Season 5 Episode 3

PMDD Unfiltered: Healing, Hormones & the ADHD Connection with Jess Fleming

WITH YOUR HOSTS: Monica Grohne & Norah Candito, RD

In this powerful episode of The Flow State podcast, hosts Monica Grohne and Norah Candido sit down with Jess Fleming of Her Mood Mentor to discuss the complex relationship between PMDD, ADHD, and the foundational healing approaches that are transforming women's lives.

The Journey to PMDD Awareness

Jess Fleming's story mirrors that of countless women - nearly two decades of struggling with severe premenstrual symptoms that doctors dismissed as "normal PMS." Despite her mother advocating for her since age 13-14, Jess was repeatedly told she would "grow out of it" and offered only birth control as a solution.

The turning point came in 2017 during what Jess describes as a "rock bottom" moment. After losing a relationship, job, housing, and best friend within months due to worsening symptoms, she made a critical decision: find a way forward or "opt out by force." This dark period, which included suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors, became the catalyst for her healing journey.

The Science Behind PMDD and ADHD

Recent research reveals a compelling connection between PMDD and ADHD that explains why so many women experience overlapping symptoms:

Estrogen-Dopamine Connection: Estrogen directly affects dopamine levels throughout the menstrual cycle
Executive Function Impact: Estrogen modulates concentration, motivation, verbal skills, attention, and memory
Limbic System Effects: Hormonal fluctuations impact brain regions responsible for emotion, mood, and behavior
Multiple Hormone Sensitivity Theory: A 2024 theory suggesting women are more vulnerable to ADHD symptoms during low-estrogen phases

Breaking Down the Overlap

The diagnostic criteria for ADHD in females remains centered around male presentation, missing key symptoms like:

Emotional dysregulation
Mental hyperactivity and rumination
Rejection sensitivity
Impulsive risk-taking behaviors

These symptoms significantly overlap with PMDD, leading to questions about potential misdiagnosis or comorbidity. As Jess notes, "Some of my clients who are only experiencing psychological symptoms - part of me wonders, maybe this is actually just ADHD."

The Foundation of Healing

Both Monica and Jess emphasize that regardless of diagnosis, the foundational approaches remain consistent:

The Seven Core Areas of Hormone Health:

Nutrition - Addressing blood sugar dysregulation and nutrient deficiencies
Stress Management - Building resilience to both internal and external stressors
Movement - Appropriate exercise that supports rather than stresses the system
Sleep - Non-negotiable for hormone regulation
Environment - Reducing endocrine disrupting chemicals
Relationships - Both with yourself and others
Spirituality/Purpose - Feeling connected to meaning

The Power of Symptom Mapping

One of the most transformative tools discussed is symptom mapping - creating a visual representation of symptom patterns and severity. This practice helps women:

Distinguish between their identity and their experience
Gain agency over their symptoms
Prepare for challenging phases
Track progress over time

Challenging the Medical Model

The conversation highlights significant gaps in the current medical approach to PMDD:

Falls between gynecology and mental health with no bridge
Relies on diagnosis by exclusion without comprehensive testing
Uses wide "disease model" lab ranges that miss optimal function
Offers limited treatment options (SSRIs and birth control)

Ready for Transformation?

Both hosts emphasize that true healing requires readiness. As Monica explains, "It's someone who's ready to heal - they have to have already made that decision. I'm not going to be the victim to this anymore."

The journey from victim to empowered involves:

Accepting that symptoms are messages from your body
Understanding that healing is possible with foundational changes
Recognizing PMDD as part of your story, not your entire identity
Committing to the work required for transformation

Support your hormone health naturally with Marea's PMS Elixir - a therapeutic-grade multivitamin specifically formulated for women experiencing PMDD symptoms. Use code FLOWSTATE15 for 15% off your first order.