✨In this episode, Rachel Bertenshaw shares her lived experience of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and explains why she created a peer-led PMDD community in the UK Northwest to address the lack of post-diagnostic support. She describes PMDD as a cyclical mood disorder and disability that can severely disrupt work, relationships, and daily functioning, often worsening from ovulation to menstruation, and details symptoms including rage, agitation, brain fog, overstimulation, swelling, bowel issues, heavy periods, and suicidal thoughts.

🌙Rachel discusses frequent misdiagnosis (e.g., bipolar disorder), underfunding and limited research in women’s health, possible sensitivity to hormone fluctuations, and links with ADHD. She outlines diagnostic tracking over three months and treatment options ranging from contraception and SSRIs to hysterectomy, and directs listeners to “PMDD Northwest” on Instagram for events and peer support.

🎧 About The Souls Podcast
The Souls Podcast is a space for deep conversations on spirituality, healing, consciousness, manifestation, and personal growth — hosted by Claire and Nic.

Chapters:
00:00 Meet Rachel
00:31 Building a Peer Support Community
01:22 What PMDD Really Is
02:19 Cycle Timing and Hormone Sensitivity
04:45 Years to Diagnosis Story
06:10 Symptoms Rage and Brain Fog
08:54 Awareness and Self Forgiveness
09:25 PMDD and ADHD Connection
10:37 Physical Symptoms and Genetics
13:20 Cyclical Living and Research Gaps
15:12 Coping Tools Diet and Acceptance
17:16 Women Misdiagnosed Historically
18:10 Cycles Perimenopause and ADHD
19:13 Work Life and Partner Support
22:06 Fertility Questions and Body Awareness
22:47 Diagnosis Tracking and Treatments
25:32 Suicidality and Monthly Crisis
26:39 Young Girls and Mental Health Services
27:48 Diet Hormones and Social Inequality
30:36 Community Support and Finding Help
32:40 How to Reach Out and Final Thanks