The One About Hormones - POI, PMDD, Endometoriosis + PME: Dr HANNAH SHORT

BLUE MUMDAYS

My guest this week is Dr Hannah Short, a GP Specialist in Menopause, P.O.I. (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency) and Premenstrual Disorders. In this fascinating episode, Hannah educates me on P.O.I., P.M.D.D. (Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder), Endometriosis and P.M.E. (Premenstrual Exacerbation). She also talks about her own experience of premature surgical menopause at the age of 35.

*TRIGGER WARNING: *Very brief mention of some women feeling suicidal feelings*

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[00:00] Teaser quote.

[02:15 ] Introduction to Dr Hannah Short.

[03:23] Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (P.O.I.) - early menopause below the age of 40.

[06:52] Treatments available for P.O.I.

[07:56] H.R.T. or Hormone Replacement Therapy.

[11:17] Hannah's interest in this area - personal experience of premature surgical menopause.

[16:11] The impact of not having children - the way society treats women without children.

[20:25] The symptoms of premature surgical menopause.

[22:41] Feeling a sense of loss at missing out on her youth due to illness.

[26:23] The power of podcasts and talking openly, especially as a G.P. (General Practitioner)

[27:37] Pre-menstrual disorders - P.M.D.D. (Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder).

[38:48] Endometriosis - what it is and what help is available.

[43:22] Feelings of rage.

[46:33] The effects of calming the autonomic nervous system - exercise, anti-inflammatory diets and meditation.

[51:05] The lack of recognition for these issues - stigma and taboo.

[54:05] Advice for women badly affected by hormones - tracking your symptoms.

[56:01] Pre-Menstrual Exacerbation (P.M.E.)

[57:33] The importance of psychological support.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Follow this link to access Dr Hannah Short's website – Hannah is a G.P. specialist in Menopause, P.O.I. and Premenstrual Disorders.
2. You can order Hannah’s book The Complete Guide to P.O.I. and Early Menopause via this link.
3. Click this link for NHS information on Early Menopause and P.O.I. (Primary Ovarian Insufficiency). POI is classed as menopause before the age of 40. Latest statistics suggest 3-4% of women across the globe or affected.
4. You can read NHS information on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) here.
5. Click here to read a patient leaflet on Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (P.M.S.) from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
6. P.M.D.D. or Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a hormone insensitivity affects around 5-8% of women as well as trans men, anyone who was born with ovaries. You can access Mind information on PMDD by clicking on this link.
7. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) follow this link for a lifeline of support, information and resources for women and AFAB individuals with P.M.D.D. and Pre-Menstrual Exacerbation (P.M.E.).
8. Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb are found outside the womb or uterus. It's a condition that affects 1.5 million women in the UK. Support can be found here at Endemetriosis UK.
9. Meditation has been found to be very effective in calming the autonomic nervous system. You can access a 15 minute 'Loving Kindness Meditation' from Season 1 of Blue MumDays on the link here, which has been created specially for us by Poonam Dhuffer of YSM8.
10. You can access the Primary Care Women's Health Forum on this link.
11. PME (Pre Menstrual Exacerbation) occurs when hormone changes during menstruation worsen the experience of a pre-existing disorder – like depressive disorder or generalised anxiety disorder. Click on the link to read a Women's Health article on the subject.
12. Click this link to read more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (C.B.T.)
13. NAPS Guidelines on P.M.S. from the National Association for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.
14. NICE guidelines for P.M.S.

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NEXT EPISODE:

For a Blue MumDays special celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day, I'm joined by the beautiful Jannah Hayah. Jannah talks to me about life with her gorgeous son Musa, who is 5. Musa has Down Syndrome, hearing loss and is fed via a feeding tube. Jannah is passionate about wanting the world to know that while a life living with disability can have its challenges, the struggle comes with incredible rewards. It's a wonderfully life-affirming conversation.

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