Welcome back to The Monthly Truth - the conversation no one is having, but everyone needs to hear!

In this episode, we're joined by Dina El Adlani, psychodermatology expert, founder of Espérer Skincare, and trustee for the PMDD Project. We talk about the deep connection between mind, hormones, and skin, her personal experience with PMDD, and how emotional wellbeing can directly impact physical symptoms and self-perception.

Tune in to hear about:

💬 The mind-skin connection and psychodermatology

💬 Dina’s journey from psychology and makeup artistry to founding a skincare brand rooted in emotional wellbeing

💬 Living with PMDD and the reality of symptoms like emotional spirals, isolation, and burnout

💬 How cycle awareness and self-understanding can transform daily life

This episode is powerful, validating, and deeply eye-opening. If you’ve ever felt like your emotions and body are connected in ways you can’t explain, this episode is for you.

📣 Help us spread the truth. Share, subscribe, and be part of the change

Where to find Dina:

https://www.instagram.com/eladlanidina/

https://linktr.ee/DinaElAdlani

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Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

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Chapters

00 Meet Dina & trustee news

00:28 Mind-skin connection

01:14 Stress, skin & skincare mission

02:35 Makeup chair moments

03:54 Building a new kind of skincare

05:38 First consultations & real-life skin stories

08:27 Inside the products (emotions & science)

12:16 PMDD discovery & getting support

16:11 Living with PMDD

21:16 Coping, cycles & rest

34:05 The CBT facial

37:13 Final thoughts & hope

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Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Monthly Truth - the conversation no one is having, but everyone needs to hear.

In this episode, we’re joined by Emilė Radytė - neuroscientist, founder of Samphire Neuroscience, and the woman behind the brain-stimulation headband designed to support Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and other cycle-related mood symptoms. From Harvard and Oxford to becoming her own 'test subject zero', Emilė shares how recognising her own cycle-linked symptoms led her to explore the neuroscience behind PMDD.

We unpack what’s really happening in the luteal phase, why PMDD isn’t simply a hormone imbalance, and how brain sensitivity plays a central role. We also talk misdiagnosis, why so many women are still overlooked, and the very real impact PMDD can have on work, relationships and self-trust.

Tune in to hear about:

💬 Why your hormone levels can be 'normal' but symptoms still feel intense

💬 The brain mechanisms behind luteal phase mood changes

💬 How brain stimulation supports emotional regulation

💬 Why tracking your cycle can be empowering

💬 What needs to change in women’s health research

This episode is validating, hopeful and science-backed. If you’ve ever questioned yourself in the days before your period, this conversation will help you understand why - and remind you that you’re not 'dramatic', you’re navigating something real.

📣 Help us spread the truth. Share, subscribe, and be part of the change.

Where to find Emilė:

https://www.instagram.com/radytee/

https://www.instagram.com/samphireneuro/

https://www.samphireneuro.com/

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Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:05 From Harvard to Women’s Brain Health

04:10 Studying Depression - Then Noticing Her Own Cycle

06:00 “Test Subject Zero” & The Birth of Nettle

08:45 It’s Not a Hormone Imbalance

11:30 How Brain Sensitivity Impacts Mood

15:30 Does It Actually Work? The Data

17:30 Track Your Symptoms. Change Everything.

21:00 PMDD in Real Life: Work, Relationships & Breaking Points

23:45 Misdiagnosis & Falling Through the Cracks

26:10 What Needs to Change in Women’s Health

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Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WE’RE BACK 💥 Season 2 of The Monthly Truth is officially here – and the truth is getting louder.

This episode kicks off a brand new chapter as Phoebe hands over the mic to Katie Watson 💛 PMDD advocate, volunteer at The PMDD Project, and your new co-host. They kick off the new season by getting honest about what living with PMDD really looks like - no filters, no sugar-coating.

Tune in to hear about:

💬 The moments that made everything finally click

💬 The once-a-month thoughts that feel VERY real at the time

💬 PMDD, misdiagnosis, and being told it’s 'just hormones'

💬 Coping in the luteal phase and finding what actually helps

💬 Why telling the truth out loud changes everything

This episode marks the start of a new chapter for The Monthly Truth – same mission, louder truth. It's chaotic, comforting, and deeply relatable.

