Let’s be real — periods are a huge part of life for millions of us, but we’re still taught to suffer through the pain, stay quiet about the discomfort, and not ask too many questions. In today’s episode, I'm joined by Kate Helen Downey, host of the incredible podcast CRAMPED, who is on a mission to change that. We’re getting into everything you should have been taught about your body but probably weren’t –– the truth about hormones, the reality of living with endometriosis (endo) and PCOS, why the system isn’t built for menstruating bodies, and how period pain is affecting our wallets, careers, and overall health.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your pain is "normal" (hint: if it’s wrecking your day, it’s not!), or felt dismissed by doctors when you tried to get answers, this conversation will make you feel seen. We’re breaking down the phases of your hormonal cycle, what debilitating period symptoms might be telling you, and why advocating for your health — even when the system is stacked against you — is an act of radical self-care.
Kate’s Links:
Website: https://www.katehelendowney.com/
CRAMPED podcast: https://www.katehelendowney.com/cramped
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katehelendowney/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kateiscramped
Read transcripts, learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/229-periods-hormones-endo-pcos-and-everything-you-need-to-know-with-kate-helen-downey/
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