what you're experiencing or felt dismissed by those around you, this episode is for you. Learn practical ways to communicate your PMDD experience and ensure your suffering is seen and understood. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The neurobiological roots of PMDD and why it's often misunderstood Ten creative and impactful ways to explain PMDD to others How PMDD differs from PMS and why this distinction matters The cyclical nature of PMDD and its impact on your life and relationships Practical tips on how to use language that fits different audiences when discussing PMDD Key Quotes from This Episode: "PMDD might feel like your whole story, but it's just a chapter, and you get to write what comes next." "PMDD is not a hormone problem... it's a brain sensitivity condition." "Living with PMDD is like battling a monster that no one else can see." "PMDD is like getting gaslit by your own brain." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

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38. Emma W's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Emma, one of our PMDD rehab students who transformed her life by addressing and overcoming debilitating PMDD symptoms. In this episode, Emma shares her journey from frustration and hopelessness to regaining control and joy in her life. Whether you're freshly diagnosed or have been navigating PMDD for years, Emma's story offers hope and practical insights into finding your unique path to healing. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Emma's initial struggle with PMDD symptoms and how she found her diagnosis. • The specific symptoms Emma faced and their impact on her daily life and relationships. • How a holistic and nutritional approach helped Emma reduce her symptoms dramatically. • The fears and doubts Emma experienced before investing in her health journey. • The positive changes Emma saw in her life after working through PMDD rehab with Jes. Key Quotes from This Episode: "It's so worth feeling a little bit worse for a little bit because you feel so much better on the other side." "Your life is not going to feel like this forever. It's not. You are not stuck like this forever." "I can live more now without the constant fear of a symptom popping up." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit— The first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98

37. PMDD Travel Tips: How to Support Your Body Before, During, and After Travel

Get ready to embark on your next trip armed with powerful strategies to support your PMDD symptoms. In this episode, Jes shares comprehensive tips on how to manage your body and mind before, during, and after travel so you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Whether you find travel exhilarating or exhausting, these insights are your guide to a smoother journey. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why knowing your cycle phase is crucial when planning travel. • How to establish non-negotiable anchors for greater stability. • The importance of maintaining regular meals and hydration. • Specific strategies for reducing histamine responses while traveling. • Tips for protecting your sleep environment and managing re-entry post-travel. Key Quotes from This Episode: "Knowing where you are in your cycle is really important because the same trip can feel very different depending on where you are in your cycle." "Travel is always going to be a stressor for your body regardless where you are in your cycle phase, but it doesn't have to take you out." "You don't need a perfect trip; you need better tools, better awareness, and more preparation." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Cj6QY_XIpQw _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻 https://hermoodmentor.com

36. Why Travel Triggers PMDD So Hard

Why Travel Triggers PMDD So Hard If you have ever felt like travel completely throws off your PMDD symptoms, this episode will help you understand why. Jes breaks down how travel creates a stack of physiologic and nervous system stressors — from sleep disruption and dehydration to histamine load, blood sugar instability, digestive changes, overstimulation, and routine loss — and why it can be so hard to get back on track once you get home. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why travel is not one trigger, but a stacked trigger environment for women with PMDD • How sleep disruption, circadian rhythm changes, dehydration, and blood sugar instability can make symptoms worse • Why histamine and mast cell sensitivity may be an added layer for some women during air travel • How constipation, gut disruption, and alcohol can quietly amplify PMDD symptoms while traveling • Why supplement and medication timing changes matter more than many women realize • How losing routines, regulation tools, and familiar structure can increase nervous system load • Why luteal-phase travel may need more protection and planning than follicular-phase travel • Why the “re-entry crash” after travel can hit even harder than the trip itself • What to focus on before, during, and after travel to better support your body and reduce symptom flares Resources Mentioned: • Sleep and circadian rhythm support • Nervous system regulation tools • Hydration and blood sugar support strategies • PMDD symptom tracking • Travel recovery planning • Histamine-awareness strategies for women who know this is part of their symptom picture ─── Citations 1. Komada Y, Ikeda Y, Shibata S. Social jetlag and menstrual symptoms among female university students. Chronobiology International. 2019. PMID: 30395733 2. Menstrual disturbances and its association with sleep disturbances: a systematic review. PMCID: PMC10474748 3. Up in the Air: Evidence of Dehydration Risk and Long-Haul Flight on Athletic Performance. PMCID: PMC7551461 4. Gehlert S, Song IH, Chang C-H, Hartlage SA. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Epidemiology and treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports. 2009;11(6):449-457. PMCID: PMC4890701 HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/v0iMSdlRANA _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor Youtube: @hermoodmentor Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻 https://hermoodmentor.com

