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78% of our viewers haven't yet subscribed... Please subscribe and help us grow our community, thank you! Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Alexandra is delighted to welcome Dr Emilė Radytė to the girl chat, a neuroscientist and co-founder of Samphire Neuroscience. For decades, women have been told their hormones are the root of the problem. But what if that’s only half the story? Emilė explains how the brain controls every hormone in your body and why conditions like endometriosis and PMDD should also be treated as brain disorders. We’re introduced to the Nettle, the world’s first at home brain stimulation device designed to retrain the brain to reduce period pain and improve PMS symptoms. We discuss everything from why only 2% of medication reaches the brain and why period pain gets worse over time to the different levels of endometriosis pain and how our hormone sensitivity is impacted by trauma. If you’ve lost hope, this is the conversation that could change everything. Links, Socials & Products Emilė Radytė… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.em.neuroscientist/ Website: https://www.samphireneuro.com It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Joining Alexandra in the studio this week is GP and menopause specialist, Dr Nikki Ramskill, founder of The Female Health Doctor Clinic. Women spend decades of their lives in peri and post menopause struggling unnecessarily as a result of lack of education, awareness and training. Dr Nikki walks us through each stage of menopause, what happens in the body and the wide range of symptoms. They discuss the importance of HRT, why it can be so difficult to get hold of and what a personalised treatment plan can look like. Links, Socials & Products Dr Nikki Ramskill… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femalehealthdoc/ Website: https://www.thefemalehealthdoctor.com It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! This week Alexandra is joined by Dr Zara Haider, Consultant and President of the College of Sexual Reproductive Healthcare. The CoSRH’s role is to set standards, provide training and advocate on behalf of patients for access to safe, effective and high quality sexual health services. We’ve heard from thousands of women who’ve experienced traumatic, barbaric and humiliating experiences around the coil and so Alexandra poses the question; what is the official line when it comes to pain relief? They discuss the government’s health strategy, women’s health clinics and why sexual health services are a postcode lottery. Get ready for a deep girl chat as this conversation covers everything from the coil and gynaecological waiting lists to post pregnancy contraception and emergency contraception. Links, Socials & Products College of Sexual Reproductive Healthcare… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosrh_uk/?hl=en Website: https://www.cosrh.org It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Joining the girl chat this week is Katie Flynn, who waited 18 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis, PMDD, chronic pain disorder and painful bladder syndrome. In her mid 30’s, Katie was referred to a gynaecology and met Mr James Tibbott at Leeds Hospital who was about to change her life as she knew it. Despite having a diagnostic laparoscopy with excision removal, Katie’s pain did not improve and her symptoms continued to escalate. Katie shares what it was like to take part in a ground breaking spinal cord stimulator trial, how it transformed her quality of life and the life changing decisions she faces next. Links, Socials & Products Katie Flynn… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_unfiltered/ TikTok: It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Joining us this week is Dr Nneka Irechukwu, a PhD physiologist and pharmacologist with over a decade in medical communications as well as lived experience of fibroids. 2 in 3 women will develop fibroids in their lifetime but black women and ethnic minorities are disproportionately effected across diagnosis and treatment. They can distort the uterus, cause infertility and severe blood loss leading to complications including anaemia and iron deficiency. We discuss the different types of fibroids, the variety of treatments, the racial health gap and what needs to drastically change in the healthcare system. Links, Socials & Products Dr Nneka Irechukwu… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrnneka/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedrnneka It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! We’re delighted to be joined by Laura Milward; pregnancy sickness advocate, and Dr Margaret O’Hara; scientist specialising in Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Up to 90% of all women will experience pregnancy sickness to some degree but for women like Laura and Margaret it can turn into HG, a severe extreme version. For 9 months Laura spent every single day living with nausea and vomiting countless times a day but was told nothing could be done to help her. Together we discuss why treatments that have been available since the 1940’s aren’t accessible, the science behind HG and the devastating effects it can have on mothers and their babies. Links, Socials & Products Pregnancy Sickness Support... