PMDD Pep Talk

When Emily first reached out, she was facing a decade-long struggle with debilitating PMDD symptoms that left her feeling hopeless and disconnected from her life. She described spending half of every month just trying to hold things together, navigating a storm of emotional and physical symptoms that disrupted her relationships, career, and confidence.

Her Initial Challenges:
• Intense mood swings and crying spells
• Debilitating depression and anxiety
• Bloating and tension headaches
• Rejection sensitivity and negative thought spirals
• Rage that led to isolation and emotional shutdown

Over just 4 months in our PMDD Program, Emily didn’t just shorten her symptom window—
she stepped into a version of herself she hadn’t felt in years: clear, calm, and confident. 

Here's What Emily Says Now:
👉 “I’m only having a few days of symptoms instead of 2 weeks.”
👉 “I am capable and feeling more confident.”
👉 “I haven’t had any rage.”
👉 “I’ve been able to show up to my life now that I’m not feeling awful.” 

The numbers tell the story: Emily went from 14 days of moderate-severe symptoms to just 3 days of mild-to-moderate symptoms per cycle—a transformation she once thought was out of reach.

Emily’s story demonstrates that PMDD doesn't have to define your life. Through root-cause healing, personalized support, and real tools for lasting change, she found clarity, control, and confidence.

With the right guidance, you can: 

• Avoid drastic medications or endless trial-and-error
• Heal naturally and holistically
• Break free from the emotional rollercoaster
• Experience consistent, manageable cycles
• Reclaim your energy, relationships, and sense of self

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

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Watch the episode on Youtube

https://youtu.be/95rGP8843so

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

Results vary. This is one woman's experience and is not a guarantee of the results you may experience. Although there is currently no cure for PMDD, our work aims to support the reduction and improved management of symptoms over time. Our services are designed to work alongside care from appropriately licensed healthcare providers, not in place of it. Her Mood Mentor does not provide medical advice, medical treatment, or medication management.

What if your mom rage isn't something to fix, but something to understand? In this powerful conversation with trauma-informed physical therapist and somatic coach Amanda Curry PT, DPT, we explore the hidden gifts beneath anger and rage, why "calming down" isn't always the answer, and how your anger center is directly connected to your personal power. This episode will shift how you think about your emotions and open up possibilities you never imagined.

Meet Amanda:

Amanda Curry is a trauma-informed Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Oncology Specialist, Training Camp for the Soul™ Master Facilitator, Breathwork Facilitator, Inner child and Reparenting Coach 

Amanda has a fierce commitment to supporting those who struggle with feeling they are “ too much” and are tired of living in shame and denial of their true essence.

• Why your anger is actually a communication system and boundary violation alert - not a character flaw

• The three-part "triune" approach to somatic work that addresses your physical, emotional, and spiritual body

• How to start building safety with your emotions through simple noticing and witnessing practices

• Why your anger center is directly connected to your personal power and autonomy

• The difference between regulating emotions and trying to control them

• How societal conditioning keeps women disconnected from their natural emotional range

"Your anger center is directly related to your power center. On the other side or through the expression of your anger, you actually drop the mask or the pattern or the belief, and what you get to access is your personal power and autonomy."

"The goal is for you to be more present and not perfect. If you can be equipped with tools to go from a 10 to a six or an eight to a four, that is doing something."

"Healing PMDD isn't just about managing symptoms, it's about transforming your life. This challenge, as brutal as it can be, is an invitation to know yourself more deeply and live a more joyful purpose filled life."

[00:02:20] - Meet Amanda Curry: From traditional physical therapy to somatic healing

[00:06:02] - The unraveling that led to discovering mom rage and new forms of healing

[00:13:17] - Breaking down what somatic work really means: the three-part soma approach

[00:21:32] - Amanda's personal experience with mom rage and the "new elevation of fire"

[00:28:16] - Why we don't feel safe with anger and the cultural conditioning behind it

[00:36:30] - The connection between mom/dad relationships and how we process emotions

[00:45:18] - Understanding anger as data: boundary violations and unmet needs

[00:50:27] - Practical first steps: How to start noticing sensations in your body

[00:54:32] - When to move energy vs. when to just be with it

[01:02:58] - The fear of what's on the other side of letting go of anger patterns

PMDD awareness saves lives. Your 30-second review could be the reason another woman finally finds this podcast and discovers she's not alone, she's not "crazy," and there is hope. The woman who finds us because of your review might be in her darkest moment, searching for answers just like you once did. Please take a moment to rate PMDD Pep Talk and share how this podcast has helped you. Every review spreads awareness. Every bit of awareness has the power to save lives.

