Not Designed for the Grind

A landmark moment in women's health calls for a quick celebration. Marlou and Dr Kat break down the news that PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) has been renamed PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). They explore why the old name was so misleading, why this change is about so much more than semantics, and how the new name finally reflects the full picture of hormones, metabolism, and long-term health. This minisode also touches on the importance of ethnic variation in diagnosis and what this shift means for earlier intervention, better research, and real patient empowerment.A Call for Stories: Do you have experience with PCOS — now PMOS? Share your story with us at [email protected] Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Season one is nearly complete, but we're holding the final episode for something special. In this short bonus update, Marlou shares why Episode 8 is worth the wait, including an exciting guest and a look ahead to Season 2. She also reflects on the power of lived experience and why your stories matter more than any textbook. Plus, a glimpse into the Skoll World Forum in Oxford and what it means to be in a room full of people daring to build a better world.We want Season 2 to include your voice. Share your story with us at [email protected].

The ovulatory phase is often framed as a time of peak energy and magnetism, but for many, it is a reminder of a cycle that is not functioning as it should. Marlou and Kat explore the realities of ovulation and painful periods, from the exhaustion of navigating chronic conditions such as endometriosis to the years-long wait for a diagnosis. They reflect on why the menstrual cycle should be treated as a vital sign, how to recognise when pain is a signal rather than an inconvenience, and why “powering through” is often a symptom of a system that lacks answers. This episode is a call to listen to your body’s baseline and an acknowledgement that, for too many, the luteal phase is spent bracing for impact rather than feeling connected.Medical Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

The follicular phase brings a natural lift in energy and curiosity, but understanding your cycle isn't always straightforward. Marlou and Kat explore what it really means to become body literate, from the awkwardness of learning something new about your own body to realising no one ever taught you. They reflect on how culture, privilege and access shape the stories we carry, and why true awareness means listening beyond our own experience. This episode is a reminder that understanding your cycle isn't about having a superpower, it's a basic human right.Medical Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Menstruation is where the cycle begins, but it’s also where many experiences go unspoken. Marlou and Kat explore what periods really look like beyond the “average”, from heavy bleeding and exhaustion to the uncertainty of knowing what’s normal. They reflect on how these experiences can impact daily life, confidence and work, and why so many women feel the need to power through instead of seeking support. This episode brings together real stories, practical insights and a reminder that awareness starts with paying attention to your own body.Content Warning: This episode includes a brief mention of miscarriage. Please take care while listening.Medical Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of ⁠www.epidemicsound.com

The luteal phase is often where things feel heavier, but it can also be a powerful moment for awareness and adjustment. Marlou and Kat reflect on navigating this phase in real time while building the podcast, exploring how hormonal shifts can influence confidence, perspective, and the way we handle pressure, and why this part of the cycle might be asking for something different.Medical Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of ⁠www.epidemicsound.com

Around ovulation, estrogen peaks and many women experience a boost in confidence and energy. Marlou and Kat explore what’s happening hormonally during this pivotal moment in the cycle, sharing personal reflections on how it can influence communication, self-belief and the way we show up in the world.Medical Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of ⁠www.epidemicsound.com

The follicular phase brings rising energy and fresh ideas. Marlou and Kat explore what’s happening hormonally and how creativity, curiosity and possibility shape this phase of the cycle.Medical Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of ⁠www.epidemicsound.com

Meet your hosts.Dr. Katerina Bambang and Marlou Cornelissen introduce the story behind the podcast and explore the menstrual phase - why rest matters and why women were never designed for the grind.Content Warning: This episode includes a brief mention of miscarriage. Please take care while listening.Medical Note: The content shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of ⁠www.epidemicsound.com

Introducing Not Designed for the Grind — a new podcast by Period Reality exploring women’s health, hormones, and the power of living cyclically.Hosted by Marlou Cornelissen, founder of Period Reality & JIBE, and Dr. Katerina Bambang, gynaecologist and specialist in reproductive medicine, founder of The Delphi Clinic.Music: Monique Hasbun / Algo Así (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com