Women of the Well | Holistic Women’s Health and Wellness

Welcome to 2025!As we kick off the New Year, we’re diving into a topic that affects so many women but is often misunderstood – premenstrual mood disorders like PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and PME (premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying mental health condition).In this episode of Women of the Well, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam explore what’s really behind premenstrual mood issues and how we can better support ourselves in this often-challenging phase of the menstrual cycle.🎧 Listen now to discover:🌿 What’s happening in the brain and body during the luteal phase – and why some women experience heightened sensitivity to hormonal changes.🌿 The connection between PMDD, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation – and why environment matters just as much as biology.🌿 Why societal expectations and the “need to perform” can make symptoms worse – and how breaking the stigma around cyclic living can help.🌿 Simple strategies for self-care, including:Nutrition tips for stabilising blood sugar and supporting hormonal balance.Lifestyle changes like slowing down, spending time in nature, and creating space for rest.Practical tools for nervous system regulation, from breathwork to cold water therapy.🌿 A compassionate perspective on treatment options – from supplements and lifestyle adjustments to bioidentical hormones and, in rare cases, medical interventions.Why this episode matters:The New Year is a time for reflection and intention-setting, and this conversation is a powerful reminder to prioritise self-care, listen to your body, and ask for help when needed. Whether you’re navigating PMDD, PME, or simply feeling the strain of life’s demands, this episode offers practical tools and insights to help you feel more grounded and connected.Recommended Resources:📖 Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide to understanding and managing pelvic pain.🎙️ Episode 15 of Women of the Well – The Autumn + Winter of Your Menstrual Cycle (Luteal and Menstruation phases).💻 IAPMD.org – Information on premenstrual mood disorders.📖 Anchored by Deb Dana – A guide to nervous system regulation.💻 Jessica Maguire’s Vagus Nerve Masterclass – Practical tools for nervous system health.______________________For more information about us, visit verawellness.com.au. We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.______________________ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Are new drugs really the solution to managing endometriosis, or is there a bigger picture being missed?In this episode of Women of the Well, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam break down the recent news about a supposed “miracle drug” for endometriosis that’s now subsidised under the PBS. While the headlines promise life-changing results, the team shares their insights and first-hand experiences treating women with endometriosis and pelvic pain – and why this "new" solution may fall short.🎧 Listen now to find out:🌿 What the "new drug" actually is and why Visanne (Dienogest) isn’t as revolutionary as it’s being portrayed.🌿 The real problem with treating endometriosis – how focusing solely on lesions and surgery ignores the whole-body factors driving pain.🌿 Why hormone-based treatments often fail women – from worsening mood issues to long-term impacts like painful sex and vaginal atrophy.🌿 What’s really behind pelvic pain – the role of the nervous system, muscle tension, and immune health in managing symptoms effectively.🌿 Ways the system needs to change including better access to holistic care, physiotherapy, nervous system regulation, and longer appointments for women’s health.Why we're so passionate about this:Because women deserve more than cookie-cutter solutions for complex health issues like endometriosis and pelvic pain. This episode dives into the nuance of what truly helps women heal and reclaim their lives, beyond the band-aid fixes often prescribed.Recommended resources:📖 Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain, with practical strategies for calming the nervous system.______________________For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.______________________ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

This week’s episode is a special collaboration between Women of the Well and The Best of Women’s Health Podcast.It was recorded live at Vera Wellness during an event celebrating renowned naturopath Lara Briden’s latest book, The Metabolism Reset.British podcast host and functional nutritionist Tanya Borowski sat down with Dr Peta and Dr Thea for an honest, eye-opening discussion about why conventional approaches to periods, pelvic pain and hormonal health might not be enough.🎧 Listen now to find out:🌿 Why pain doesn’t always mean surgery – reframing the approach to endometriosis and pelvic pain.🌿 How the nervous system and immune system influence hormonal health (and what you can do to support them).🌿 Holistic alternatives for managing periods, pelvic pain, and hormonal imbalances.This episode is packed with insights, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on women’s health that you don’t want to miss.Resources Mentioned in this episode:🎙️The Best of Women's Health Podcast with Tanya Borowski📖 Dr Peta Wright’s book, Healing Pelvic Pain📖 Lara Briden’s latest book The Metabolism Reset📖 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Insights on trauma and the nervous system.📖 Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden – Practical guides to menstrual and menopause health.______________________For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.______________________ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What if those “challenging” phases of your cycle are actually key to helping you unlock deep self-awareness and creativity?In this episode, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam dive into the luteal and menstruation phases – often referred to as "hell week" or the “dark side” of the cycle. This discussion reframes these phases, showing how they offer an opportunity for reflection, rest, and even transformation.The team explores the physical and emotional shifts that occur as your hormones decline, offering tools and strategies to navigate this time with grace and get the support you need. By tuning into your body’s cues and embracing cyclical living, you can find more balance, reduce overwhelm, and harness the incredible insights these phases provide.Listen now to discover:🌿 What happens hormonally during the luteal and menstrual phases – and how these changes influence your mood, energy, and cravings.🌿 How the luteal phase connects to Autumn energy, inviting rest, self-care, and deeper connection to intuition.🌿 Tips for managing common luteal-phase symptoms like irritability, cravings, and fatigue – without guilt or shame.🌿 Why the menstrual phase is a sacred time for rest, release, and reconnection with yourself.🌿 How to honour your cyclical nature in a society that values constant productivity – and why doing so can be transformative.🎧 Tune in for a compassionate guide to embracing the beauty and wisdom of these often misunderstood or maligned phases.________________________Resources Mentioned in this episode:🌳 Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle Course: A comprehensive online program (guided by Dr Peta Wright) to help you understand and optimise your cycle – with education, tools, recipes and movement practices to support you throughout the month.🌟 Stardust App: A menstrual cycle tracking app that aligns your cycle with the phases of the moon and provides personalised insights that your partner can access too. 📖 In the FLO book by Alisa Vitti: A guide to aligning your life with the phases of your menstrual cycle for better health and productivity.______________________For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.______________________ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.