Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects an estimated 31 million people worldwide, yet remains widely misunderstood. How is it different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Why can it magnify symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and emotional distress—and how does that ripple into work, relationships, and identity? In this episode, we talk to Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP, author of Unlock Your Menopause Type, about what defines PMDD, how it's diagnosed, how to tell it apart from other mood disorders, and the latest in treatment options, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can help.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder" data-testid="linkable-text">Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)</a>&nbsp;affects an estimated 31 million people worldwide, yet remains widely misunderstood. How is it different from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/what-is-pms" data-testid="linkable-text">premenstrual syndrome (PMS)</a>? Why can it magnify symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and emotional distress&mdash;and how does that ripple into work, relationships, and identity? In this episode, we talk to&nbsp;<a href="https://heatherhirschmd.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP</a>, author of&nbsp;Unlock Your Menopause Type, about what defines PMDD, how it's diagnosed, how to tell it apart from other mood disorders, and the latest in treatment options, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can help.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

PMDD Demystified: Understanding a Severe Mood Disorder Beyond PMS

A lot of us have heard about “high cortisol” in the context of stress. But Cushing’s syndrome, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It’s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with Lewis Blevins, MD, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing’s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD

A lot of us have heard about &ldquo;high <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol?ref=ro" data-testid="linkable-text">cortisol</a>&rdquo; in the context of stress. But <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cushing-syndrome" data-testid="linkable-text">Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome</a>, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It&rsquo;s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with <a href="https://pituitaryworldnews.org/about-us/lewis-blevins-md/" data-testid="linkable-text">Lewis Blevins, MD</a>, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD</li>
</ul>

High Cortisol or Something More? Understanding Cushing’s Syndrome

For many of us in the “sandwich generation” – those raising kids while caring for aging parents – preventive health can feel like one more impossible task on an already full plate. But prevention isn’t just about protecting your future; it’s about preserving your energy so you can show up for the people who need you right now. We spoke with Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, FAHA, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association, about a practical framework for health and how sleep, stress, mental well-being, and social connection all play a role in heart health, stroke prevention, and even cognitive health. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish –  it’s preventive medicine that shapes your future.

Additional resources:
Life’s Essential 8
MyLifeCheck
Your Health Care Journey

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, FAHA

For many of us in the &ldquo;sandwich generation&rdquo; &ndash; those raising kids while caring for aging parents &ndash; <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/4-steps-healthy-lifestyle" data-testid="linkable-text">preventive health</a> can feel like one more impossible task on an already full plate. But prevention isn&rsquo;t just about protecting your future; it&rsquo;s about preserving your energy so you can show up for the people who need you right now. We spoke with <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/eduardo-sanchez" data-testid="linkable-text">Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, FAHA</a>, chief medical officer for prevention at the <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/" data-testid="linkable-text">American Heart Association</a>, about a practical framework for health and how sleep, stress, mental well-being, and social connection all play a role in heart health, stroke prevention, and even cognitive health. Taking care of yourself isn&rsquo;t selfish &ndash;&nbsp; it&rsquo;s preventive medicine that shapes your future.
Additional resources: <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8___.YzJ1OndlYm1kOmM6ZzozM2M2YzBhMWVhMzQ2ODAxYzU0OTZlNzkwMDc4NjRiZTo3OjNjMTA6ZTllODYyNjVjNDY0MGQ1NjA5ZjdmZDdhNTcwMjQwODE1NjNkMDQwYzFhODQ2N2NjNjZlNTM1MzVkODJhZTdjODpoOlQ6Rg" data-testid="linkable-text">Life&rsquo;s Essential 8 </a><a href="http://mylifecheck/" data-testid="linkable-text">MyLifeCheck </a><a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare" data-testid="linkable-text">Your Health Care Journey</a>
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li>Guest: Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, FAHA</li>
</ul>

Preventive Health for the Sandwich Generation: Putting Your Mask on First

Joint pain is often brushed off as a normal part of aging – but pain that interferes with your daily life doesn’t have to be something you simply live with. In this episode, we talk with Una Makris, MD, MSc, a clinical rheumatologist, about the common joint conditions affecting older adults and what actually helps. From movement and weight management to nutrition and physical therapy, she shares practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce pain and protect your joints. Learn how small, sustainable lifestyle changes can support mobility, independence, and quality of life at every age.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Una Makris, MD, MSc

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/joint-pain" data-testid="linkable-text">Joint pain</a> is often brushed off as a normal part of aging &ndash; but pain that interferes with your daily life doesn&rsquo;t have to be something you simply live with. In this episode, we talk with <a href="https://breakthroughs.utsouthwestern.edu/women/stories/makris-una.html" data-testid="linkable-text">Una Makris, MD, MSc</a>, a clinical rheumatologist, about the common joint conditions affecting older adults and what actually helps. From movement and weight management to nutrition and physical therapy, she shares practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce pain and protect your joints. Learn how small, sustainable <a href="https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/caring-your-joints" data-testid="linkable-text">lifestyle changes</a> can support mobility, independence, and quality of life at every age.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li>Guest: Una Makris, MD, MSc</li>
</ul>

PMDD Demystified: Understanding a Severe Mood Disorder Beyond PMS

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