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pregnancysicknesssupport/ Website: https://pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk HelpLine: 0800 055 4361 It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Joining the girl chat this week is Zoë Smyth, whose life was turned upside down when she was told she needed a full hysterectomy and stoma. For years Zoë was left housebound as she experienced heavy menstrual and anal bleeding, forcing her to make her bathroom a second bedroom. Despite scans finding extensive endometriosis she had to start her diagnosis journey from scratch after a shocking hospital appointment. We discuss how to find the right endometriosis specialist, the exponential costs of private healthcare and how organ saving surgery changes your life and future as you know it. Links, Socials & Products It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Use your exclusive listener discount ‘INJAP10’ at checkout! Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Thank you to Natracare who are supporting today’s episode.  We’re proud to be working with Natracare (https://www.natracare.com) whose founder, Susie Hewson, pioneered the world’s first brand of organic and natural period products. From ingredient transparency to improving accessibility, Natracare are committed to being kinder to people and the planet. As an It’s Not Just A Period listener, you can get an exclusive discount using the code INJAP15 at checkout. ✨ Alexandra’s favourite product from the range; featured in this week’s ad, is the Ultra Thin Panty Liners (https://www.natracare.com/products/liners/ultra-thin-panty-liners/) designed for sensitive skin. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Alexandra is delighted to be joined by Karli Büchling; nicknamed the Period Dealer, who is spearheading critical menstrual research and revolutionising women’s healthcare. Karli is bridging the gender health gap in medical research, where we have over 450 years less research into women’s health than men’s. She is harnessing the power of menstrual blood as a diagnostic tool through her company, Blake Health. Their mission is to not only collect samples but to build a biobank that helps better understand reproductive conditions that affect 1.6 billion women worldwide. We discuss the stigma around periods, what menstrual blood is actually made up of and how we can use it to change women’s healthcare as we know it. Links, Socials & Products Karli Buchling.. Website: https://www.perioddealer.com Bleed (Period Tracker): https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bleed-private-period-tracker/id6760205657 *Donate Period Blood: https://www.perioddealer.com/donate-period-blood It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Guide To Diagnosis Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Use your exclusive listener discount ‘INJAP10’ at checkout! Get the guide: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Thank you to Natracare who are supporting today’s episode.  We’re proud to be working with Natracare (https://www.natracare.com) whose founder, Susie Hewson, pioneered the world’s first brand of organic and natural period products. From ingredient transparency to improving accessibility, Natracare are committed to being kinder to people and the planet. As an It’s Not Just A Period listener, you can get an exclusive discount using the code INJAP15 at checkout. ✨ Alexandra’s favourite product from the range; featured in this week’s ad, is the Ultra Thin Panty Liners (https://www.natracare.com/products/liners/ultra-thin-panty-liners/) designed for sensitive skin. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Joining the girl chat this week is Drew Collins, who reached out to us with one of the most shocking endometriosis diagnosis we’ve heard to date. After living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome since a child, she is no stranger to pain so knew something was wrong when new symptoms appeared as a teenager. In unbelievable twist of fate Drew was diagnosed with endometriosis during an ultrasound after a shocking discovery blew her world apart. Drew describes mental and physical impacts of her endometriosis, her life changing surgery and the harsh reality of recovery. Links, Socials & Products Drew Collins.. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stripes_of_nature/ It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod NEW: The Diagnosis Guide Are you struggling to get a diagnosis? Are you being dismissed, gaslit, and ignored in the doctor's office? This guide will empower you to advocate for yourself, know your rights as a patient and get the answers you need. Use your exclusive listener discount ‘INJAP10’ at checkout! Click here to find out more: https://stan.store/itsnotjustaperiod/p/hack-the-system-the-diagnostic-guide Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. **TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide & Mental Illness** Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! We are honoured and delighted to be joined by Hayley Thomson as she shares her story of Postpartum Psychosis. After the birth of her second child, Hayley’s world started to change when symptoms of postpartum depression creeped in. For months she continued to push through, living in denial as she was convinced that what she was experiencing was nothing more anxiety. But then came the mother of all breaking points when an abusive, dark voice took over her life leaving her questioning reality and if her children were even her own. Hayley’s vulnerability and raw, unfiltered honesty will blow you away, it is a conversation that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Links, Socials & Products Hayley Thomson.. