Exploring Patterns of Premenstrual Distress
The Choice Space with Dr Lee David
24 views
Dr Sally Doust joins Dr Lee David to explore premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and how hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle can affect mood, energy, sleep and emotional wellbeing.
Many women notice shifts across their menstrual cycle – changes in mood, patience, energy or emotional sensitivity. In this episode, Lee and Sally explore how hormones interact with the brain and body, and why these patterns can feel very different from one person to another.
The conversation looks at the difference between expected cyclical changes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the more severe condition premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). They discuss why timing across the cycle matters, why these patterns are sometimes missed and how gaps in women’s health research have shaped understanding of hormonal mental health.
Lee and Sally also explore ways people can respond to these changes with more awareness and support. They discuss cycle tracking, self-compassion, adjusting expectations and involving supportive people. The conversation also touches on nutrition, lifestyle factors and the 30 – 30 – 30 approach to supporting hormonal health.
This is a thoughtful conversation about recognising patterns, reducing self-blame and responding to hormonal changes with greater understanding and choice.
Key moments
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Welcoming Dr Sally Doust
02:48 Women’s health inequalities
04:27 Hormones across the cycle
08:52 Hormones and the brain
11:16 What PMS can look like
14:22 Cyclical patterns and timing
16:42 Choice Pause – mood and energy
25:35 Understanding PMDD
31:35 Supportive choices for PMS
35:29 Treatment options
41:52 Cycle tracking takeaway
About the host
Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website (www.thechoicespace.co.uk) and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david) and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david
About the guest
Dr Sally Doust is a GP with a special interest in women’s health. She holds diplomas in obstetrics and gynaecology and sexual and reproductive health, and is a member of the Primary Care Women’s Health Society and the British Menopause Society. Her work includes menopause care, premenstrual distress and the overlap between hormonal change and neurodivergence, including ADHD.
Exploring Patterns of Premenstrual Distress
The Choice Space with Dr Lee David
24 views
Dr Sally Doust joins Dr Lee David to explore premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and how hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle can affect mood, energy, sleep and emotional wellbeing.
Many women notice shifts across their menstrual cycle – changes in mood, patience, energy or emotional sensitivity. In this episode, Lee and Sally explore how hormones interact with the brain and body, and why these patterns can feel very different from one person to another.
The conversation looks at the difference between expected cyclical changes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the more severe condition premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). They discuss why timing across the cycle matters, why these patterns are sometimes missed and how gaps in women’s health research have shaped understanding of hormonal mental health.
Lee and Sally also explore ways people can respond to these changes with more awareness and support. They discuss cycle tracking, self-compassion, adjusting expectations and involving supportive people. The conversation also touches on nutrition, lifestyle factors and the 30 – 30 – 30 approach to supporting hormonal health.
This is a thoughtful conversation about recognising patterns, reducing self-blame and responding to hormonal changes with greater understanding and choice.
Key moments
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Welcoming Dr Sally Doust
02:48 Women’s health inequalities
04:27 Hormones across the cycle
08:52 Hormones and the brain
11:16 What PMS can look like
14:22 Cyclical patterns and timing
16:42 Choice Pause – mood and energy
25:35 Understanding PMDD
31:35 Supportive choices for PMS
35:29 Treatment options
41:52 Cycle tracking takeaway
About the host
Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website (www.thechoicespace.co.uk) and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david) and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david
About the guest
Dr Sally Doust is a GP with a special interest in women’s health. She holds diplomas in obstetrics and gynaecology and sexual and reproductive health, and is a member of the Primary Care Women’s Health Society and the British Menopause Society. Her work includes menopause care, premenstrual distress and the overlap between hormonal change and neurodivergence, including ADHD.