Beyond the Cycle: Psychedelics & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

About this event:

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe cyclical mood disorder affecting up to 8% of women and people assigned female at birth. Characterised by intense emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, PMDD remains one of the most under-recognised and under-treated conditions in women’s health.

As psychedelic research continues to expand, there is growing interest in how these compounds may influence hormonal, emotional, and neural regulation — and what this might mean for those living with PMDD.

This webinar will bring together leading researchers and practitioners to explore the emerging science of psychedelics and PMDD, addressing key questions around neuroendocrine mechanisms, emotional processing, and therapeutic potential.

The event will include:

🧠 Presentation by Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley – an overview of current research on female biology, hormones, and psychedelic science.

💬 Panel discussion featuring experts in women’s mental health and psychedelic research.

🌸 Community Q&A session – an open conversation inviting audience reflections and questions.

This event aims to foster a nuanced discussion on the intersection of women’s health, hormonal cycles, and psychedelic medicine — highlighting both the possibilities and the scientific unknowns.

 Meet our panelists:

Dr. Zahira Cohen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Cambridge and a Clinical Research Fellow at Imperial College London, where her work focuses on female-specific psychoneurobiology and psychedelic-assisted therapies. Across academic and clinical settings, her research explores how hormonal fluctuations shape mental health, treatment response, and the safety and efficacy of psychedelic interventions for women.

Alana Cookman’s current work explores the interaction between inner narratives and PMDD in the context of work.  With a background in social change and health and wellbeing in organisations she is interested in how systems and conditions shape personal stories and vice versa. She is endlessly curious about embodied modalities and is training in breathwork and somatic approaches to deepen her work with people understanding their health stories and changing narratives. 

Eleanor Taylor was diagnosed with PMDD after the birth of her son. Her experience with therapeutic doses of psychedelics lead her to sponsor a first of its kind qualitative research study into the use of larger doses of psilocybin for PMDD.  She is the founder of a data consultancy, and now runs Vibrant Leader Academy a program for women in corporate leadership to enjoy their success.

🔹 This is an educational event only. No medical or clinical advice can be provided.

A recording of the webinar will be made available to all registered participants following the event. Feel free to register if you are not able to attend live.