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phasebyhayley/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phasebyhayley It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Joining Alexandra in the studio is women’s health journalist Ashleigh Spiliopoulou. After sharing her journey of RED-S and Secondary Hypothalamic Amenorrhea with Stylist magazine, she’s bringing these conditions to our girl chat. As a teenager Ashleigh trained as a semi professional heptathlete and after only a year of having periods, they completely disappeared. She walks us through the hidden dangers of elite sport including eating disorders, body image and a lack of knowledge surrounding women’s bodies. We discuss her misdiagnosis of PMOS , infertility fears and her ‘eat, pray, love’ journey to rediscover her period. Links, Socials & Products Ashleigh Spiliopoulou... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashspili/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleighspili It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! This week we’re joined by Abbigale Bennett-Negahban whose life was plagued by horrendous IBS symptoms. It wasn’t until her early twenties that she discovered she had Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (previously known as PCOS). Abbigale walks us through the complex journey she went on whilst trying to tackle her IBS including the FODMAP diet and disordered eating. Then after a devastating GP appointment, her life was shattered when she was told she was infertile and wouldn’t get pregnant. Abbigale shares her experience with functional medicine, psychotherapy, living holistically. Links, Socials & Products Abbigale Bennett-Neghaban... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithabbi/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellnesswithabbi It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast and to keep up to date with Alexandra’s Vlogs. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! Joining Alexandra this week is Tiffany Summerfield; endometriosis warrior, nurse and leader of the upcoming Cardiff Endometriosis UK Support Group. After collapsing in kitchen from a twisted ovary, she was quickly diagnosed with endometriosis and then abandoned by the system at only 19 years old. Tiffany has endured 4 surgeries to remove her endometriosis and claim back a semblance of a normal life but it hasn’t been without its struggles. She shares the debilitating symptoms, how they have derailed her career and the impacts on her future planning. We discuss the importance of informed consent and why Tiffany is petitioning the Welsh government to implement Jess’ rule. Links, Socials & Products Tiffany Summerfield... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetorturedendodepartment?igsh=Y3A2dGV4Z2Jremds TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tortureduterusdepartment?_r=1&_t=ZN-966ozUFWClK SIGN THE PETITION: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246782 It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast and to keep up to date with Alexandra’s Vlogs. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! It's Six Nations season and what a woman we have with us this week! Alexandra is joined by Brython Thunder star and Welsh six nations player; Gwen Grabb. Gwen has spent her entire rugby career living with chronic pain and debilitating periods. For years she suffered in silence, believing the doctors who told her that this was 'normal' and that she should get on with it. She opens up about the reality of living with chronic pain, the impact on her body and career, and how a chance meeting with an endometriosis specialist changed her life. Despite a shocking diagnosis and the overwhelming challenges she's faced, this episode is nod to all young women who want to pursue a career in professional sport who may be struggling with their health. Links, Socials & Products Gwen Crabb... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwencrabb/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gwencrabb It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of It’s Not Just A Period Podcast and to keep up to date with Alexandra’s Vlogs. Welcome to It’s Not Just A Period! She's back for more! Kathryn King is with us for part 2 of her episode talking all things vulvas, sex education and her own experience with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Did you know the vagina is the inside not the outside? Do you know what the vulva is made up of? Can you remember your sex education classes? We've got the answers to all these questions and more as we break down why there is so much stigma and shame around the female body. Then Kathryn opens up and shares her lengthy and frustrating journey with PCOS and how she would do things differently now. Links, Socials & Products Kathryn King... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodyhonest/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloodyhonest It's Not Just A Period... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotjustaperiod.uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustaperiod.uk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsNotJustAPeriod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health, or before making changes to your healthcare routine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.