If you live with PMDD, support someone who does, or have ever thought “is it just me?” – this one’s for you 💛

📣 Help us spread the truth. Share, subscribe, and be part of the change.

Follow Katie on Instagram @katiewatsonpmdd

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Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction - Season 2 Kicks Off

01:40 Katie’s PMDD Discovery & Early Realisations

07:10 Misdiagnosis, Labels & Phoebe’s PMDD Journey

12:10 The Once-a-Month Thoughts & What PMDD Feels Like

15:15 Tracking Cycles & Luteal Phase Coping

20:20 Finding Community & Speaking Out

22:15 PMDD at Work & Masking

24:20 Talking to Loved Ones & Partner Advice

32:50 Season 2 Begins

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Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Monthly Truth - the conversation no one is having, but everyone needs to hear.

In this episode, Phoebe is joined by Jen Williams - health and wellbeing coach, founder of Body Brain Belief, mum of two, and someone living with PMDD. Jen shares how her personal experience with PMDD shaped both her life and her work, from burnout and perfectionism to building flexible routines that actually work with your cycle, not against it.

This is an honest, practical conversation about navigating PMDD alongside work, relationships, and motherhood - without chasing perfection or pretending it’s easy.

Tune in to hear about:

💬 What living with PMDD really feels like across the cycle

💬 Why rigid routines don’t work - and how flexibility can change everything

💬 Managing overwhelm, fatigue, and brain fog with realistic tools

💬 Communication, self-compassion, and staying connected during hard phases

This episode is grounded, relatable, and full of takeaways for anyone living with PMDD, supporting someone who is, or trying to make sense of cyclical mental health. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your body, exhausted by expectations, or stuck in all-or-nothing thinking, this one will land.

📣 Help us spread the truth. Share, subscribe, and be part of the change.

✨ Find Jen and her work at @jenbodybrainbelief

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Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:52 Journey to Body, Brain, Belief

03:52 Understanding PMDD and Its Impact

06:33 Managing Cyclical Stress with Flexibility

09:38 Two-Minute Moments for Energy Boosts

12:18 Navigating Parenthood and PMDD

15:32 Creating a Safe Space for Support

18:15 Communication and Understanding in Relationships

21:28 Self-Compassion and Shared Humanity

24:07 Final Thoughts and Resources

--

Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Monthly Truth - the conversation no one is having, but everyone needs to hear.

In this episode, we’re joined by Hannah Lawrence - PMDD advocate, TikTok creator (@hannahlb_) and dedicated volunteer at The PMDD Project. Hannah opens up about her journey with PMDD, the moment everything “clicked”, and how she turned one of the hardest periods of her life into meaningful awareness work inside her company.

Tune in to hear about:

💬 What PMDD really feels like when the “switch” flips

💬 How PMDD symptoms show up at work - brain fog, mood crashes, physical symptoms and more

💬 Why speaking up at work changed everything for her and her colleagues

💬 How she’s creating awareness, training and compassion in a male-dominated environment

This episode is honest, eye-opening and full of reminders that you’re not alone. If you’re navigating PMDD at work, trying to explain your symptoms to others, or simply need reassurance that what you’re experiencing is real - this one’s for you 💗

📢 Share it, subscribe, and help us spread the truth about PMDD

--

Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

--

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:54 Understanding PMDD: A Personal Journey

04:50 Navigating PMDD Symptoms and Their Impact

09:21 Speaking Up: PMDD in the Workplace

13:24 Raising Awareness: Training and Support

16:58 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

20:49 The Importance of Flexibility and Understanding

23:38 Advice for Those Struggling with PMDD

--

Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sanam Iqbal - therapist, mental health advocate, and founder of The Art of Joy Project - opens up about her personal and professional experience with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) - a severe hormone-based mood disorder that affects emotional regulation, relationships, and daily life.

She shares what it’s like discovering PMDD as both a therapist and someone who lives with it, breaking down how therapy, education, and self-advocacy can transform the way we understand women’s mental health.

