Think PMDD is Holding You Back? Ultra Runner Frankie Smyth Might Change Your Mind

Think PMDD is Holding You Back? Ultra Runner Frankie Smyth Might Change Your Mind

She ran 250km through Tanzania with undiagnosed PMDD. Now she's helping other women stop fighting their bodies - and start working with them instead. Frankie Smyth is an ultra runner, resilience and wellness coach, and PMDD advocate who has spent the last few years learning the hard way that understanding your hormones isn't a limitation - it's a superpower. In this episode, Ellisha sits down with Frankie to talk about what it actually looks like to push your body through some of the world's most extreme endurance events while navigating PMDD, fatigue, anxiety, and the very real mental battle of the luteal phase when life doesn't pause for it. This one is full of honesty, practical tools, and genuine hope for anyone in the PMDD community who has ever wondered if achieving big things is still possible for them. Spoiler: it absolutely is. What we cover Frankie's journey from couch to 5k to ultra marathons — and what that taught her about resilience and self-belief How she was diagnosed with PMDD in early 2024, and why she felt lucky compared to the many women who wait years What her symptoms actually look like: fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, brain fog, and emotional lows that didn't feel like her The moment she realised her struggles were cyclical — and how tracking gave her a sense of control back How she completed 15 national parks in 15 consecutive days during her luteal phase (yes, really) How to start training with your cycle, not against it — including the Stardust app, follicular vs luteal phase training, and why rest counts as progress The prep strategy she uses in her good phase to set herself up for the harder days How to communicate your PMDD to partners, family, and employers — and why that conversation is worth having Her number one piece of advice for anyone who feels like their condition is standing between them and the life they want Sponsor Evelyn Health is dedicated to helping those struggling with PMS and PMDD through expert-led, science-backed supplements and functional foods. Having used them for over a year to manage my own hormonal health, I'm so proud to have them as a partner. Get 20% off your first order with code HOTLINE20 at evelynhealth.com Connect with Frankie Smyth Instagram: @runningwithfrankie_ Timestamps 00:02:15 — Running 15 years, leading a run club, and travelling the world with it 00:04:00 — From couch to 5k to marathons — the setbacks that shaped her 00:06:54 — Running 250km through Tanzania: the multi-day ultra that changed everything 00:08:03 — Doing all of that with undiagnosed PMDD 00:10:06 — Cycle syncing as a superpower: follicular phase confidence and luteal phase reality 00:11:22 — What to do when a race falls in your luteal phase 00:16:15 — What triggered Frankie's PMDD — and the road to diagnosis 00:30:10 — Practical tools for training with your cycle: tracking, Stardust, and phase-by-phase guidance 00:36:13 — Why rest is not failure — and having a baseline for your worst days 00:44:15 — Luteal phase cravings, meal prep, and why there's no such thing as naughty food This podcast explores research and lived experience around women's health and chronic conditions. Our discussions aim to reflect current evidence while acknowledging that understanding in this field continues to evolve. The content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners experiencing significant or distressing symptoms should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Subscribe and connect If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and hit follow — it means the world and helps more women find the Hormonal Hotline. Edited and produced by @the32collective / the32collective.co Resources mentioned in this episode Stardust cycle tracking app (female-led, privacy-focused, highly recommended by both Ellisha and Frankie)

