Research Advocacy for Menstrual Health in Psychedelic Medicine - Q1 Updates
Summits, Research Audits and Volunteer Opportunities
Starting the Dysphoric Project has been a wild ride for Hailey and I. Neither of us realized how hard it was going to be to start a nonprofit focused on psychedelics and periods.
The work is overflowing and the funding is TBD.
We realize that we cannot achieve our mission alone, and we want to pause for a moment, to share advocacy updates, and volunteer opportunities with others who are called to this work.
1. Analysis of Menstrual Cycle Customs in the Indigenous Use of Psychedelics
STATUS- Securing Funding
PURPOSE - Document the historical use of psychedelics as it relates to the menstrual cycle. Learn more about menstrual customs related to psychedelics in various indigenous populations.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS PROJECT - Learn more about how to get involved.
2. Clinical Research Analysis Project
STATUS - In Progress
PURPOSE - Ensure psychedelic clinical research projects in the US are aware of the 1993 NIH Revitalization Act, and the offices, policies and procedures implemented as a result of the act. Educate researchers on the underlying reasons the Act was passed, and the scientific basis for standardizing the menstrual cycle as a research variable.
We will also establish a working relationship with the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health and the FDA’s Office of Research on Women’s Health. We intend to educate ourselves thoroughly on US policy written to prevent biases in clinical research.
VOLUNTEER FOR THIS PROJECT - Email tina@dysphoricproject.org for more information. Currently, we are seeking help with analyzing clinical research. Training will be provided - no experience required. This is tedious, analytical, grassroots work with a direct impact.
Our Open Letter to the FDA can be referenced here: https://dysphoricproject.org/open-letter-to-the-fda
3. Colorado Regulations Open Feedback Project
STATUS - Completed
PURPOSE - Ensure psychedelic facilitators in Colorado are educated on the menstrual cycle and related conditions.
We’ve responded to the Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Board who is collecting feedback from stakeholders on psychedelic policy in the state. We’ve recommended an additional education requirement for the menstrual cycle and related conditions for facilitators.
If implemented by the board, every psychedelic facilitator in Colorado will know about menstrual conditions like PMDD, and how the psychedelic experience may interact with the menstrual cycle. We believe this education will help to reduce harm for females of reproductive age who are seeking natural medicines, and help to protect facilitators who wish to work with females of reproductive age. This would also be a major win for PMDD awareness in the psychedelic community, generally speaking.
The full letter can be referenced here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U0fBa0qW0nmYV7pe-LNVjt1UNz7o8jt_5FJ7kwZet68/edit?usp=sharing
4. 2024 Women's Healing Summit Project
STATUS - Summit date TBD
PURPOSE - Connect experts from around the world, and support work on women’s health and psychedelics from diverse backgrounds. Provide a platform for under-represented voices, including medicine women from indigenous populations. We also hope to educate the broader psychedelic community on critical issues in women’s health, and connect philanthropists with research and advocacy projects.
VOLUNTEER FOR THIS PROJECT - Email tina@dysphoricproject.org for more information. Currently, we are seeking expert speakers and help with outreach.
5. Peer-Support Community Project
STATUS - In Progress
PURPOSE - Suicide prevention and psychedelic harm reduction through peer-support services.
RSVP TO OUR COMMUNITY - Join Us
VOLUNTEER FOR THIS PROJECT - Email tina@dysphoricproject.org for more information. Currently, we are seeking a community manager and social media volunteers to help with outreach. This is rewarding, outreach work with a direct impact to the PMDD community.
*We will proceed with this project with or without funding.
6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder as a Global State of Consciousness - Research Project
STATUS - In Progress
PURPOSE - Develop a new hypothesis for PMDD, following Cecily Whiteley’s work on depression. Inform new therapeutic models for PMDD, with or without the use of psychedelics.
VOLUNTEER FOR THIS PROJECT - Email tina@dysphoricproject.org for more information. Currently, we have 4 volunteers conducting peer-review. Typically peer-reviewers are paid, and we are incredibly grateful to have volunteers supporting this work. We can always use more peer-reviewers if you are interested in this effort. This is exploratory work for the intellectually curious.
Working on a related project? Let us know so we can support your efforts. We are actively seeking collaborations and partnerships.
Have an idea for a different project? Let us know what you’re thinking and how we can help.
“All talk of women’s rights is moonshine. Women have every right. They have only to exercise them.”
- Victoria Woodhull
I felt so lit up reading this email. I sent you an email on emmaevelyncampbell@gmail.com (incase it goes to junk). I look forward to getting connected. 😊🌼