Hello loves! I’ve struggled with terrible period cramps, acne breakouts, and menstrual mood swings for as long as I can remember. It felt pretty gosh darn hard (AKA impossible) to ‘embrace my beautiful period’ when it felt like the 2.5 weeks from hell (yes, I’m talking premenstrual and menstrual phases). SO -- I got curious about why these symptoms were happening to me as a teen (and not other people!!)… and how they could get better… and REAL TALK: it got so much better.

Natalie K. Martin is a period and menstrual cycle coach who helps people like me to figure out their cycles and I invited her in for a chat on the pod!! You’ll hear us talk about all things crappy symptoms, why they happen to some people, but not others (it’s complex!!), why your premenstrual (or ‘luteal’) phase actually has superpowers -- and why it can FEEL so hard (hello inner critic like WOAH), plus some beautiful ideas for getting started actually fixing these pesky period issues yourself if you’ve got ‘em! So many links in the show notes for you today :) xoxo, come listen -- Eliza

Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/79!

P.S. Season 1 of the Be Real Podcast is coming to a close at the end of 2021 -- and we’re going on a break (for… until I’m ready to record more episodes!)!! If you want stay in the loop and ready my wordy erratic ramblings straight from my messy big sister heart to yours here are some places to make sure you don’t miss me:

For badass preteens + teens: I’ve got a CONFIDENT AF playlist me + the mentors made for ya… and as a side benefit → get all the rambling email riffs from my heart to you this winter. Click here!

For supportive adults: I made y’all a free 20 minute video lesson on Why Your Teen Girl is a Gift + How to Make Sure She Knows It. It’s straight magic for busy parents/guardians who want to get the good stuff to their kid, but so often feel like they’re meeting straight up resistance ;) Click here to get it!