35. Mariah's PMDD Story and Symptom Transformation

When Mariah joined us on the podcast, she shared her 6-year journey with PMDD — symptoms she spent years calling “really bad PMS” that were impacting her marriage, her motherhood, and her sense of self. The Struggle: Mariah’s challenges included: Scary intrusive thoughts and feeling like her life wasn’t worth living during the luteal phase Dysphoria that had her “100% on the verge of divorce” one day and feeling great three days later Up to 14 symptomatic days per cycle A constant urge to flee — from her job, her relationships, her life Deep shame, believing she was just failing at being a woman Fear that her symptoms were making her an unsafe mom to her toddler The Turning Point: A nurse friend asked Mariah if she might have PMDD. Everything clicked. She didn’t want birth control or antidepressants — she wanted to work with her body. Her mom found Her Mood Mentor on Instagram, and Mariah took the leap into our PMDD Rehab and one-to-one coaching program. The Transformation: Within 4 months, Mariah’s symptomatic days dropped from up to 14 per cycle down to 3–4 — with significantly less severity. She stopped spiraling, stopped isolating, and started showing up as the present, safe mom she always wanted to be. In Their Own Words: Here’s what Mariah shared on the podcast: → “I appreciate my body so much. Go body.” → “My husband and I are on the same team. It’s us against luteal.” → “I didn’t spiral.” → “I feel strong and like I can handle hard things.” The Bigger Picture: Mariah’s story shows that PMDD doesn’t have to stay in the dark. Through personalized lab work, targeted supplementation, nervous system support, and relational tools, she transformed not just her symptoms — but her marriage, her motherhood, and her relationship with herself. What This Means For You: Mariah’s transformation proves that PMDD doesn’t have to rob you of the things you love most. With the right support, you can: Reduce symptom duration and severity — even after years of suffering Stop the monthly spiral and build coping tools that actually work Turn your partner into a teammate instead of a target Show up as the mom, friend, and woman you want to be ♥ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Watch the episode on Youtube https://youtu.be/Vmn9iXDt6Dw _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor Youtube: @hermoodmentor Website: hermoodmentor.com _________________________________ Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻 https://hermoodmentor.com