_________________________________

Watch the episode on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/iVII6DbiTns

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

You can find Amanda:

Instagram: @thesomaticdpt

Amanda's Resources: https://linktr.ee/thesomaticdpt

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

This isn't your typical pep talk episode, but it's the most important conversation we need to have. Jes and her dad Chris dive deep into the shocking 2022 research linking PMDD to self-harm and suicidal ideation, sharing Jes's personal 17-year journey with undiagnosed PMDD and the precursors that lead women down this devastating path. This raw, honest conversation offers hope and practical insights for breaking the dangerous cycle of silence.

This episode discusses self-harm and suicidal ideation. If you're experiencing active thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or your local emergency services. Your hosts are not clinical counselors and cannot provide crisis intervention.

• The devastating statistics from 2022 research: 72% of PMDD patients experience suicidal thoughts, 49% make plans, and 34% attempt suicide

• The hidden precursors to self-injurious thoughts, including automatic negative thoughts and how they spiral during the luteal phase

• Why isolation and shame fuel the cycle of self-harm, and how breaking the silence can be life-saving

• The various forms of self-sabotage beyond physical harm (running, fighting, disordered eating, perfectionism, risky behaviors)

• How trauma and nervous system dysregulation connect to PMDD and self-harm patterns

• The importance of communicating with your support system about what's really happening in your mind

"PMDD awareness is suicide prevention - I'm not hyping this up here. This is reality."

"You cannot think 'I'm worthless' 25 times in one minute... for 14 days and not end up with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors."

"Healing PMDD isn't just about managing symptoms, it's about transforming your life. This challenge, as brutal as it can be, is an invitation to know yourself more deeply."

Episode Highlights:

[00:06:36] - The shocking 2022 BMC Psychiatry study statistics that shook the PMDD world

[00:18:59] - How automatic negative thoughts create a spiral leading to self-harm

[00:27:20] - The various forms of self-sabotage women don't recognize as self-harm

[00:45:48] - Dad's perspective on learning about Jes's 17 years of hidden struggle

[00:56:22] - How breaking the silence transformed their relationship and Jes's life

• BMC Psychiatry 2022 study: "Prevalence of Lifetime Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors in a Global Sample of 599 Patients Reporting Prospectively Confirmed Diagnosis with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder" -https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-022-03851-0

• PMDD Rehab program lesson on automatic negative thoughts and self-sabotage

https://hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-rehab-course

• Automatic negative thoughts workbook -

https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/z3VZsifo

• Symptom mapping kit (free resource for tracking PMDD patterns)

https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 

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PMDD awareness saves lives. Your 30-second review could be the reason another woman finally finds this podcast and discovers she's not alone, she's not "crazy," and there is hope. The woman who finds us because of your review might be in her darkest moment, searching for answers just like you once did. Please take a moment to rate PMDD Pep Talk and share how this podcast has helped you.

Every review spreads awareness. Every bit of awareness has the power to save lives.

_________________________________

Watch the episode on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/FqJi1Z3X_pg

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

When Carly first reached out, she was facing relentless PMDD symptoms that were disrupting her daily life, marriage, and mental health. She had been battling these symptoms since the age of 16—18 years of monthly chaos that consumed most of her cycle.

For nearly two decades, Carly was spending 21 days each month dealing with overwhelming emotional and physical symptoms that stole her energy, peace, and joy.

Her Initial Challenges:
• Crushing depression
• Hopelessness and anxiety
• Intense rage
• Restless legs and insomnia
• Severe bloating and hormonal acne
• Suicidal ideation
• Poor sleep and extreme emotional dysregulation

Over just a few months in our PMDD Program, Carly's symptom burden decreased by 223 points, from 444 to 221. She didn’t just survive her luteal phase—she reclaimed her life, her confidence, and her calm. 

Here's What Carly Says Now:
👉 “I’m not filled with rage in luteal.”
👉 “I didn’t have any suicidal ideation.”
👉 “I feel better than I ever did on antidepressants.”
👉 “Our house has a happier energy.”
👉 “I cannot believe I’m having symptom-free cycles without medication.” 

Carly went from 21 days of moderate-severe symptoms each cycle to zero severe symptoms recorded in her fourth symptom map—a complete transformation without medication. 

Carly’s story demonstrates that PMDD doesn't have to rule your life. Through an individualized, root-cause approach, she found lasting relief and emotional freedom.

