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Season 1 Episode 5
From PMDD to Purpose: How Personal Struggle Led to Creating Natural Solutions for Hormone Health
In this compelling episode of The Flow State podcast, Marea founder Monica Grohne shares her transformative journey from struggling with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) to creating innovative solutions for women's hormone health.
Early Challenges with Hormonal Health
Monica's story begins at age nine when she got her first period, experiencing significant challenges including:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Severe cramping and clotting
- Early introduction to birth control at age 11
- Intense mood swings and emotional challenges
The Path to PMDD Diagnosis
After years of struggling with extreme mood shifts and emotional volatility, Monica initially thought she might have bipolar disorder. However, a breakthrough came when her therapist recognized potential PMDD symptoms and suggested tracking her cycle. This simple yet powerful suggestion led to understanding the connection between her symptoms and hormonal fluctuations.
Understanding PMDD
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is described as "PMS on steroids," with a particular focus on emotional and mood-related symptoms. Key aspects include:
- Sensitivity to normal hormone fluctuations
- Intense mood changes
- Feeling out of control
- Symptoms tied to menstrual cycle timing
Choosing Natural Solutions
When faced with traditional treatment options, including:
- Birth control (specifically Yaz)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Cyclical antidepressant use
Monica chose to explore natural alternatives, leading to a transformative discovery of specific nutrient combinations that significantly improved her symptoms within one menstrual cycle.
Birth of Marea
The challenging experience of managing multiple supplement bottles and high costs inspired Monica to create Marea. The brand's foundation rests on three key pillars:
- Scientific backing and quality ingredients
- Effective dosages and proper nutrient forms
- Building a supportive community for women's health
The Power of Community
Monica emphasizes that Marea isn't just about supplements—it's about creating a space where women can:
- Ask uncomfortable questions
- Share experiences
- Find support in their hormone health journey
- Access reliable information about natural solutions
Key Takeaways
The episode highlights several important messages:
- The importance of being your own health advocate
- Understanding that healing isn't linear
- The value of tracking symptoms
- The potential of natural solutions for hormone-related challenges
With a mission to help over a million women find better hormone health, Marea represents more than just a supplement company—it's a movement toward better understanding and managing women's hormonal health naturally.
