What would you do if your period was so painful that you would faint when you were on the toilet? This was the dilemma Lexi Elven, my guest on today’s episode of Period Story faced for 8 years.

In this episode, Lexi shares:

• Why she turned to Reddit to help her understand why she was in so much pain that she would faint during the first two days of her period
• The phrase two GPs on an endometriosis Reddit forum told her to say to her doctor, which helped put her on a diagnosis pathway
• How a second opinion led to her receiving a bowel endometriosis diagnosis after 8 years
• How yoga has been a helpful tool to manage endometriosis symptoms
• And of course, the story of her first period

Lexi says that if you’re in a similar situation, it’s important to try and persevere if you feel lost and not to let embarrassment stop you from seeking help.

Thank you, Lexi!

Get in touch with Lexi:

Instagram

A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com

Get in touch:

IG @periodstorypod

Email

periodstorypod@gmail.com

Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth

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

Would it surprise you to hear that menstruation can be a great time for detail oriented work, and for making great decisions? On this week’s episode of Period Story, I speak to Maggie McDaris, the CEO and co-founder of Phase, a company that helps women align their work with their menstrual cycle.

In this episode, Maggie shares:

• The story of her postpartum adenomyosis diagnosis and what she does to manage the condition
• The four phases of the menstrual cycle and how less than 40% of women know when they ovulate
• The post-ovulation cliff and why she believes the luteal phase gets a bad rap
• The generational divide on what productivity means
• Why our periods can be a great time to reflect, make decisions and take action on those decisions
• Why the follicular phase is a great time for strategic planning and creativity
• The influence of testosterone on communication skills
• And of course, the story of her first period

Maggie says that it’s very empowering to know how changes in our physiology and hormones impact how we show up every day and understanding this can help us show up as a better version of ourselves.

Thank you, Maggie!

Get in touch with Maggie:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com

Get in touch:

IG @periodstorypod

Email

periodstorypod@gmail.com

Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth

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

Menopause is big news right now and rightfully so. But with all the noise, how do you know what’s right for you? On this week’s episode of Period Story, I’m joined by Dr Claire Phipps, the Menopause GP, who talks me through common perimenopause and menopause myths and misconceptions.

In this episode, Dr Claire shares:

• Why she’s only just understanding her menstrual cycle at 48
• Why empathy is vital as a doctor
• Why moving away from a paternalist model towards patient empowerment is an important part of her work as a GP and menopause trainer
• Why the 10 minutes you have with an NHS GP should be the start of the conversation
• The difference between perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause
• How a holistic approach to menopause may or may not include HRT
• Why it’s important to meet patients where they’re at
• Why perimenopause can be a time of unmasking for neurodivergent women and the rise of AuADHD diagnoses
• And of course, the story of her first period

Dr Claire says the we should try not to be fearful of menopause or pathologise it, but instead, embrace it and move towards a positive natural transition.

Thank you, Dr Claire!

Get in touch with Dr Claire:

Website

Instagram

Women’s Health Concern

British Menopause Society

A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com

Get in touch:

IG @periodstorypod

Email

periodstorypod@gmail.com

Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth

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