Her transformation proves that with proper support, you can: 

• Avoid relying solely on SSRIs or birth control
• Improve naturally and sustainably
• Regain your emotional balance and joy
• Experience consistent symptom-free cycles
• Take back control over your body, mind, and life

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

_________________________________

Watch the episode on Youtube

https://youtu.be/xg8gaYEm9Sg

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

Results vary. This is one woman's experience and is not a guarantee of the results you may experience. Although there is currently no cure for PMDD, our work aims to support the reduction and improved management of symptoms over time. Our services are designed to work alongside care from appropriately licensed healthcare providers, not in place of it. Her Mood Mentor does not provide medical advice, medical treatment, or medication management.

After seven years of working with PMDD clients, Jess shares a profound mindset shift that happened during a recent consultation call. She explores why so many women seek PMDD healing to help their loved ones rather than themselves—and why this motivation is actually a beautiful gift rather than something to be frustrated about. This episode reveals how changing our thinking patterns can transform our entire perspective and offers hope for your own healing journey.

• Why seeking healing for others isn't a sign of low self-worth—it's actually beautiful

• How thought patterns can shift naturally as you heal, without "muscling" them into place

• The difference between physical and psychological PMDD symptoms and how they affect identity

• Why celebrating small shifts and progress is crucial for rewiring your brain • Real-life examples of how PMDD healing transforms women's lives in unexpected ways

"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - Shakespeare

"What a beautiful thing that you love someone so much that you care so much about someone else that you are willing to do whatever it takes."

"The psychological symptoms can get integrated into your sense of being a lot deeper for a lot longer before you build the awareness and understanding to take action to change it."

• Tame Your Inner Critic Workbook (mentioned as a tool for changing thought patterns)

• PMDD Pep Talk episode on suicidal ideation and PMDD- coming soon

• Shakespeare's quote: "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so"

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

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This episode came from a real-time shift I experienced while working with a client—one of those beautiful moments where the work I do with others reflected back and healed something in me. If you've ever felt like you're not "enough" reason to heal for yourself, I want you to know that whatever motivates you to get better is valid and beautiful. Your love for others can be the catalyst that transforms your life, and there's nothing wrong with that.

PMDD awareness literally saves lives. Your 30-second review could be the reason another woman finally finds this podcast and discovers she's not alone, she's not "crazy," and there is hope. The woman who finds us because of your review might be in her darkest moment, searching for answers just like you once did. Please take a moment to rate us 5 stars and share how this podcast has helped you—your voice could help save a life.

Every review spreads awareness. Every bit of awareness saves lives.

Remember: Your PMDD symptoms are not your personality. Your suffering is real, your experience is valid, and your future is brighter than your symptoms suggest.

__________________________________________________________________________

Watch the episode on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/lPqpqN2xKp0

 __________________________________________________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

 Navigating PMDD, Self-Compassion, and Identity with Nicole

In this episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes sits down with Nicole from Dope Kitchen to explore the emotional and psychological challenges of living with PMDD. Through a raw and heartfelt discussion, they uncover the complexities of self-compassion, identity shifts, and the impact of PMDD on personal growth.

Nicole opens up about her journey—from grappling with feelings of self-doubt and frustration to finding a path toward self-acceptance and healing. Together, they discuss the power of self-awareness, strategies for managing PMDD’s emotional rollercoaster, and how embracing one’s experience can lead to profound transformation.

Episode Highlights:
✨ How PMDD shapes self-perception and identity
✨ The role of self-compassion in healing and resilience
✨ Coping strategies for navigating emotional highs and lows
✨ The impact of PMDD on relationships and personal goals
✨ Practical tips for advocating for yourself and finding support

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking validation, community, and practical insights into living with PMDD. Tune in for an honest, empowering conversation that reminds you—you are not alone.

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

_________________________________

Watch the conversation on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/sdqHKfHlCHA

_________________________________

Find Nicole:

Instagram: @dope_kitchen

Youtube: @DopeKitchen

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

 Host of the Breaking Your Cycle summit, Nichola Smith, interviews Jes Fleming, a nutritional therapist and integrative menstrual health educator who transformed her 17-year struggle with undiagnosed PMDD into a mission to help other women. After being misdiagnosed as bipolar and reaching a crisis point in 2017, Jes discovered approaches that gave her a symptom-free period within just 3 months. She now runs Her Mood Mentor Virtual Premenstrual Clinic, helping women reclaim their lives from severe premenstrual symptoms.