The PMDD Story That Made Him Build Evelyn

What happens when a man decides to build one of the most science-backed women's health brands in the UK? Ellisha sits down with Jared Williams, co-founder of Evelyn Health, for a conversation that's equal parts raw, revealing, and genuinely moving. Jared opens up about the personal experiences that pushed him into this space - from watching a young girlfriend fight for a PMDD diagnosis through four years of private clinics, to a moment at a nursery gate that changed everything. He talks about building a brand rooted in clinical science and community, the uncomfortable question of whether a man has any business leading a women's health company, and why he believes the answer is a lot more nuanced than it first appears. This one will make you think, and probably feel a lot. What we cover The personal story behind Evelyn Health - and why Jared couldn't walk away from this idea What it was really like to watch someone you love navigate an undiagnosed PMDD journey in their early twenties A medical appointment that haunts him to this day - and why it fuels everything he builds Navigating the loaded question: can a man authentically lead a women's health brand? The UK's women's health strategy four years on - are things actually changing, or going backwards? Why 740,000 women were on a gynaecology waiting list in December 2025 - and what needs to shift The case for holistic, nutrition-first treatment before defaulting to medication What Jared wants his son Ronnie to understand about supporting the women in his life The vision for premenstrual health - and why menopause offers a blueprint Sponsor Evelyn Health is dedicated to helping those struggling with PMS and PMDD through expert-led, science-backed supplements and functional foods. Having used them for over a year to manage my own hormonal health, I'm so proud to have them as a partner. Get 20% off your first order with code HOTLINE20 at evelynhealth.com Connect with Jared Williams Website [https://www.evelynhealth.com]: https://www.evelynhealth.com/ Instagram: @evelynhealth [https://www.instagram.com/evelynhealth] Timestamps 00:01:03 — Introduction to Jared Williams and Evelyn Health 00:01:43 — Jared's background: law, startups, and what led him here 00:05:00 — Why PMS and PMDD? The personal roots of Evelyn 00:07:12 — A girlfriend's four-year PMDD diagnosis journey and what it cost her 00:09:18 — The appointment that made everything feel urgent 00:12:34 — Navigating life as a male founder in women's health 00:15:16 — On allyship, inclusion, and who belongs in the room 00:19:47 — Who is Evelyn? The name, the meaning, the mission 00:21:17 — What it feels like when the product actually changes someone's life 00:24:09 — Long-term vision: what success really looks like for Jared 00:28:20 — The state of women's health in the UK: optimism, worry, and 740,000 waiting 00:33:08 — What annoys Jared about the women's health space (it's controversial) 00:38:25 — Raising Ronnie: how to talk to your son about women's health 00:40:26 — Could Evelyn ever be available on the NHS? 00:43:26 — Why we need to go holistic first — and what GPs get wrong 00:47:16 — One piece of advice for his younger self A note on our content This podcast explores research and lived experience around women's health and chronic conditions. Our discussions aim to reflect current evidence while acknowledging that understanding in this field continues to evolve. The content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners experiencing significant or distressing symptoms should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Subscribe and connect If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and hit follow - it means the world and helps more women find the Hormonal Hotline. Edited and produced by @the32collective_ https://www.the32collective.co

From Period Pain to Olympic Gold: High-Performance Hormonal Health

"Vulnerability is strength, not a weakness," Michelle reminds us as she advocates for justice and better representation in women's health. Join host Ellisha Blake on The Hormonal Hotline for an empowering conversation with Olympian and life coach Michelle Griffith Robinson. In this raw and honest episode, Michelle opens up about her journey from breaking records in Wembley to navigating the complexities of women's health and high performance.  She shares powerful insights on managing period symptoms as an athlete, overcoming abusive relationships, and why she believes your "second act" after 50 can be your best one yet.  Key Takeaways The importance of advocating for yourself in medical spaces, especially regarding black women's health and the menopause. How to utilise an "Olympic mindset" to build resilience and bounce back from life’s challenges. The life-changing power of making the brave choice to walk away from situations that no longer serve you. Why education and open conversations are essential to removing the shame often associated with menstrual cycles and aging. Episode Highlights Breaking British records and the reality of high-performance training during a menstrual cycle. Navigating perimenopause and the impact of hormone replacement therapy on energy and relationships. The turning point at age 30 that led Michelle to take back control of her life and eventually meet her husband. Practical advice for parents on raising active, confident children with strong boundaries. Sponsor This podcast was made possible by Evelyn Health, supporting our mission to bring raw, honest, and open conversations about hormonal health to the forefront. Timestamps 00:00:58 Introduction to Olympian Michelle Griffith Robinson  00:07:31 Breaking records and walking into the Atlanta Olympics  00:09:40 The lack of period education in professional sports  00:15:00 Advocating for black women's health and medical equity  00:21:40 Navigating perimenopause, HRT, and midlife confidence  00:29:02 Overcoming abusive relationships and reclaiming power  00:33:50 The dress that changed everything on Michelle’s 30th birthday  00:38:22 Secrets to a 24-year marriage and the value of therapy  00:43:38 Living life with no second chances after personal loss  00:47:32 Lessons on motherhood and being authentically you Connect With Michelle Griffith Robinson Website: https://www.michellegriffithrobinson.com/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.michellegriffithrobinson.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-griffith-robinson-oly-86361a15/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-griffith-robinson-oly-86361a15/]  Instagram: @michellegriffithrobinson  Facebook: Michelle Griffith Robinson  YouTube: Michelle Griffith Robinson OLY Evelyn Health is dedicated to helping those struggling with PMS and PMDD through expert-led, science-backed supplements and functional foods. Having used them for over a year to manage my own hormonal health, I’m so proud to have them as a partner. Get 20% off your first order with code HOTLINE20 at https://www.google.com/search?q=https://everlinhealth.comevelynhealth.com [http://evelynhealth.com] Connect And Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Hormonal Hotline podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/ [https://www.the32collective.co/]

