Living Well with PMDD

Heidi Bradford
  • 4.6 (9)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This podcast is about living a great life with pmdd (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Heidi's goal is to be a blessing and a comfort to you and to inspire you. Newer episodes have an array of topics: parenting, losing weight, hormones, relationships, money, health, and more.  Heidi is a certified life coach (since 2021), mom of 5, and a PMDD Survivor...among other things. 😉 Happy to have you here. Take action For more information, check out https://heidibradfordcoaching.com Resources --PMS and Period Support Supplements by Semaine Health...available online or at Walmart Music Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

  1. 3D AGO

    Scheduling and Timing Decision Making to Have Better Experiences

    LET'S CELEBRATE! THIS IS THE 100TH EPISODE! 🎉  I chose a topic that has helped me immensely in honor of this being the 100th episode. Enjoy the stories I share throughout. Maybe you can see yourself in some of them. Take this with a grain of salt. It's meant to be general information. Tailor this to your own wisdom and experience. Take Aways Scheduling events and vacations based on your menstrual cycle can increase your odds of having good experiences. Schedule commitments that you're planning, hosting, or attending to take place during your follicular phase.Knowing when to make what decisions can also help. There are decisions to make during your follicular phase and other decisions to make during your luteal phase. When you can't schedule something for optimal timing or make a decision in the phase you would prefer, take measures to be in a good place at that time.Consider a two-phase menstrual cycle for easier planning.I created a PMDD Stabilization Guide. Download it here.In general, think of your follicular phase as your yes phase when you are scheduling. Your luteal phase as your no phase when you're scheduling.You want to make these decisions final during your follicular phase: moving to a new city, creating a new wardrobe, career changes, to quit a job, etc. Good decisions for luteal phase are: the HOW of a decision made during follicular and following through strongly on a decision made previously when clear-minded.In luteal phase, we talk ourselves out of making some decisions...stylistic, subjective (based on opinion), and again, big decisions.16:07 Story about a trip right after my husband's first deployment.When you can't schedule an event to happen at an ideal time for you, prepare emotionally and physically for that event as best you can. Improving your emotional resilience will help you! Learn to feel any emotion and be okay.You're human. You will have ups and downs. Others get to have their feelings and opinions too. Let things go!Watch the episode here.  Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    29 min

  2. APR 14

    PMDD Awareness with Marybeth Bohn: Part 3

    Continuing our talk with Mary Beth Bohn. :) YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_SlnEvCiRE&t=2s Take Aways Therapies that may help: ACT, EMDR, or hypnotherapy.Various dietary supplements have helped.Lifestyle changes can improve (meaning decrease) pmdd symptoms.REMEMBER: TRIAL AND ERROR IS IMPORTANT. WHAT HAS WORKED FOR SOMEONE ELSE MAY OR MAY NOT HELP YOU.Some memories may show up only during the luteal phase. More research is needed, but pmdd can affect memory.Reproductive hormones are STEROIDS. Steroids affect the brain a lot. Women with pmdd should consider limiting or avoiding steroids due to the likelihood of sensitivity.Both Christina and Heidi have had experiences of their memory being affected during luteal phase.The menstrual cycle ought to be the 5th vital sign for women of that age.Christina's Questions: When was your last period? When are you expecting your next period? What is "PMS" like for you? If you are concerned that a friend or loved one may have pmdd or pme, ask them Christina's three questions listed above. This may help decrease the time it takes to figure out what is going on for them.Possible indicators that you have pmdd or pme: having an big argument with a spouse monthly, wanting to quit your job (or actually quitting) monthly,  or being impatient with your children more so during PMS timing. You may not recognize these as related to your period. Start tracking. If something like the things listed above happen periodically and you start your period the next day, you likely have some premenstrual exacerbation or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMS does not last 7 days. If your PMS is lasting more than a few days, you likely experience premenstrual exacerbation of a different disorder/health issue OR have pmdd.Histamines can influence the severity of premenstrual symptoms.There are many ways to help yourself discussed throughout this episode and specifically around 36:00.There are ways to help your loved one if you suspect they have pmdd or pme. Listen around 37:00."Awareness can reduce the average length of time to get a diagnosis from 12 years to a matter of a few months." -IAPMD.orgConsider attending the Christina Bohn Memorial 5K in Columbia, MO this October. Details here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/Columbia/ChristinaBohnMemorial5KforPMDDAwarenessWant more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    48 min

