Have you ever felt like you become a completely different person during the second half of your cycle? One week you're energized, focused, and confident. The next, you're battling brain fog, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, and wondering what happened to the version of yourself from just a few days ago. In this live conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with entrepreneur, former Snapchat executive, and founder of The Cycle, Anastasia Sartan, to explore the overlooked realities of PMDD, hormone fluctuations, and why women's changing biology has been largely ignored by the wellness industry. After struggling with debilitating PMDD while working in the high-pressure tech world, Anastasia set out to create the first functional beverage specifically designed to support women through every stage of their hormonal journey—from the luteal phase and menstruation to perimenopause and menopause. Together, they discuss how chronic stress, motherhood, the invisible mental load, nervous system dysregulation, and modern work culture amplify hormonal symptoms, leaving many women feeling like they're constantly pushing through instead of truly thriving. This conversation is a powerful reminder that your changing hormones aren't a personal failure. They are an invitation to better understand your body, prioritize rest, and finally embrace products, habits, and support systems that were designed with women in mind. ANASTASIA SARTAN Anastasia Sartan is an entrepreneur, former Snapchat executive, data scientist, and founder of The Cycle, the first functional beverage brand created to support women throughout every phase of their hormonal cycle. Inspired by her personal journey with PMDD, she is on a mission to close the gap in women's wellness by creating innovative products that help women feel supported, understood, and empowered. IN THIS EPISODE What PMDD really is and why so many women are misdiagnosed Why hormone fluctuations dramatically impact mood, energy, and resilience The hidden connection between chronic stress, motherhood, and hormonal symptoms How nervous system regulation supports women's hormonal health Why women's wellness products have historically overlooked hormonal cycles The inspiration behind creating The Cycle functional beverage Why rest may be one of the most powerful tools for hormone health How honoring your body's changing needs helps you thrive through every season QUOTES“Periods are a lifestyle, not a medical condition.” “We had the hormones to scaffold us... until we didn't.” “Women deserve products that are designed for women's biology.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA and get 5% off on The Cycle Functional Drinks https://onthecycle.com/s/312c05 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED The Cycle Website Anastasia Sartan Instagram RELATED EPISODES 762: Why Women Need to Stop Being “Good Patients” and Start Advocating for Better Healthcare with Dr. Mariza 761: Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure and Feeling Fully Alive with Gabriella Espinosa 760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

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