She Fought for 6 Years to Be Believed. This Is Her PMDD Story.

What does it actually feel like when your own body turns against you — and no one believes it? This week, Ellisha sits down with Celia Manuel, women's health advocate, community organiser, and founder of Understanding My Body Through Mind, for one of the most honest, raw conversations yet on PMDD. Celia opens up about her 6+ year journey to diagnosis, navigating a traumatic birth, postpartum depression she kept entirely hidden, suicidal ideation, the breakdown of her marriage, and the moment a YouTube video of a stranger crying changed everything. She also shares what actually helped — from overhauling her diet and tailoring her workouts to her cycle, to building a nonprofit that takes women to their GP appointments when no one else will. This one is for anyone who has ever been told their pain isn't real, waited years to be taken seriously, or wondered if they'll ever feel like themselves again. What we cover Celia explains what PMDD actually is — and what it isn't. It's not a hormonal imbalance.  She walks through her diagnosis journey in full: the traumatic birth of her son Jaden, undiagnosed postpartum depression she silently managed alone for months, and the years of cycling through rage, suicidal thoughts, and brief windows of feeling fine - which made it almost impossible to convince anyone something was seriously wrong. Celia describes being offered chemical menopause and ovary removal before anyone suggested changing her diet — and how she rejected it all, went home, researched, and managed to reduce her symptoms by around 70% through nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes alone. The two also get into the economic reality of PMDD: what it means for women's careers, relationships, and sense of self when half of every month is effectively written off - and why the healthcare system, built around a healthy young Caucasian male, is simply not designed to catch this. Celia rounds things off talking about the PMDD app she's developing, the community events she runs in Newham, and why she now goes into GP appointments with other women who don't have the confidence to fight for themselves. Key takeaways PMDD is a brain sensitivity condition, not a hormonal imbalance. Your hormones can be completely normal — it's how your brain reacts to their natural rise and fall that's the problem. Getting a PMDD diagnosis can take years, partly because symptoms like rage, suicidal ideation, and extreme low mood only show up for one or two weeks a month. Outside of that window, you look completely fine - which makes you easy to dismiss. Tracking your cycle is one of the most powerful self-advocacy tools you have. Bringing a documented pattern to a GP appointment changes the conversation. Diet and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Anti-inflammatory foods, cutting alcohol (especially during the luteal phase), and adapting your exercise to where you are in your cycle are worth trying before accepting more extreme medical interventions. You don't have to go to appointments alone. There are charities, advocates, and GP guides available - and if you're in London, Celia will literally come with you. Don't let your pain be in vain. Both Ellisha and Celia have turned their hardest years into something that helps other women. It does get better — and you are not alone in this. Important Links Celia's Organisation – Understanding My Body Through Mind [https://understandingbodythroughmind.org/] The PMDD Project (UK's first PMDD-dedicated charity) – thepmddproject.org [https://thepmddproject.org] The Advocacy People (free advocacy support) – theadvocacypeople.org.uk [https://theadvocacypeople.org.uk] Mind – Getting a PMDD Diagnosis – mind.org.uk [https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/getting-a-pmdd-diagnosis/] Evelyn Health – evelynhealth.com [https://evelynhealth.com] (use code HOTLINE20 for 20% off) About Celia Manuel Celia Manuel is a women's health advocate and founder of Understanding My Body Through Mind, a nonprofit supporting women — particularly those from underserved communities — in navigating PMDD and hormonal health. She organises community events, provides education on the menstrual cycle and self-advocacy, and is currently developing a dedicated PMDD app. She is also a mother to her son Jaden, based in Newham, London. Find Celia at understandingmybodythroughmind.org Our partner — Evelyn Health Evelyn Health is dedicated to helping those struggling with PMS and PMDD through expert-led, science-backed supplements and functional foods. Having used them for over a year to manage my own hormonal health, I'm so proud to have them as a partner. Get 20% off your first order with code HOTLINE20 at evelynhealth.com A note from us This podcast explores research and lived experience around women's health and chronic conditions. Our discussions aim to reflect current evidence while acknowledging that understanding in this field continues to evolve. The content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners experiencing significant or distressing symptoms should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

