Send us Fan Mail

Ever find yourself wondering if the version of you showing up this week is completely different to the one from two weeks ago?

In this episode of Farm Life Psych, I’m talking honestly about hormones, menstrual cycles, and the very real impact they can have on our mood, energy, capacity, relationships, and mental wellbeing.

I share a little of my own experience navigating those heavy, emotional days where everything feels harder, especially in the middle of farm life where stopping simply isn’t always an option.

We talk about what’s happening in our brains and bodies across the different phases of the menstrual cycle, why some weeks we feel capable and clear-headed while others feel foggy and overwhelming, and how understanding this can help us move out of shame and into a little more self-compassion.

This isn’t about brushing things off with “it’s just hormones”. It’s about noticing, understanding and finding practical ways to work with our bodies instead of constantly fighting against them.

If you’ve ever felt flat, reactive, emotional, exhausted, or just not quite yourself and wondered why, I hope this episode helps you feel a little more understood and a little less alone.

What part of your cycle do you notice impacts you the most? I’d genuinely love to hear your experience. Come connect with me over on Instagram @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych   and let’s keep this conversation going.

What we cover in this episode

• Steph reflects on cancelling the original podcast recording because of where she was at in her cycle 
• Why hormones can have such a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing 
• The difference between male and female hormonal cycles 
• Understanding oestrogen and progesterone 
• The role serotonin plays in mood regulation 
• How hormonal changes affect cognition, emotions, energy, and stress 
• Why awareness and noticing matter 
• Menstruation phase and the emotional/physical load that can come with it 
• The reality of trying to rest during busy seasons of farm life 
• Moving into the follicular phase and rising energy levels 
• How different phases of the cycle can impact work, relationships, and capacity 
• Giving ourselves more compassion instead of shame 
• Working with our bodies instead of constantly pushing through

PMDD Information

• https://www.iapmd.org/pmdd
• https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/

Women's health information

• https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au 
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.