# 77. Menstrual Cycle Explained: Painful Menstrual Cramps, Heavy Bleeding & Severe PMS (with Hormone Expert Amanda)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/improve-energy-for-busy-moms-gut-health-hormone-imbalance-fatigue-moodiness-bloating-weight-loss-7094538/77-menstrual-cycle-explained-painful-menstrual-cramps-heavy-bleeding-severe-pms-with-hormone-expert-amanda
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/improve-energy-for-busy-moms-gut-health-hormone-imbalance-fatigue-moodiness-bloating-weight-loss-7094538/77-menstrual-cycle-explained-painful-menstrual-cramps-heavy-bleeding-severe-pms-with-hormone-expert-amanda.md
Podcast: [Improve Energy for Busy Moms | Gut Health, Hormone Imbalance, Fatigue, Moodiness, Bloating, Weight Loss](https://stenobird.com/podcast/improve-energy-for-busy-moms-gut-health-hormone-imbalance-fatigue-moodiness-bloating-weight-loss-7094538)
Published: 2026-04-20T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://improveenergytofeelamazing.podbean.com/e/77-menstrual-cycle-explained-painful-menstrual-cramps-heavy-bleeding-severe-pms-with-hormone-expert-amanda/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ssnzy7iirynu42p9/Ep_77_-_Menstrual_Cycle_Explained_Painful_Menstrual_Cramps_Heavy_Bleeding_Severe_PMS_with_Hormone_Expert_Amanda_ajy0v.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2155

## Resource

Hi Listeners! Is your period something you dread every single month? Heavy bleeding, painful cramps, brown spotting, mood swings, irritability, or a full week of PMS before your cycle even starts? In this episode, Sara sits down with hormone expert Amanda Jeffres to explain what’s really happening during the four phases of your menstrual cycle — menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal — and why ovulation (not your period!) is actually the main event. They unpack how symptoms like heavy bleeding, estrogen dominance, low progesterone, PCOS, and endometriosis can be signs of deeper imbalances — not just “bad luck” or aging. You’ll also learn how inflammation, blood sugar spikes, gut health (yes — your microbiome is like an endocrine organ!), and chronic stress directly impact your hormones. Sara and Amanda share practical, foundational steps you can take — from anti-inflammatory nutrition and insulin regulation to healing the gut and lowering cortisol — to create cycles that are more balanced and far less miserable. If you’ve ever felt hopeless or dismissed at your annual appointment, this conversation will empower you with clarity and next steps. Sara — Nourish Health Coaching To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com (Moms- joining with daughters- mention this podcast for a discount!) Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media: New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850 Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/ My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home If you love my pod…

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