  3. APR 10

    PMDD Awareness with Marybeth Bohn: Part 2

    More with Mary Beth Bohn, co-founder of the Christina Bohn Foundation. Video slides are utilized so this one would be especially helpful to watch! Here's where it is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/taO0-OYAQf4 Take Aways 00 - About the Annual Christina Bohn Memorial 5K, establishing the first state recognized PMDD Awareness day (in Missouri), and about Mary Beth and her husband stepping into PMDD Awareness after Christina's death.Here is the 7 minute video... about high level overview about pmdd and Christina.07:35 - Education about the menstrual cycle and pmdd including powerpoint slides by Mary Beth Follicular phase: first half of the menstrual cycle. Starting on day 1.Luteal phase: second half of the menstrual cycleAll women generally feel better in the follicular phase. This is a good time to make decisions.The luteal phase includes ovulation.In luteal phase your uterus is preparing for menstruation or preparing for pregnancy.We likely feel more tired, more sensitive, and more irritable in luteal phase than the follicular phase.PMDD happens in the luteal phase.Genetics influence the likelihood of experiencing pmdd.TONS of wonderful information shared in here!!!47:38 Heidi shares a current practice that is helping her be more steady with pmdd Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    48 min

  4. APR 1

    PMDD Awareness with Marybeth Bohn - Part 1: Christina's Story

    Christina Bohn was misdiagnosed for years. Christina lived with a debilitating disorder: premenstrual dysphoric disorder. She didn't know about pmdd and her mental health issues were not linked to her menstrual cycle until it was too late. Her mother is joining me today to share Christina's story and increase awareness and understanding of pmdd. We want you, your doctor, your family, and everyone to know about pmdd. Let's decrease unnecessary suffering. Let's get women the support they need. Let's help to decrease misdiagnosis of health problems. You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUN7KX3bC_k&t=3s Take Aways Christina died because of premenstrual dysphoric disorder Christina had sought help from mental health professionals and doctors for 11+ yearsMarybeth and her husband Steve now spread awareness of PMDD through the Christina Bohn FoundationChristina was happy, musical, academically high achieving, and active growing upHer mom, Marybeth, noticed that sometimes Christina had big/unusual reactions, but was extremely capable most of the time.When Christina was finishing her last semester of nursing school, her mom noticed something was off. Christina worried a lot about her nursing exams (which she aced).During Christina's career, at times she voiced to her mom that she was a terrible employee and that her employers regretted hiring her. Neither of which was true.Christina was suicidal at times and would take herself to the emergency room for help.Marybeth believes hormonal birth control totally changed Christina's world for the worse.Christina was really good at how she was feeling inside.Marybeth and Steve tried to perceive Christina's needs and meet them.In 2020, Christina was required to undergo Electroconvulsive therapy for treatment resistant depression. She'd admitted herself to the ER the previous day, but now felt good physically and clear of mind. They would not let her go home (from ER) until she had done the first treatment.Christina was required to continue ECT. She was supposed to do 12 sessions in 1 months time. Throughout treatment, she expressed to her mom that her brain was being fried, her memory was being erased, and she was exhausted. When Christina told her doctor she wanted to stop ECT (this would be her tenth round), the doctor yelled at her and told her to get up on the table. Christina complied.After Christina's eleventh ECT, she asked her parents if she could come home and recuperate for a few weeks. Her parents were happy to help and have her home.Christina's appearance was shocking to her parents. She was "a mere shell of herself". Her parents had no idea things were this bad.Christina FaceTimed her children every day. She confessed to her mom some negative beliefs she (Christina) had been harboring about them (her parents). Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    47 min

  5. MAR 29

    Staying Positive When Things are Hard

    Today I share about some areas of my life where I have wanted to disconnect. We all go through things that are hard for us. Listen in for some examples of this for me currently and a reminder to think about the good too.  Take Aways  "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." -Russell M. Nelson When we only focus on the negative or only focus on the problems or what we perceive as problems, things that we need to solve, it just doesn't lead to a good place.  Take the initiative to speak the positive, to speak the good. To review in your mind and maybe to someone else some things that are good.Heidi's tooth pain storyHeidi's lost notebook story... found in answer to prayer.A talk by Elder Brik V. Eyre: Know Who You Really AreTake time to be with GodSome blessings of the timing of Heidi's dental emergencyNext week: Talking with Marybeth Bohn! Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    18 min

  6. MAR 18

    Whole Food, Plant Based Diet to Reduce PMDD Symptoms with Special Guest Berea Lavin

