Understanding PMDD with Rachel Bertenshaw | The Souls Podcast

✨In this episode, Rachel Bertenshaw shares her lived experience of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and explains why she created a peer-led PMDD community in the UK Northwest to address the lack of post-diagnostic support. She describes PMDD as a cyclical mood disorder and disability that can severely disrupt work, relationships, and daily functioning, often worsening from ovulation to menstruation, and details symptoms including rage, agitation, brain fog, overstimulation, swelling, bowel issues, heavy periods, and suicidal thoughts.🌙Rachel discusses frequent misdiagnosis (e.g., bipolar disorder), underfunding and limited research in women’s health, possible sensitivity to hormone fluctuations, and links with ADHD. She outlines diagnostic tracking over three months and treatment options ranging from contraception and SSRIs to hysterectomy, and directs listeners to “PMDD Northwest” on Instagram for events and peer support.🎧 About The Souls PodcastThe Souls Podcast is a space for deep conversations on spirituality, healing, consciousness, manifestation, and personal growth — hosted by Claire and Nic.Chapters:00:00 Meet Rachel00:31 Building a Peer Support Community01:22 What PMDD Really Is02:19 Cycle Timing and Hormone Sensitivity04:45 Years to Diagnosis Story06:10 Symptoms Rage and Brain Fog08:54 Awareness and Self Forgiveness09:25 PMDD and ADHD Connection10:37 Physical Symptoms and Genetics13:20 Cyclical Living and Research Gaps15:12 Coping Tools Diet and Acceptance17:16 Women Misdiagnosed Historically18:10 Cycles Perimenopause and ADHD19:13 Work Life and Partner Support22:06 Fertility Questions and Body Awareness22:47 Diagnosis Tracking and Treatments25:32 Suicidality and Monthly Crisis26:39 Young Girls and Mental Health Services27:48 Diet Hormones and Social Inequality30:36 Community Support and Finding Help32:40 How to Reach Out and Final Thanks