Her Side by Flourish Heights

Ever feel like a completely different person in the days leading up to your period? We're talking more than a little irritability, cravings, or wanting everyone to leave you alone. For some women, those days can bring intense anxiety, depression, anger, and emotional overwhelm that disrupt relationships, work, and everyday life. It's called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and despite how deeply it can affect a woman's life, it's still widely misunderstood. Too often, symptoms are dismissed as typical PMS, moodiness, or simply being hormonal. So what does PMDD actually feel like? Why do some women experience it so intensely? And how do you know when what you're experiencing is more than PMS? In this episode, I'm bringing together two women, Ciera Danyel and Ariana Perez, to share their experiences living with PMDD, alongside two medical experts: Dr. Evelyn Ashiofu, psychiatrist and Assistant Clinical Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Dr. Jessica Geida, board-certified OB-GYN. Together, we're unpacking the symptoms, misconceptions, mental health implications, challenges of getting diagnosed, and what women wish more people understood about living with PMDD. Because women's experiences deserve to be heard, understood, and taken seriously. This episode was produced as part of a special project through the Harvard Medical School Media and Medicine Certificate Program. *The information shared in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  Meet the guests: Dr. Evelyn Ashiofu, MD, MPH is a double board-certified adult and child & adolescent psychiatrist, attending psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, and Assistant Clinical Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include women's and reproductive mental health. Follow her on Instagram: @whatsgood_dr.ev. Ariana Pérez is an actor, dancer, singer, and writer based in New York City and London. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, she is currently developing The Week Before, a short film exploring PMDD and intergenerational sisterhood. Dr. Jessica Geida is a board-certified OB-GYN, mother of two, and creator of @DrJessicaGeida. She uses social media to make women's health and medicine more accessible, relatable, and evidence-based. Ciera Danyel is a vocalist, songwriter, performer, and licensed massage therapist from St. Louis, Missouri. Her creative and wellness work centers on connection, healing, and bringing people together. Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

“Ferritin face” is trending online, but is low iron really behind your dark circles, dull skin, or hair shedding? I’m unpacking the science behind the trend and breaking down what the new 2026 American Society of Hematology guidelines say about diagnosing iron deficiency. From understanding ferritin, iron saturation, and other key blood tests to knowing what your results actually mean, this conversation goes beyond the buzz. Plus, I’m getting into iron-rich foods, supplement options (when needed), how to boost iron absorption, and what to know about common side effects like constipation, so you can feel more confident navigating the conversation around your iron levels. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  *This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health. Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

What is it really like to live with migraines? In this episode of Her Side by Flourish Heights, I’m joined by beauty and wellness journalist Grace Gold for an honest, relatable conversation about something we both know all too well. We share our personal experiences with migraines, from what an attack can actually feel like to the ways they can disrupt work, plans, social life and just…your entire day. We discuss the parts of migraine that don’t always get talked about, the experiences that make you think, “Wait, you deal with that too?” and what we’ve each learned from navigating migraines over the years. If you experience migraines yourself, know someone who does, or have ever felt like people don’t quite understand what you’re going through, you’ll want to listen in. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/UsQefX0qHpc *The information shared in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  About Grace Gold: Grace is a beauty and wellness journalist and on-air expert with 20+ years of experience across broadcast, print, and digital media. A summa cum laude graduate of New York University, she began her career covering beauty at People magazine and has since contributed to TODAY, Good Morning America, and leading ABC, CBS, and NBC stations nationwide. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Vogue, Allure, Women's Health, and more. A migraine advocate, she has experienced chronic migraine since the age of 11. Grace has worked on migraine specials with PBS and ABC News, along with penning awareness in national news outlets. Connect with her @MsGraceGold or gracegold.com. Keep up with Grace: Website: www.gracegold.com Follow Grace on Instagram: @msgracegold Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

You’re tired, bloated, struggling to lose weight, breaking out, and suddenly someone has an explanation: inflammation. It's so easy to go down the rabbit hole of “anti-inflammatory” foods, supplements, and things we’re apparently supposed to stop eating. So in this episode, I’m getting into what inflammation actually means, how you’d know if it’s really an issue, and what your diet and everyday habits actually have to do with it. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  *This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health. Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Creatine has become one of the most talked-about supplements in health and wellness, but is it right for you? In this episode, Kristin Kirkpatrick, former lead dietitian at Cleveland Clinic and an award-winning nutrition expert breaks down what the research says about creatine, who may benefit, and what women should consider before adding it to their routine. Whether you're active, focused on healthy aging, or simply curious about the latest wellness trend, this conversation will help you make a more informed decision. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  *The information shared in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. About Kristin Kirkpatrick: Kristin Kirkpatrick is a registered dietitian, founder of KAK Nutrition Consulting, LLC, and a nationally recognized nutrition expert with more than 22 years of experience in integrative nutrition. She previously served as the lead dietitian at Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine and is an award-winning author, speaker, and media contributor. Kristin has appeared on the TODAY show, NBC Nightly News, and other national platforms, and her expertise has been featured in outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, TIME, Women’s Health, and Cleveland Clinic Essentials. She is the author of Skinny Liver: A Proven Program to Prevent and Reverse the New Silent Epidemic — Fatty Liver Disease and Regenerative Health: Discover Your Metabolic Type and Renew Your Liver for Life. Keep up with Kristin: Website: www.kristinkirkpatrick.com Follow Kristin on Instagram or Facebook: @fuelwellwithkrissy Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

