Period Pain Isn’t Normal: Endo, PCOS & Taking Control of Your Health - with Dr Nitu Bajekal

The nervous system is fast becoming the defining wellness trend of 2026, because the nervous system is so much more than a holistic wellbeing trend - it could be the cause of physical health issues. In this episode, Sophie Richards is joined by leading health psychologist and nervous system expert Dr Sula Windgassen to explain what exactly the nervous system is and why so many women have a broken one. Dr Windgassen also reveals the truth behind ‘hot girls have tummy issues’, why so many doctors don’t believe their patients and tangible tips on how to regulate your nervous system. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Is your nervous system causing all your problems? 02:50 How UTIs led Dr Windgassen to health psychology 12:50 What IS the nervous system? 22:40 What’s the healthy level of cortisol? 25:22 Signs of a dysregulated nervous system 29:30 Causes of a dysregulated nervous system 35:10 The truth behind ‘hot girls have tummy issues’ 43:15 How medical dismissal can physically damage your health 53:34 Advice to advocate for yourself with doctors 58:56 How to regulate your nervous system 68:20 Somatic exercises for the nervous system

Former Made in Chelsea star and co-host of the ‘Wednesdays’ podcast, Melissa Tattam joins Sophie Richards in this exclusive conversation after recently opening up about her shock endometriosis diagnosis. Melissa reveals how it felt to receive three chronic health diagnoses after having no symptoms, how she’s embracing anti-inflammatory living and her non-negotiables when it comes to food. Plus, Sophie and Melissa chat all things cysts, the insane myths that claim to ‘cure your endo’, and a very enlightening conversation about the ideal detox poo…

Stef Williams is a fitness creator, businesswoman and the OG endometriosis influencer. She joins Sophie Richards to reveal how cycle syncing changed the game not only for her endo, but every part of her life. In this episode, Stef explains how to eat, work out and be your best self in every phase of your cycle. Heard of the luteal phase but no idea how to navigate it? Wondered why your ovulation phase isn’t the thriving week you’ve been sold? Stef shares her guide on when to push for a PB or get cosy on the sofa. Plus, she shares how she’s navigating postpartum (only 5 months at the time of recording!), how she struggled with identity in pregnancy and dealing with weight gain when you’ve got 2 million people following you for your body goals. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 We know NOTHING about periods! 04:04 Fighting for an endometriosis diagnosis 14:12 The symptoms aren’t just during your period 20:34 Introduction to cycle syncing 23:30 The Luteal Phase 28:25 The Menstruation Phase 33:46 The Follicular Phase 37:06 The Ovulation Phase 41:10 Why cycle tracking can be life-saving 43:50 Navigating pregnancy body changes as a fitness creator 52:00 Losing your identity postpartum 59:50 What are your menstrual cycles like postpartum? 01:02:20 The reality of ‘having it all’

Sophie is about to enter the biggest chapter of her life: having a baby, getting married, building her business… and who better to dissect it than her fiancé Dillon! In this episode, Sophie and Dillon discuss the chaos of the first trimester - including some very strange scan experiences. Sophie goes in depth with her symptoms and Dillon shares how much his life has (not) changed… Plus, Sophie reveals how her pregnancy has affected her endometriosis, what type of birth she’s planning and gives us an update on the wedding planning! EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 A huuuge life update! 02:06 How hard was it to get pregnant? 06:57 The ‘child-free by choice’ conversation 08:44 How we found out we were pregnant 13:02 The chaos of first trimester 18:45 What happens in an early scan? 25:32 Baby names we WON’T be using 27:11 Does pregnancy get rid of endo symptoms? 29:45 How do you get ready for your life completely changing 33:08 C-section or Vaginal birth?? 36:12 The newborn bubble has already burst 40:08 What are we most excited about?? 42:18 Telling everyone we’re having a baby 47:07 The insane wedding planning trip… 52:59 “Are you ok??” 57:11 Cardiff vs London 59:45 Are you worried our relationship will change? 01:02:01 “I’m scared no one will be with me because of my endo” 01:04:40 Would Dillon ever consider being a stay-at-home dad?

Sophie is having a baby! Who better to discuss every step of pregnancy, symptoms and birth plans with NHS GP, content creator and fellow pregnant person - Dr Monika Sharma! In this episode, Monika shares why we experience morning sickness, where your pregnancy cravings come from and how important first trimester nutrition is. Plus, she reveals some of the wildest and shocking symptoms, discusses the infuriating ‘just you wait’ comments and choosing what type of birth you want to have. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 I’m pregnant!! 02:29 The realities of actually conceiving 07:50 Is feeling guilty normal? 11:03 First trimester symptoms 15:19 Why do we get morning sickness?? 18:14 The dreaded ‘just you wait’ comments 25:54 How important is nutrition in the first trimester? 29:00 What skincare is pregnancy safe?? 35:20 Is the second trimester as good as it sounds?? 40:30 Why does this happen to your nipples?! 43:40 When are you supposed to tell everyone?? 48:00 Dealing with health anxiety 52:55 The NHS pregnancy roadmap 56:20 Telling your boss you were pregnant 58:50 Vaginal birth v C-section 65:00 Third trimester symptoms Follow @lifewithdoctormon Join the Found Collective, the women's health community membership led by certified coaches to support you every step of the way. Follow on IG @sophie.richards and TikTok @sophie.riichards Follow @found.womenshealth