34. Why Some Women Finally Get PMDD Relief

The Real Reason Our Clients See Meaningful PMDD Progress Why do some women finally start seeing meaningful PMDD progress after years of feeling stuck, dismissed, and exhausted? In this episode, Jes breaks down what actually makes Her Mood Mentor’s approach different — and why real progress often comes from personalized, root-cause, capacity-aware support rather than generic symptom advice. If you have ever felt like you are trying so hard and still not getting anywhere, this episode will help you understand why. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why PMDD is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and far more serious than “just bad PMS” • How delayed diagnosis, dismissal, and repeated failed attempts can wear down hope and make women lose steam • Why Her Mood Mentor clients get results through personalized, capacity-aware care that meets them where they are • How nutritional therapy, specialized lab testing, coaching, and nervous system work create a more complete path forward • The mindset and metacognition shift behind the H.E.A.L. method: Challenge → Awareness → Understanding → Agency → Aligned Action • The success metrics Her Mood Mentor tracks using prospective symptom tracking, including changes in symptom days, symptom burden, and quality of life Resources Mentioned: • Her Mood Mentor H.E.A.L. method • Weekly community group coaching calls • Nutritional therapy support • Specialized lab testing many clients have never been offered and that many conventional providers do not routinely use • Prospective symptom tracking • Internal client outcome data • Upcoming separate episodes on testing and on the Challenge → Awareness → Understanding → Agency → Aligned Action framework with client quotes ─── Citations 1. Chan K, Rubtsova AA, Clark CJ. Exploring diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the U.S. healthcare system: a qualitative investigation. BMC Women’s Health. 2023;23:272. doi:10.1186/s12905-023-02334-y 2. Osborn E, Wittkowski A, Brooks J, Briggs PE, O’Brien PMS. Women’s experiences of receiving a diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a qualitative investigation. BMC Women’s Health. 2020;20:242. doi:10.1186/s12905-020-01100-8 3. Gehlert S, Song IH, Chang C-H, Hartlage SA. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Epidemiology and treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports. 2009;11(6):449-457. PMCID: PMC4890701 4. Mendiratta V, Lentz GM. Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. American Family Physician. 2016;94(3):236-240 5. Eisenlohr-Moul T, Divine M, Schmalenberger K, et al. Prevalence of lifetime self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in a global sample of 599 patients reporting prospectively confirmed diagnosis with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22:199. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03851-0 6. Pilver CE, Libby DJ, Hoff RA. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder as a correlate of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among a nationally representative sample. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 2013;48:437-446. doi:10.1007/s00127-012-0548-z 7. Prasad D, Wollenhaupt-Aguiar B, Kidd KN, de Azevedo Cardoso T, Frey BN. Suicidal Risk in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Women’s Health. 2021;30(12):1693-1707. doi:10.1089/jwh.2021.0185 8. Osborn E, Brooks J, O’Brien PMS, Wittkowski A. Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder experiences of suicidal ideation and attempts. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2024. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1442767 HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/nHWUdyKjEI0 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor Youtube: @hermoodmentor Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻 https://hermoodmentor.com

33. The PMDD Myth That Kept Me Sick: Nervous System Regulation, and the Healing Power of Dynamic Range

If you've ever been told to just calm down during PMDD, this episode is for you. Jes Fleming breaks down why nervous system regulation is about more than calming activities, how PMDD affects your stress response and emotional intensity, and why true healing requires dynamic range — not self-suppression. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why nervous system regulation for PMDD is not the same as being calm all the time • How PMDD affects stress sensitivity, emotional regulation, and nervous system flexibility in the luteal phase • The role of allopregnanolone, GABA, cortisol, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation in PMDD • The difference between suppression and repression — and how unprocessed emotions can worsen PMDD symptoms • Why calming activities alone may not be enough if your body needs movement, expression, boundaries, or stress-cycle completion • How to shift from trying to fix yourself into true PMDD healing through Jes's H.E.A.L. framework • Why symptoms and strong emotions may be communication from the body, not proof that you are broken Resources Mentioned: • Her Mood Mentor programs and the H.E.A.L. framework • Carl Jung: "Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one's being, but by integration of the contraries." / "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." • Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's 90-second emotion framework • Research on PMDD, allopregnanolone, GABA, heart rate variability, cortisol, and stress physiology Citations Mentioned: • Hantsoo L, Epperson CN. Allopregnanolone in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Evidence for Dysregulated Sensitivity to GABA-A Receptor Modulating Neuroactive Steroids Across the Menstrual Cycle. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(9):45. • Hantsoo L, Payne JL. Towards understanding the biology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: From genes to GABA. F1000Research. 2023;12:F1000 Faculty Rev-410. • Landén M, Wennerblom B, Tygesen H, et al. Heart rate variability in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2004;29(6):733–740. • Hamidovic A, Davis J, Soumare F, et al. Allopregnanolone Is Associated with a Stress-Induced Reduction of Heart Rate Variability in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2023. • Hamidovic A, Davis J, Soumare F, et al. Blunted Cortisol Response to Acute Psychosocial Stress in Women With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2024. • Beddig T, Reinhard I, Kuehner C. Stress, mood, and cortisol during daily life in women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2019;109:104372. • Bolte Taylor J. Popularized the 90-second emotional wave concept in My Stroke of Insight. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/KRfl9fmAEAw _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor Youtube: @hermoodmentor Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻 https://hermoodmentor.com