CRAMPED Podcast: Exposing the Silent Epidemic of Period Pain | Listen Now

Despite affecting millions worldwide, period pain remains one of the most misunderstood and overlooked health issues. A groundbreaking new podcast, CRAMPED, is set to change that narrative. Hosted by acclaimed producer and storyteller Kate Helen Downey, the series delves into the stigma, medical neglect, and economic impact of menstrual pain—asking the pressing question: Why do we still know so little about it?

Cover Art Of CRAMPED Podcast
Contents hide
1 A Podcast That Challenges the Silence
2 Key Themes Explored in ‘CRAMPED’
2.1 1. What Causes Period Cramps?
2.2 2. The Media’s Role in Women’s Health
2.3 3. Science Finally Catches Up
2.4 4. Fighting for Change: Advocacy and Legislation
2.5 5. The Economic Toll of Period Pain
2.6 6. Why Emergency Rooms Often Dismiss Severe Period Pain
2.7 7. Living with ‘Death Cramps’
3 More Than Just Pain: A Conversation We Need
4 Where to Listen
5 Why This Podcast Matters

A Podcast That Challenges the Silence

Produced in collaboration with the Simons Foundation’s Science Society and Culture initiative and the Arkansas Podcast Collaborative, CRAMPED sheds light on the lack of research surrounding menstrual pain and how that neglect ripples across healthcare, society, and everyday life.

Across ten riveting episodes, Kate embarks on a deeply personal yet universally relevant journey. She fuses science, storytelling, and humor to expose why period pain is often dismissed and what needs to be done to fix it.

“Having a microphone gets you more answers than having a uterus.” — Kate Helen Downey

Key Themes Explored in ‘CRAMPED’

The podcast features expert interviews, patient advocacy stories, and real-life experiences to uncover the truth about period pain. Here’s what listeners can expect:

1. What Causes Period Cramps?

  • Discussion with Dr. Karen Tang, a leading gynecologist and author, on the root causes of menstrual pain.
  • Available treatments and why so many patients feel stuck in medical ‘limbo.’

2. The Media’s Role in Women’s Health

  • How TV and movies have shaped public perception of menstrual pain.
  • Insights from Madeline Di Nonno, President & CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

3. Science Finally Catches Up

  • A visit to a state-of-the-art research lab working to uncover the real causes of period pain.
  • How groundbreaking studies could lead to better treatment options.

4. Fighting for Change: Advocacy and Legislation

  • Featuring Jonelle Henry, co-founder of the White Dress Project, on how patient advocates are pushing Congress to prioritize women’s healthcare.
  • The challenges and progress of healthcare funding for menstrual disorders.

5. The Economic Toll of Period Pain

  • Exploring how severe menstrual pain affects productivity and impacts global GDP.
  • Real statistics on how untreated period pain burdens the economy.

6. Why Emergency Rooms Often Dismiss Severe Period Pain

  • Insights from Dr. Darien Sutton, an ER doctor and ABC News medical correspondent.
  • The dangers of medical gaslighting and why period pain is often misdiagnosed.

7. Living with ‘Death Cramps’

  • Fellow sufferers, including podcaster Sydney Battle, share their personal experiences and coping strategies.

More Than Just Pain: A Conversation We Need

Kate Helen Downey, who has battled excruciating period pain for two decades, brings both humor and hard-hitting truths to the series.

“After years of trying to manage this pain alone, I never imagined how much fun I’d have talking about something that hurts so much,” says Kate. “This podcast is for anyone who experiences period pain, loves someone who does, or is simply curious about why such a common issue remains so misunderstood.”

Where to Listen

New episodes of CRAMPED drop every Tuesday, starting February 4, on major podcast platforms, including:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music

Why This Podcast Matters

Menstrual pain isn’t just a ‘women’s issue’—it’s a public health crisis that deserves attention, funding, and scientific inquiry. CRAMPED is set to change the conversation and bring menstrual health into the mainstream, where it belongs.

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