Welcome to It's Not JUST A Period!

Joining Alexandra in the studio this week is Phoebe Williams, she shares how her journey with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), led to founding the first ever UK charity for the condition.

Phoebe opens up about her own experience, from the emotional and physical toll of the condition to the frustrating delays and missteps she encountered in the healthcare system. With the average time to receive a PMDD diagnosis being around 12 years, this conversation highlights just how misunderstood and under diagnosed the condition is.

Alexandra and Phoebe explore the wider impact of PMDD on mental health, relationships and careers as well the urgent need for better education around menstrual health. Phoebe shares the mission of the PMDD Project and her hopes for the future of PMDD and those living with it.

Her story is one of resilience and determination, shedding light on the reality of living with PMDD and the importance of building compassionate, informed communities. This is an essential listen for anyone looking to better understand PMDD, challenge the silence around menstrual health, and support those affected by this life altering condition.

*This episode contains discussions of mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts, which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening, and know that support is available*

For further support or for more information on Alexandra or Phoebe, head to the below links:

Alexandra

The PMDD Project

Phoebe

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Welcome to It's Not JUST A Period!

This week, Alexandra sits down with Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Clapham & Brixton Hill and Endometriosis warrior.

Bell chairs the All Parliamentary Group for Endometriosis and throughout her career has been a vocal champion for improving healthcare access, particularly in addressing racial and gender disparities in the system.

Bell shares her 5 year diagnosis journey which can only be described as a nightmare combination of medical gaslighting, misogyny and misdiagnosis. She battled the removal of vital medication, a botched laparoscopy and chronic pain that left her immobilised in hospital.

Together, Alexandra and Bell explore the urgent need for political advocacy, why we need to change the landscape of research and development and how ensure women’s health is a societal wide priority.

Ultimately, this episode is a wake up call. The scientific, medical and political landscapes have failed women and continue to do so. We must do better.

For further support or for more information on Alexandra or Belle, head to the below links:

Alexandra

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

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Welcome to It's Not JUST A Period!

This week, Alexandra sits down with Sharon Luca, founder of the Luca Foundation, to discuss her devastating experience of losing her son, Luca, at full term.

This episode carries a trigger warning as the conversation covers the themes of baby loss, grief, mental health and suicide.

Sharon bravely shares her journey through pregnancy, the systemic failures she encountered within the healthcare system, and the profound impact on her physical and mental health.

This powerful discussion highlights the urgent need for better support and resources for bereaved parents. Alexandra and Sharon explore the extensive trauma of stillbirth, the challenges of navigating pregnancy after loss, and the importance of systemic change in healthcare practices. They also discuss the critical work of the Luca Foundation in providing support to families and raising awareness about baby loss.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this episode, please know that you are not alone. For further support or for more information on Alexandra or the incredible work The Luca Foundation do, head to the below links:

Alexandra

The Luca Foundation: https://thelucafoundation.org.uk

Donate: https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/thelucafoundation/donation-amount

Children's Book: https://thelucafoundation.org.uk/product/why-did-grandad-die-a-family-guide-of-death-and-bereavement-for-children-book/

Teddy Bear: https://thelucafoundation.org.uk/product/endless-love-teddy-bear/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.