She ran 250km through Tanzania with undiagnosed PMDD. Now she's helping other women stop fighting their bodies - and start working with them instead.
Frankie Smyth is an ultra runner, resilience and wellness coach, and PMDD advocate who has spent the last few years learning the hard way that understanding your hormones isn't a limitation - it's a superpower. In this episode, Ellisha sits down with Frankie to talk about what it actually looks like to push your body through some of the world's most extreme endurance events while navigating PMDD, fatigue, anxiety, and the very real mental battle of the luteal phase when life doesn't pause for it. This one is full of honesty, practical tools, and genuine hope for anyone in the PMDD community who has ever wondered if achieving big things is still possible for them. Spoiler: it absolutely is.
What we cover
Frankie's journey from couch to 5k to ultra marathons — and what that taught her about resilience and self-belief
How she was diagnosed with PMDD in early 2024, and why she felt lucky compared to the many women who wait years
What her symptoms actually look like: fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, brain fog, and emotional lows that didn't feel like her
The moment she realised her struggles were cyclical — and how tracking gave her a sense of control back
How she completed 15 national parks in 15 consecutive days during her luteal phase (yes, really)
How to start training with your cycle, not against it — including the Stardust app, follicular vs luteal phase training, and why rest counts as progress
The prep strategy she uses in her good phase to set herself up for the harder days
How to communicate your PMDD to partners, family, and employers — and why that conversation is worth having
Her number one piece of advice for anyone who feels like their condition is standing between them and the life they want
Sponsor
Evelyn Health is dedicated to helping those struggling with PMS and PMDD through expert-led, science-backed supplements and functional foods. Having used them for over a year to manage my own hormonal health, I'm so proud to have them as a partner.
Get 20% off your first order with code HOTLINE20 at evelynhealth.com
Connect with Frankie Smyth
Instagram: @runningwithfrankie_
Timestamps
00:02:15 — Running 15 years, leading a run club, and travelling the world with it
00:04:00 — From couch to 5k to marathons — the setbacks that shaped her
00:06:54 — Running 250km through Tanzania: the multi-day ultra that changed everything
00:08:03 — Doing all of that with undiagnosed PMDD
00:10:06 — Cycle syncing as a superpower: follicular phase confidence and luteal phase reality
00:11:22 — What to do when a race falls in your luteal phase
00:16:15 — What triggered Frankie's PMDD — and the road to diagnosis
00:30:10 — Practical tools for training with your cycle: tracking, Stardust, and phase-by-phase guidance
00:36:13 — Why rest is not failure — and having a baseline for your worst days
00:44:15 — Luteal phase cravings, meal prep, and why there's no such thing as naughty food
This podcast explores research and lived experience around women's health and chronic conditions. Our discussions aim to reflect current evidence while acknowledging that understanding in this field continues to evolve. The content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners experiencing significant or distressing symptoms should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Edited and produced by @the32collective / the32collective.co
Resources mentioned in this episode
Stardust cycle tracking app (female-led, privacy-focused, highly recommended by both Ellisha and Frankie)
What is The Hormonal Hotline?
Ever feel like your health struggles are "all in your head"? It’s time to change the narrative.
Welcome to the supportive, straight talking "girls group chat" you’ve been waiting for. Hosted by Ellisha - your resident big sister, fellow struggler, and open book - this podcast is a safe space for young women navigating the complexities of health issues like PMDD, ADHD, and everything in between.
We know what it’s like to be chronically online but feel completely unheard. Whether you’re paralyzed by information overload, tired of doctors dismissing your pain, or fearing your symptoms are impacting your relationships and career, we’re here to cut through the noise.
What to expect each week:
Raw & Relatable Chat: No inaccessible celebrities here - just real stories from "normal" women going through the exact same thing.
The Hormone Hotline: We dive into your anonymous listener dilemmas from across the web to provide actionable advice and support.
Self-Advocacy Tools: We move from feeling silenced to feeling empowered, equipping you with the confidence to advocate for your physical and mental health.
Stop the chronic comparison and start healing. It’s time to move from overwhelmed to equipped.
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