Episode 156

Published June 9, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Saru Bala and host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discuss the connection between hormones, the nervous system, and mood, specifically PMS and PMDD, from an integrative medicine perspective. 

Their discussion also highlights:

• Why hormonal shifts affect mood and the neuroscience behind those shifts
• The distinction between PMS and PMDD and why they are often dismissed as anxiety or depression
• How the luteal phase can reflect baseline health, including nutrition, lifestyle, and stress levels
• The importance of comprehensive testing and how those markers impact mood and cycle symptoms
• Key supplementation and lifestyle recommendations

Key Moments

0:45 Episode Introduction

2:26 The Journey to Naturopathic Medicine

5:31 Understanding Women's Health and Hormonal Connections

8:27 PMS vs. PMDD: Distinguishing Mood Disorders

11:24 Hormonal Fluctuations and Their Impact on Mood

14:22 The Role of Stress and Resilience in Hormonal Health

18:41 DUTCH Courses: Mastering Functional Hormone Testing

19:28 Testing Hormones: The Importance of Comprehensive Analysis

22:18 Cycle Mapping and Understanding Estrogen's Role

27:42 Understanding Hormonal Fluctuations and Their Effects

30:50 Building Sustainable Protocols for Hormonal Health

34:09 Simple Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety

36:54 The Importance of a Strong Foundation in Health

39:26 Exploring Effective Supplements for Hormonal Balance

42:26 Holistic Approaches to Cycle-Related Mood Symptoms

About our speaker

Dr. Saru Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and women's health specialist who has dedicated her practice to helping women understand and reclaim their hormonal health. A graduate of Bastyr University with a bachelor's degree in Neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Bala brings both scientific rigor and personal experience to her work. After years of navigating her own unresolved gut, period, and hormonal issues, she built a practice focused on getting to the root cause of what conventional medicine often dismisses. Through her 1:1 work and the Period Solutions Academy, she has helped thousands of women connect their cycle symptoms to their underlying hormonal patterns and finally get answers. 

Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Saru Bala and follow her on Instagram @drsarubala!

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