If you’ve ever thought, “I just have a sensitive stomach,” you’re not alone. Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive symptoms are common but when they become frequent or start affecting your daily life, it may be time to take a closer look. In this episode, we’re exploring IBS, including what it is, why symptoms can vary from person to person, what may contribute to flare-ups, and how nutrition and lifestyle approaches can play a role in supporting gut health. Tune in to better understand your digestive symptoms, separate fact from fiction, and learn how to have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  *This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health. Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling confused, dismissed, or unsure of what to do next? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Jamison, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, medical news correspondent, and health educator, to talk about how to advocate for yourself in today's healthcare system. Together, we discuss practical ways to communicate with your healthcare team, questions to ask during appointments, signs it may be time to seek a second opinion or find a new provider, and why speaking up about your symptoms matters. Dr. Jamison also shares insights from both the emergency room and the media world on common healthcare misconceptions and how patients can feel more empowered when navigating their care. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guTUOyYME5o In this episode, we discuss: Why self-advocacy is an important part of healthcare Questions to ask at your next doctor's appointment How to prepare for appointments and make the most of your time Signs you may need a second opinion Red flags that it may be time to find a new doctor Common mistakes patients make when communicating symptoms How to navigate healthcare with confidence Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  About Dr. Sarah Jamison Dr. Sarah G. Jamison is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician who has been in clinical practice for over a decade. She is a native New Yorker and a proud alumna of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. After finishing medical school at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, she went on to complete her residency training in Emergency Medicine at Jacobi and Montefiore Medical Centers. She served as Chief Resident during her final year of residency. As an emergentologist working on the front of the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Sarah was humbled to win the Essential Heroes Award by Essence Magazine. When she isn't in the ER, Dr. Jamison is very active as a freelance medical news correspondent as well as a “Medfluencer” on social media. She uses her social platforms to promote health education and medical literacy to an audience of over 120,000 followers. In her personal time, Dr. Jamison loves traveling, spending time with her family, and is the proud aunt to 7-year-old Zion, 4-year-old Shiloh, and 1-year-old Arielle. Connect with Dr. Jamison: IG: @dr.sarah_jam  Website: https://drsarahsaidso.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.Sarah_Jam Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

I heard the girls aren’t strength training...so we’re talking about why strength training matters so much more than just “toning up,” including how it supports muscle, metabolism, bone health, energy, and long-term health as your body changes with age. I also break down why so many women unintentionally skip it, and what to do if you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start. If it’s been on your mind, this will help you actually get going. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  *This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health. Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

Beef tallow skincare. LED masks. Glass skin routines. TikTok is shaping how we think about beauty – but is it helping or harming our skin? In this episode, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina breaks down the science behind viral skincare trends and reveals what’s actually worth your time (and what’s not). We also explore why so many women are suddenly noticing shifts in their 30s and 40s, and how hormones, perimenopause, nutrition, and even weight loss medications are changing the skin in ways most people aren’t talking about. Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  About Dr. Mina: Dr. Mary Alice Mina, MD, FAAD, FACMS is a Harvard-trained, double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. She is the co-owner of Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta and the host of The Skin Real, a globally ranked podcast that breaks down skincare myths and helps people make smarter decisions about their skin health. With nearly two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Mina is known for her thoughtful, science-based approach to skin health, aging, and aesthetic medicine. Through her podcast, educational content, and patient care, she empowers people to simplify skincare, cut through misinformation, and feel confident in their skin at every stage of life. Keep up with Dr. Mina at: IG - https://www.instagram.com/drminaskin/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin/videos Website - https://www.theskinreal.com/ Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

If your stomach feels fine one minute and chaotic the next you are not alone! This episode breaks down why gas and bloating happen, what your body might be trying to tell you, and how to support your digestion in a way that actually feels doable. Listen up!! Her Side by Flourish Heights was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and journalist as she explores overlooked women’s health conversations, blending expert insight with real stories around periods, hormones, nutrition, and body awareness.  *This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health. Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to [email protected] Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @hersidebyfh / @valerieagyeman Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!