About this episodeAlicia Marie shares her recent PMDD diagnosis, detailing symptoms like 'impending doom' and the link between h…AI summary
Alicia Marie shares her recent PMDD diagnosis, detailing symptoms like 'impending doom' and the link between histamine levels and mood swings, while discussing off-label treatments like Zyrtec and Pepcid. Remy Parsons expands on the conversation by discussing the PMOS (formerly PCOS) name change, the importance of trusting medical intuition, and the broader societal lack of research into women's health conditions.
Key takeaways 5
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) affects approximately 5% of menstruating individuals and is characterized by severe emotional and physical symptoms occurring 2-3 days to two weeks before bleeding begins, distinct from standard PMS.
There is a clinical link between PMDD and histamine; estrogen fluctuations can trigger mast cells to release histamine, causing anxiety and brain fog, leading some patients to use antihistamines (Zyrtec/Pepcid) for relief.
The medical community historically excluded women from clinical trials (e.g., 1970s rat studies on males), resulting in a lack of proven treatments and forcing patients to rely on anecdotal evidence or off-label prescriptions.
PCOS was renamed to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) because the condition involves metabolic issues and follicles, not cysts, correcting a long-standing medical misconception.
Postpartum recovery is physiologically complex, with emerging insights suggesting full neurological and hormonal recovery can take months to years, challenging the traditional six-week medical benchmark.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“There is no normal. Every human is unique and different in their own way. No, there is no normal. There is there is no perfect person.”
▶ 10:22Alicia reflecting on the pressure to compare her medical struggles to others or idealized standards.
“Estrogen stimulates mass cells to release histamine and can lower the enzyme DAO that breaks it down causing a histamine surge in the ludial phase that intensifies anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue.”
▶ 28:34Alicia reading from research explaining the biological mechanism behind her PMDD symptoms.
“I feel like women's bodies and mental health and hormones like oh my god. So is this a hormonal imbalance that causes PM like what causes PMDD?”
Remy expressing frustration over the systemic neglect of women's health research.
“Healing varies by system with certain adaptations and core changes lasting multiple years... I wouldn't even think it's correlated. I would just be like, 'Oh, I'm crazy.'”
▶ 1:15:16Remy discussing the extended timeline of postpartum recovery and the shame associated with prolonged symptoms.
Chapters & Sections (31)▼
0:00Dating Friend Involvement and Dynamicschapter6
2:10Fashion Evolution and Jean Struggles
3:47Fashion Trends and School Dress Codes
7:28Sharing Health Updates and PCOS
9:06Navigating PMDD Diagnosis and Validation
11:10PMDD Definition and Symptom Validation
13:19PMDD Symptoms and Impact
16:55Dating App Features and PMDD Diagnosischapter2
19:28Medical Bias and PMDD Tracking
21:31PMDD Diagnosis and Symptom Impact
24:14PMDD Treatment Options and Histamine Linkchapter1
27:40Histamine's Role in PMDD Symptoms
29:29PMDD Diagnosis and Off-Label Treatment Optionschapter2
31:25Histamine Allergies and Mental Health
32:53PMDD Diagnosis Process and Doctor Discretion
36:12ButcherBox and Audible Sponsorships, PMDD Mindsetchapter1
39:25Overcoming Gym Intimidation and Self-Care
43:20PMOS Name Change and Health Managementchapter1
46:05PMOS Name Change and Symptoms
48:32PMOS, Trauma, and Body Connectionchapter1
50:57Trauma, Pelvic Connection, and PCOS Advocacy
53:35PCOS Specialist Misdiagnosis and TikTok Researchchapter1
55:15Doctor Dismisses Acupuncture and PCOS Advice
58:44PMDD Treatment and Gardening Updateschapter2
1:00:45Choosing an Acupuncturist and Managing PMDD
1:02:38Gardening Updates and Planting Tips
1:04:12Home Decor Changes and Postpartum Supportchapter1
1:06:18Dog Health Anxiety and Postpartum Support
1:09:10Mental Health Stigma and Postpartum Advocacychapter2
1:11:47Postpartum Recovery and Partner Support
1:14:57Postpartum Recovery Timeline and Online Pressure
50m⏭ 1
52m
1h 7m⏭ 2
44m⏭ 1
1h 38m⏭ 2
1h 14m⏭ 1
1h 1m⏭ 1
1h 42m
1h 28m⏭ 2
59m
29m⏭ 1
1h 36m⏭ 2
11h 23m⏭ 1
33m
1h 0m⏭ 1
46m
48m⏭ 2
3h 54m⏭ 7
3h 59m⏭ 5
1h 13m
38m
54m⏭ 2
10h 34m
54m⏭ 1