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/

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Welcome to It's Not JUST A Period!

This week, Alexandra sits down with Kasi Reid for an open and honest conversation about the overlooked condition of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Kasi shares her deeply personal journey of living with PMDD, from the difficulties of obtaining a diagnosis to the profound impact it has on her life as a single mother. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of the condition and the ongoing battle for proper care and support.

Alexandra and Kasi explore the importance of embracing and harnessing our power as women. They delve into how you can learn to fight for your health and push for answers as well as empower yourself with symptom and cycle tracking. Their conversation highlights the vast range of options available to women beyond traditional medicine and how cyclical living can transform a woman's life when she's living in a man's world.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength in community support and the importance of giving yourself permission to prioritise your wellbeing. Whether you’re navigating PMDD yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, empathy, and hope.

For more information on Alexandra or Kasi, head to the below links:

Kasi

Alexandra

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Welcome to It's Not JUST A Period!

In this week’s episode, Alexandra is joined by Race Across The World’s Betty Mukherjee, who won viewers' hearts with her vulnerability and humour as she travelled with her brother, James.

On the show, Betty revealed how being diagnosed with the rare condition MRKH syndrome at just 16 years old completely altered the course of her life. In this conversation, she opens up about receiving such life-changing news at a young age, the emotional toll of the condition, and how having one kidney and no uterus shattered her confidence and sense of identity.

Alexandra and Betty explore the challenges of diagnosis, the emotional journey of acceptance, and how these conditions shape identity and social interactions. Betty shares her personal experiences, emphasising the importance of community, understanding, and open conversations in navigating these complex issues.

The discussion also touches on societal pressures surrounding motherhood, cultural expectations, and the power of vulnerability in healing. Betty reflects on her own journey, the support she has received, and her aspirations for the future.

Join them for this powerful discussion about resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of open conversations.

For more information on Alexandra or Betty, head to the below links:

Alexandra

Betty

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Hey girls, let's chat.

Welcome to It's Not Just A Period podcast hosted by Alexandra.

We are healthcare's dirty little secret and this podcast is calling out the BS in women's health. Women have been gaslit, dismissed and ignored for far too long.

Each episode, Alexandra is joined by a very special guest to talk all things periods, cycles, Endometriosis, PCOS and more. We'll hear all of the good, bad and ugly bits that make up their inspirational story.

Want to join the girl chat or get involved with It's Not Just A Period?

Follow us @itsnotjustaperiod.uk or email hello@itsnotjustaperiod.co.uk.

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