Ever feel like a different person during your luteal phase? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, board-certified fertility doctor Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with award-winning researcher and psychologist Dr. Sarah Hill, author of the groundbreaking new book The Period Brain.

They move beyond "bikini medicine" to explain how estrogen and progesterone literally rewire your brain's priorities, stress response, and social connections. If you’ve ever wondered why your mood, energy, or motivation shifts from one week to the next, or if you’ve struggled with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), this episode provides the science-backed roadmap you need to work with your hormones instead of against them.

What You’ll Learn:

- A deep dive into the "progesterone season" and how hormonal shifts change the way your amygdala processes relationship threats. They discuss why modern research has historically ignored the second half of the cycle and the importance of advocating for better data in women’s health.

- Understanding the clinical difference between PMS and PMDD. They explore why some women are more sensitive to these fluctuations and who may be predisposed to sensitivities.

- Why "one-size-fits-all" nutrition fails. Discover why your basal metabolic rate increases during the luteal phase and how to adjust your calorie intake to support your body’s increased energy needs and hormonal resilience.

- The neurobiological differences between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins, and how each impacts mood, brain health, and well-being.

- Tangible, approachable steps to support ovulation and increase cellular plasticity, including the role of morning sunlight, magnesium supplementation, and anti-inflammatory nutrition to help you work with your hormones instead of against them.

Find Dr. Sarah Hill

- Book: The Period Brain

- Website: SarahEHill.com

- Instagram: @SarahEHillPhD 

Resources:

Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠

Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd

Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD

Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility

Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

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