finding natural relief from PMS and PMDD with menstrual cycle awareness

Do you experience intense mood swings, anxiety, or depression around your period? Are you curious about the impact of hormonal birth control on your mental health? In this episode, we dive into the complex world of PMS, PMDD, and hormonal birth control, exploring their effects on emotion regulation and mental health. We'll also discuss the different phases of the menstrual cycle and how practicing menstrual cycle awareness can help you manage your emotions and improve your well-being. A few months ago, I discovered the practice of "Menstrual Cycle Awareness" (MCA) through the work of RedSchool founders Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer. Through this new framework and awareness of my own inner "seasons," I've felt like I can better ride the inevitable waves of life and lessen (and even eliminate) some of my most severe premenstrual symptoms (which have been so severe, I’ve qualified for a diagnosis of PMDD.) This episode aims to pass on much of what our mothers (and their mothers) didn't tell us about our menstrual cycles and how we can reclaim that power together as part of our recovery from emotional dysregulation issues. 

Questions answered and topics discussed in this episode:

■ Period stigma (what it is and how it manifests in our culture)

■ How hormonal birth control can affect your mood and contribute to further emotional dysregulation

■ What are the signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

■ "Premenstrual dysphoric disorder" (should premenstrual symptoms be a mental disorder?)

■ Getting to know the four distinct phases of your menstrual cycle

■ Exploring the mentality and rites of menstruation around the world

■ How to practice menstrual cycle awareness (MCA)

■ The purported benefits of seed cycling for menstrual cycle-related mood swings

Recommended resources:

■ Flo Period Tracking app (I use the free version)

■ Think Dirty Shop Clean App

■ Wild Power (book that explains MCA and the inner seasons)

■ Blog article by Rising Woman that breaks down the inner seasons one by one

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

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