The Period Brain - The New Science of Why We PMS and How to Fix It: A Manifesto for Women

Do you feel like you're riding a premenstrual roller coaster every month that leaves you feeling hungry, tired, angry, sad, and unsexy?
Leading researcher and women's hormone expert Dr. Sarah E. Hill explains why we feel so universally icky before our periods- and what to do about it. The problem isn't that women are hormonal; the problem is that the second half of the menstrual cycle-the luteal phase, when the hormone progesterone rises and estrogen decreases-has been systematically ignored by science and medicine.
Progesterone is at the heart of every feeling we associate with PMS: it affects our daily sleep and calorie needs (hello, cravings!); whom we're attracted to; our sex drive; and-as every woman can attest-our mood. Because the luteal phase is understudied, every bit of health, diet, and relationship advice you've followed is based on that first, estrogen-glow half of the month or, worse, was designed for men.
The rules that work for us in the first two weeks of the cycle don't always fit in the second, causing most of us to spend half the month following advice that is completely at odds with the way our bodies work at this time. It's no wonder we feel awful! Dr. Hill demystifies how our bodies work, so you can work with your hormones to:
· Sidestep PMS "cravings" by eating more -you burn up to 11% extra calories in the luteal phase!
· Exercise in a way that's invigorating instead of draining.
· Understand your sex drive, and why sex has different meaning across the month.
· Quit bad habits more easily thanks to progesterone's addiction-busting properties.
· Navigate motivational and energy dips without added stress.
· Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and habits to naturally ease PMS.
The Period Brain is a science-tested roadmap to understanding PMS and PMDD. It's time we demand a better month, every month - and usher in a new era in women's health. Period.

About the author

Sarah E. Hill, Ph.D., is the author of This is Your Brain on Birth Control and an award-winning researcher who has spent most of her 20+ year career studying women, relationships, and health. In addition to having established an award-winning health and relationships lab at TCU, she has published nearly 100 academic research articles, is a sought-after public speaker, and sits on the scientific advisory boards for women’s health companies such as Flo and 28 Wellness. Her research is regularly covered by national media, such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and many others, and is regularly published in highly prestigious journals, including Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Psychoneuroendocrinology, Psychological Science, and Health Psychology.

Summary

Do you feel like you’re riding a premenstrual roller coaster every month that leaves you feeling hungry, tired, angry, sad, and unsexy?
Leading researcher and women’s hormone expert Dr. Sarah E. Hill explains why we feel so universally icky before our periods— and what to do about it. The problem isn’t that women are hormonal; the problem is that the second half of the menstrual cycle—the luteal phase, when the hormone progesterone rises and estrogen decreases—has been systematically ignored by science and medicine.
Progesterone is at the heart of every feeling we associate with PMS: it affects our daily sleep and calorie needs (hello, cravings!); whom we’re attracted to; our sex drive; and—as every woman can attest—our mood. Because the luteal phase is understudied, every bit of health, diet, and relationship advice you’ve followed is based on that first, estrogen-glow half of the month or, worse, was designed for men.
The rules that work for us in the first two weeks of the cycle don’t always fit in the second, causing most of us to spend half the month following advice that is completely at odds with the way our bodies work at this time. It’s no wonder we feel awful! Dr. Hill demystifies how our bodies work, so you can work with your hormones to:
·     Sidestep PMS “cravings” by eating more –you burn up to 11% extra calories in the luteal phase!
·     Exercise in a way that’s invigorating instead of draining.
·     Understand your sex drive, and why sex has different meaning across the month.
·     Quit bad habits more easily thanks to progesterone’s addiction-busting properties.
·     Navigate motivational and energy dips without added stress.
·     Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and habits to naturally ease PMS.
The Period Brain is a science-tested roadmap to understanding PMS and PMDD. It’s time we demand a better month, every month – and usher in a new era in women’s health. Period.

Report

"The Period Brain is a science-backed blueprint to navigate the monthly ups and downs of women's hormones. Dr. Hill's insights into progesterone's role and its impact on mood, cravings, and energy levels are enlightening and empowering. This book is not just about understanding PMS-it's about reshaping our approach to health, diet, and relationships in a way that truly serves the female experience."
- Dr. Jolene Brighten, Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Certified Sex Counselor
"A groundbreaking exploration of the often-overlooked luteal phase and the biological nuances of PMS and PMDD. Sarah E. Hill, PhD, provides readers with empowering, science-based strategies to help them harmonize with their natural cycles, making this book an important resource for women seeking to understand and thrive in their bodies."
- Sara Szal, MD, Author of New York Times bestselling Women, Food, and Hormones
"The Period Brain delivers exactly what was needed: a long-overdue exploration of the second half of the menstrual cycle. Sarah Hill brilliantly reframes progesterone and the luteal phase, offering insight, compassion, and clarity."
- Lara Briden, Naturopathic doctor and author of Period Repair Manual

Product details

• Authors: Ph. D Hill, Ph.D Hill, Sarah E Hill Ph D
• Publisher: HarperCollins US
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.09.2025
• EAN: 9780063382473
• ISBN: 978-0-06-338247-3
• No. of pages: 304
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 228 mm x 23 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Health; HEALTH & FITNESS / Women's Health, MEDICAL / Endocrinology & Metabolism, SELF-HELP / Sexual Instruction, Women’s health, Sex and sexuality: advice and issues, HEALTH & FITNESS: Sexuality, SELF-HELP: Sexual Instruction, HEALTH & FITNESS: Women's Health, MEDICAL: Endocrinology & Metabolism, HEALTH & FITNESS: Diseases & Conditions / Endocrine System