    My amazing friend, Berea Lavin, has found something that has ELIMINATED her pmdd symptoms. She's 3 cycles into it working for her. She's had symptoms for years... starting around age 16.  When she told me she felt SO GOOD, I asked if she would come and share details with us. She agreed! Take-Aways 00:00 to 15:00 Berea's background with pms and pmdd and the role God plays in her life15:38 Berea tells us about her eating and exercise choices that are helping; all about a whole food, plant based diet29:15 How Berea deals with temptations32:07 Discussing deprivation and alterations to the strict use of this way of eating so she can LIVE36:09 Taking the power away from the scale. It's just a tool! Berea: I'm doing this because it makes me feel better and the weight is just an added perk, that comes along for the ride kind of thing as it comes off. I believe that I need the Lord in order to help me with this. I know he wants me at a healthy weight because that would be glorifying [to my body, to my family, to Him].Heidi: It's about trying, making better choices, seeing something that does work and realizing the sacrifice is worth it.Watch this episode on YouTube here.  Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    42 min

  7. MAR 13

    Mistakes I've Made Recently With Natural Progesterone Supplements

    Happy Spring! Have you ever done something stupid, but it took doing it a few times to realize it was stupid? That's what happened to me in January of this year regarding my natural progesterone supplements. Listen in to hear what I've learned. Next week: Special Guest sharing about how her whole food, plant-based eating + exercise has eliminated her pmdd symptoms.  April is PMDD Awareness month. Special Guest Marybeth Bohn will be with us. She lost her daughter to pmdd in 2021. Take Aways I still sometimes make stupid decisions even though I've been addressing pmdd for years. Changing the timing of progesterone supplements really messed with my bodyNot going to bed RIGHT after taking progesterone supplements made me light-headed.My tiredness has increased so much while using the 300 mg dose that I think my body is producing more progesterone now.Transitioning to a low-dose progesterone cream for some of my cycle will be better, I think.Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    16 min

  8. MAR 3

    Is Your Health Signaling That You're In a Bad Relationship?

    Last week, I shared how a health challenge can inadvertently make you think your marriage is terrible. But what if it IS terrible?  Today I'll address the negative effects a bad relationship can have on your health. This may be why your health is bad...it's your body's response to the relationship. We'll look at how to assess if the relationship is bad or if your perception and emotions are skewing your vision of the relationship. Also available on YouTube here. Take Aways  Physical effects of being in a bad relationship: increased stress and strain, increased cardiovascular reactivity, increased immune response, increased inflammation, and increased cortisol, higher risk of heart disease, higher risk of obesity and weight issues, and higher risk for high blood pressure. https://www.megawecare.com/wellness-we-care/chronic-diseases/the-hidden-impact-how-bad-relationships-affect-your-healthPsychological effects of being a bad relationship: anxiety, depression, mood swings, social isolationAre you in a great relationship going through a hard time? Or is the relationship bad?A "good" relationship: You feel loved, appreciated, and/or respected most of the time.A "bad" relationship: You feel unwanted, disliked, and/or rejected most of the time.If there is any form of physical, emotional, verbal, sexual abuse = you're in a bad relationshipYour perceptions affect your beliefs about your marriage. Remember to factor in YOU. Do you have underlying issues that affect your perception? Factor those in.Due to pmdd, I sometimes have false perceptions which lead to false beliefs about my marriage. My marriage is GREAT though. My perception is sometimes off.Are you looking through newlywed glasses? Victim glasses? Look at your spouse's actions. Then put their actions in a different setting. Are they okay there? This can help to separate possible emotional biases you may have and help look at the actions more logically.If you've assigned your emotional well being to your spouse, ending the relationship won't necessarily help. There are many ways to move forward if you have a bad relationship. You may want to start by talking about what is bothering you with your spouse.Communication may be the solution.You don't need to suffer in silence. Take care of your mind and body. Being in a marriage built on love and respect is one of the most wonderful ongoing experiences a person can have. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788Want more support? ❤️Click here to talk with me. I'm currently offering a free 20 minute consultation call to help you get clear on where you are and how to get to a better place.  Free resources: Heidi's websiteHeidi's InstagramMusic  Music- Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

    18 min
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About

This podcast is about living a great life with pmdd (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Heidi's goal is to be a blessing and a comfort to you and to inspire you. Newer episodes have an array of topics: parenting, losing weight, hormones, relationships, money, health, and more.  Heidi is a certified life coach (since 2021), mom of 5, and a PMDD Survivor...among other things. 😉 Happy to have you here. Take action For more information, check out https://heidibradfordcoaching.com Resources --PMS and Period Support Supplements by Semaine Health...available online or at Walmart Music Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Information

  • Creator
    Heidi Bradford
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Living Well with PMDD
  • Show Website
    Living Well with PMDD

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