Navigating Period Pain as a High-Achieving Woman: A Conversation with Shalene Gupta, Author of The Cycle

Risky Conversations with Jamie Lee

If you've ever struggled with severe PMS, painful periods, or the visceral challenges of having a female body in a male-dominated workplace, this episode is a must-listen.

This is an important conversation for me personally.

As a menstruating woman in her forties, I've had days where I'd been doubled over in premenstrual pain (both physical and mental) so bad the overly dramatic part of my brain told me I was going to die.

I'm always searching for answers, so I've googled my symptoms ad nauseam.

I've read books on the topic, including Shalene Gupta's The Cycle (https://shalenegupta.com/the-cycle/).

Then, I advocated for myself with my OBGYN.

All of which led me to a prescription for low-dose SSRI that flipped the switch on period paid and made my cycles much, much more manageable.

Around 80% of women experience period pain or PMS (premenstrual syndrome). For about 10% of women with PME (premenstrual exacerbation) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), the pain is severe enough to disrupt their lives, relationships, and careers.

In this honest and vulnerable conversation with Shalene Gupta, we address period pain, something that affects a majority of women yet is so often shrouded in shame and silence.

Shalene bravely shares her journey with PMDD and the immense challenges it posed for her high-powered career as a journalist and writer.

She shared invaluable insights on navigating PMDD as an ambitious, high-achieving woman.

We also discuss practical strategies for managing physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, as well as guidance on overcoming the societal stigma that often prevents women from learning about treatment solutions and getting help, so they can continue to excel in their careers and lives.
To learn more:

• Sign up for Shalene's newsletter on her website: https://shalenegupta.com/
• Check out the website of the International Association of Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) at iapmd.org for more resources on PMDD-related diagnosis and treatment
• Track your menstrual cycles. There are many great apps available on app stores. I personally use a print version I downloaded from Maisie Hill https://maisiehill.com/chartmycycle/

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