Symptom Mapping: Track symptoms visually for 2-3 months to identify patterns, aid diagnosis, and target specific issues

Recovery is possible when addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms.

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

_________________________________

Watch the episode on Youtube:

 https://youtu.be/y9BSynR6ZjY

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

Rachael sought help in November 2024 with a significant symptom burden of 440 points on her assessment. For over two years following the birth of her second son, she had been experiencing:

These symptoms were profoundly affecting her relationships with her husband and parents, as well as impairing her ability to parent effectively.

By early March 2025, Rachael's follow-up assessment showed remarkable improvement:

Rachael expressed the profound impact of the program on her life:

These statements reflect not just symptom reduction but a fundamental shift in her self-perception, emotional well-being, and ability to engage with the world—particularly during what was previously her most challenging time of the month.

Rachael's case demonstrates the life-changing potential of addressing cyclical mood and emotional disorders with comprehensive and personalized protocols.

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

_________________________________

Watch the episode on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/EXNWY3HsZeY

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

Results vary. This is one woman's experience and is not a guarantee of the results you may experience. Although there is currently no cure for PMDD, our work aims to support the reduction and improved management of symptoms over time. Our services are designed to work alongside care from appropriately licensed healthcare providers, not in place of it. Her Mood Mentor does not provide medical advice, medical treatment, or medication management.

Unlocking Pleasure, Connection, and Confidence with the Libido Fairy

In this episode, Jes sits down with Hannah Deindorfer, a sex and intimacy coach affectionately known as the Libido Fairy. With a background in somatic therapy and trauma-informed coaching, Hannah helps women with low libido rediscover pleasure and cultivate thriving relationships.

Together, Jes and Hannah break down myths around sex, pleasure, and long-term intimacy, exploring everything from responsive desire to scheduling sex and redefining what intimacy looks like. Hannah shares her personal journey from disconnection to empowerment, revealing practical tips for bridging daily life and intimacy with a partner.

They dive deep into pleasure physiology, why 12-minute encounters aren't enough, and the societal misconceptions that hold women back from fully embracing their sexual and emotional selves. Whether you're navigating PMDD, hormonal challenges, or just looking to enhance your connection, this episode is packed with relatable advice, education, and inspiration.

Get ready for candid conversation, myth-busting insights, and tangible takeaways to revolutionize your intimate life.

Episode Highlights:

- How understanding responsive desire and the importance of tumescence can transform sexual experiences

- Busting myths around spontaneity in sex and redefining what intimacy looks like in long-term relationships

- The power of education in overcoming shame and unlocking pleasure

- Practical tips for bridging daily life and intimacy, including scheduling sex and creating a "sex menu"

- The surprising ripple effects of sexual healing on confidence, communication, and overall well-being

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

_________________________________

Watch the conversation on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/OjicmbHLuwg

_________________________________

Find Hannah:

Instagram: @thelibidofairy

Youtube: @thelibidofairy

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

In this episode, Jes interviews Maia, who battled devastating premenstrual symptoms that consumed her life for over 20 years. For two decades, Maia struggled with severe psychological and physical symptoms that impacted her entire existence, affecting her relationships, career, and sense of self.

Her Symptoms Included:

Despite trying various treatments including birth control and holistic approaches, Maia found no relief—until she discovered an integrative approach to managing her PMDD.

Remarkable Transformation:

Maia's Breakthrough Quotes:

From feeling fundamentally broken to discovering cycle wisdom, Maia's story is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with PMDD. Her journey proves that with the right support, education, and personalized intervention, transformative healing is possible.

Key Message: PMDD is just a chapter in your story—not the entire book.

Maia's Message: Trust yourself. You are more capable than you believe, and healing is possible, even after decades of suffering.

❤️ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more hopeful in your healing—please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review PMDD Pep Talk. Your words don’t just help us grow—they help someone in the depths of their cycle find this support when they need it most. Every subscribe click, rate, and review helps us reach more people who are still suffering in silence. 

_________________________________

Watch the conversation on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD4wMPN0hVE

_________________________________

You can find Jes:

Instagram: @hermoodmentor

Youtube: @hermoodmentor

Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/

_________________________________

Looking for support, resources, or want to work with us? 👇🏻

https://hermoodmentor.com

Results vary. This is one woman's experience and is not a guarantee of the results you may experience. Although there is currently no cure for PMDD, our work aims to support the reduction and improved management of symptoms over time. Our services are designed to work alongside care from appropriately licensed healthcare providers, not in place of it. Her Mood Mentor does not provide medical advice, medical treatment, or medication management.