In this solo episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes Fleming—Board-Certified Nutritional Therapist and PMDD Coach—shares how to confidently advocate for yourself in medical settings when seeking help for PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or PMS-related mood symptoms. You’ll learn what to bring to your appointment, how to talk to your provider, and how to protect yourself from medical gaslighting so you can finally feel heard, validated, and supported.

Whether you’re early in your PMDD journey or trying to find a doctor who takes you seriously, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to walk into your next appointment feeling prepared and empowered.

• Why it takes women an average of 20 years to get an accurate PMDD diagnosis—and how to shorten that timeline
• How to collect and present your PMDD symptom data for better medical support
• The essential questions to ask your doctor or healthcare provider
• A simple advocacy phrase that can shift power dynamics in your favor
• How to recognize red flags and when to walk away from dismissive providers
• Post-appointment steps that keep your healing on track

> “You are the steward of your health—and you’ll always be the best steward of your health.”
> “If a provider refuses testing or treatment, ask them to document in your chart that you requested it and it was denied.”
> “Treat your appointment like an interview—you’re hiring them as much as they’re treating you.”

• Free Symptom Mapping Kit– Track your cyclical symptoms and patterns for your provider
• PMDD Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5) – Print and bring to your appointment
• IAPMD (International Association for Premenstrual Disorders) – Educational handouts on PMDD
• Episode 11 – The “I’ve Tried Everything for PMDD” Mindset
• Episode 21 – Shocking PMDD Statistics No One Talks About (Plus My Dad’s Reaction)
• Her Mood Mentor One-to-One Comprehensive Program – Functional lab testing, nutritional therapy, and personalized support

Chan K, Rubtsova AA, Clark CJ. Exploring diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the U.S. healthcare system: a qualitative investigation. BMC Womens Health. 2023 May 17;23(1):272. doi: 10.1186/s12905-023-02334-y. PMID: 37198676; PMCID: PMC10193729.

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 Womens Health. 2020 Oct 28;20(1):242. doi: 10.1186/s12905-020-01100-8. PMID: 33115437; PMCID: PMC7594422.

PMDD, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, PMS, menstrual health, hormone imbalance, women’s health, PMDD podcast, PMDD diagnosis, PMDD treatment, patient advocacy, medical gaslighting, holistic health, Her Mood Mentor, Jess Fleming, PMDD coach, mental health for women, cycle awareness, hormone health, PMS mood symptoms