Period Psychology: How Your Mind, Body, and Society Shape Your Period

Apr 6, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Happy Menstruation Monday! Welcome to the kickoff of season four of the Kick Cramp's Ass Podcast! Brittany Walker introduces her journey toward integrating holistic health with her expertise in psychology and nutrition to revolutionize our understanding of menstrual health. This episode explores how to treat the menstrual cycle as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. In this episode: -Brittany’s personal transition from a purely biological view of health to adopting the biopsychosocial model -The significance of mental, social, and environmental factors in menstrual health -How high stress and social environments influence hormonal balance and cycle regularity -The three pillars of the biopsychosocial model: Biological, Psychological, and Social -Specific strategies to support each pillar, including nutrition, mindfulness practices, and environmental awareness -The impact of societal stigma and access to care on menstrual health outcomes -Research findings highlighting psychological flexibility and social support as buffers against severe menstrual symptoms -Practical tools like cycle tracking, yoga, breathwork, and boundary setting to enhance menstrual well-being -The importance of viewing the period as a reflection of overall life health and interconnected systems Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and Celebrations 04:11 - The Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model Unveiled 07:07 - Understanding the Three Pillars: Biological, Psychological, Social 12:09 - Interactions of the Three Pillars During the Menstrual Cycle 15:48 - Research and Evidence Supporting the Biopsychosocial Approach 19:10 - Practical Applications for Supporting BPS 24:24 - Podcast Outro Thank you for tuning in and prioritizing your menstrual health. Check the show notes for links and resources, and stay connected for more episodes that empower your holistic wellness. Resources & Links: Understanding PMD and PMDD: A Holistic Guide to Better Periods Episode Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods Connect with Us: Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.