The Science of Feeling Like a Different Person

TW: trauma, abuse, self-blame If you've ever felt like a completely different person in the two weeks before your period — spiralling, overwhelmed, unable to get out of bed — this one is for you. Ellisha sits down with Elena Venturelli, a PhD researcher, women's health educator, and PMDD sufferer herself, to break down what PMDD actually is, why it's so chronically misunderstood, and what the future of PMDD research looks like. They also go somewhere raw and real: the link between PMDD and trauma, abusive relationships, and the years of self-blame that so many of us carry without ever knowing why. What we cover * What PMDD actually is, and why it's not just 'bad PMS' * The symptoms that hit differently: visceral depression, rage, emotional reactivity, and that instant relief the moment your period arrives * Why a blood test won't diagnose PMDD and what's actually going on in the brain * The hormonal belt Elena is developing to monitor women's hormones 24/7 (yes, really) * Elena's own PMDD story, from symptoms at 14, diagnosis at 17, the youngest ever HRT, and a four-year abusive relationship that took everything * Why people with PMDD are more vulnerable to gaslighting and abusive relationships * The trauma-PMDD link * The heritability rate and why that doesn't have to be a sentence * The hormones-gut-brain triad: Elena's framework for managing PMDD holistically * Why women's health research is built on a foundation of studying men and what needs to change * Quick fire: the one symptom you didn't realise was hormonal, what Elena would add to the NHS, and what she wishes someone had validated sooner About Elena Venturelli Elena is a PhD researcher working to develop better tools for studying women's hormones - because the current ones were designed around male bodies. She's also a women's health educator, PMDD sufferer, and coach for women with hormonal sensitivities. Follow her work and find her content across social media. Our sponsor Evelyn Health is dedicated to helping those struggling with PMS and PMDD through expert-led, science-backed supplements and functional foods. Having used them for over a year to manage my own hormonal health, I'm so proud to have them as a partner. Get 20% off your first order with code HOTLINE20 at evelynhealth.com evelynhealth.com [https://evelynhealth.com] Resources & further reading IAPMD (International Association for Premenstrual Disorders) — iapmd.org The PMDD Project — thepmddproject.com Vicious Cycle: Making PMDD Visible — a documentary on PMDD awareness NICE guidelines on PMDD — nice.org.uk [http://nice.org.uk] Sources https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11496889/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11496889/] https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/the-etiology-of-pmdd/ [https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/the-etiology-of-pmdd/] Follow Elena Find Elena's research, educational content, and coaching on Instagram and TikTok - search @elenaventurelli for the latest updates on her hormone monitoring device and PMDD insights. Follow the show Subscribe to The Hormonal Hotline on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. If this episode helped you feel less alone, please leave us a review - it means the world and helps more women find the show. Got a dilemma or want to share your story? Slide into our DMs or submit anonymously - all the details are in our bio. Disclaimer This podcast explores research and lived experience around women's health and chronic conditions. Our discussions aim to reflect current evidence while acknowledging that understanding in this field continues to evolve. The content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners experiencing significant or distressing symptoms should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.