Tune in to hear about:

💬 How PMDD impacts emotions, work, and relationships

💬 The connection between hormones, anxiety, and low mood

💬 Why therapy is key in supporting people with PMDD

💬 Realistic coping tools and how to track your symptoms

💬 The importance of self-compassion and support systems

This episode is heartfelt, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating PMDD, hormone health, or emotional wellbeing. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or trying to support someone you love, Sanam’s insights remind us that awareness and empathy can change everything.

Listen to The Monthly Truth wherever you get your podcasts - and join the growing conversation about PMDD, hormones, and women’s mental health.

📣 Help us spread the truth. Share, subscribe, and be part of the change

Follow Sanam on Instagram: @sanam_thetherapist

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Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

--

Chapters

00:00 Understanding PMDD: A Personal Perspective

03:53 The Role of a Therapist in PMDD Awareness

06:39 Recognizing PMDD Symptoms in Clients

09:46 The Impact of PMDD on Relationships

12:40 Navigating Therapy for PMDD

15:01 Coping Strategies for Managing PMDD Symptoms

16:47 Encouragement for Those Struggling with PMDD

--

Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alice Byron-O’Connor is the founder of More Muchness, advocate, creative, and voice for PMDD and ADHD awareness. Alice opens up about the realities of living with both PMDD and ADHD, how it’s impacted her relationships, career, and dreams of motherhood, and why honesty is such a powerful tool in breaking stigma.

💬 What it’s really like navigating life with both PMDD and ADHD

💬 The coping mechanisms Alice leaned on (and how she’s reshaping them)

💬 Communicating openly with partners, clients, and community

💬 Preparing for the luteal phase + finding small acts of self-care

This episode is raw, relatable, and packed with insights for anyone managing PMDD, ADHD, or supporting someone who is. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or 'too much,' this one will hit home.

📣 Help us spread the truth. Share, subscribe, and be part of the change

✨ Follow Alice and More Muchness on Instagram @more_muchness

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Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

--

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Impact of Sunshine

01:25 Understanding PMDD: A Personal Perspective

05:22 The Journey to Diagnosis: Discovering PMDD

09:57 Navigating Relationships During PMDD

12:08 The Intersection of PMDD and ADHD

18:39 Exploring Treatment Options for PMDD

20:58 Managing Daily Life with PMDD and ADHD

23:10 The Importance of Communication in Relationships

29:46 The Struggles of Substance Misuse with ADHD

36:07 Navigating Parenthood with PMDD

40:43 Balancing Work and Mental Health

44:24 Advice for Those Struggling with PMDD

--

Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Monthly Truth - the conversation no one is having, but everyone needs to hear!

In this episode, we’re joined by Bianca Brathwaite - founder of Mindset Maintenance, community builder, and mental health advocate. Bianca opens up about her journey with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), how it’s shaped her work and wellbeing, and why creating safe, supportive spaces is so vital.

Tune in to hear about:

💬 Living with PMDD while navigating work and life

💬 How community support can transform mental health

💬 Finding joy in the small moments that carry us through

💬 Why accessible wellbeing resources matter more than ever

This episode is heartfelt and full of wisdom for anyone managing PMDD symptoms, searching for PMDD support, or simply trying to care for their mental health in a busy world. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much alone, this one’s for you.

📣 Share it, subscribe, and help us spread the truth.

✨ Follow Bianca and Mindset Maintenance: @mindset_maintenance

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Follow The PMDD Project for more support and resources:

🌎 Website: https://thepmddproject.org/

📸 Instagram: @thepmddproject

📹 Tiktok: @thepmddproject

💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pmdd-project/

--

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:54 Understanding PMDD and Personal Experiences

13:33 Navigating Life with PMDD

18:32 Coping Strategies and Self-Care

19:30 Understanding the Body and Mental Health

25:02 Mindset Maintenance: Workshops and Community Engagement

30:10 Finding Joy in Everyday Life

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Disclaimer:

At The Monthly Truth, we share stories, experiences, and information to support and empower those affected by PMDD. However, the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s journey with PMDD is unique, and we encourage you to seek care from qualified healthcare providers for your individual needs. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re so glad you're here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.