With a career that spans modelling, art, and fashion, Brodie Halford is learning to navigate PCOS while embracing her creative spirit.

 

Name: Brodie Halford

Pronouns: She/Her

Day job: I juggle 3! Retail assistant for a Vintage Clothing Store called Strange Days, Digital Collage artist under my moniker ‘The Luna Bay’, Model

Location: After years of being based in Sydney, London, Berlin, and Melbourne, I am now based back in my hometown, the Gold Coast.

 

Describe your work in one sentence.

I sell vintage clothes to nostalgic souls, model for various labels and create magic for my Digital Collage brand, The Luna Bay.

 

How did you get to where you are today?

I started modelling young, ‘discovered’ by Vivien’s Model Management at 14. I’m shy and introverted, but I could morph into someone else in front of the camera. I loved the creative process and the buzz of working with so many creative minds. Modeling also let me travel and experience cities like Berlin, Tokyo, and London, which were pivotal for my growth and understanding of art, music, and culture.

It could be a lonely job, though, especially traveling alone. I’d often escape into my imagination, and The Luna Bay has become a vehicle for these musings. I now sell my digital collage prints on my website and do commissions for fashion brands and musicians. Since moving back to the Gold Coast this year, I’ve started working at Strange Days, which imports vintage finds from the USA, Europe, and Mexico. Having worked in vintage stores in London and Berlin, it feels like home.

 

Can you share your PCOS journey? How were you diagnosed?

I was diagnosed a couple of years ago after being rushed to hospital in excruciating pain. I’d seen doctors before and was always told, “Take painkillers; it’s just period pain.” I never felt heard. That night in the emergency department, I had to fight for hours to get an ultrasound. They finally did one and found about 25 cysts on my ovaries - one had burst, and the fluid was inflaming my organs. Even then, I was sent home with painkillers and told my body would absorb the fluid. I couldn’t even walk. I was given no referrals or advice, just a PCOS diagnosis. I’ve had to navigate things on my own and am still early in my healing journey.

How would you explain PCOS to someone unfamiliar?

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects people with ovaries and is so much more than just “period problems.” It causes hormone imbalances that can lead to irregular periods, painful ovarian cysts, insomnia, fatigue, acne, mood swings, and hair loss. It can also impact fertility and is linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart issues.

What makes it harder is how often it gets dismissed. Many of us hear, “It’s just part of being a woman” or “Take some painkillers,” when the symptoms can seriously disrupt daily life. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and managing it in the long term can feel overwhelming. I’m still figuring out what works for me, but raising awareness and talking about it is such an important step.

 

What are the most challenging PCOS symptoms you face regularly?

Fatigue, pain, hair loss, rosacea, sleep disturbances, irregular periods and mood swings.

 

How does PCOS impact your daily life, energy, mood, and health?

Fatigue is a constant struggle, and I often must carefully manage my energy. If I have a night out, I know I’ll be heavily fatigued for days. I sometimes must decline social events if my week is too full, as it’s hard to balance work and socialising. Frustratingly, I also deal with bouts of insomnia, even when I’m exhausted. On top of that, there are days each month when I’m in crippling pain, and just getting out of bed feels like a lot. I often rely on Naprogesic to get me through.

Has PCOS impacted your skin, hair, or other unexpected areas?

Yes, my hair sometimes falls out in large amounts, but luckily, I have plenty, so it’s not very noticeable. It can be scary though. I also have rosacea, which flares up when I’m run down. For a few years, I’ve been treating multiple Chalazions, an eye condition linked to rosacea and hormonal imbalances – which are tied to PCOS. The more I learn about PCOS, the more I see how interconnected everything is.

 

What treatments have you tried, and which has been most helpful?

I recently started seeing a new doctor who prescribed the Pill 'YAZ' for the first time. I’m hopeful it will help regulate my hormones and ease some PMS symptoms, but it’s still early, so I’m being patient with the process. I also rely on heat pads and love herbal teas - there’s something comforting about them. Yoga has also been a gentle way to move my body without overexerting myself when I’m low on energy.

 

What diet, lifestyle, or natural treatments have worked for you?

I’m still exploring this, but so far, I rely on natural remedies like heat packs for intense pain during flare-ups. Herbal teas, especially peppermint and chamomile, help calm my mind and body. Yoga has been helpful physically and mentally - it's manageable when I'm low on energy and helps me stay grounded.

When I lived in London, I tried a Keto diet for a few months and was surprised by how much it helped. My fatigue and sleep issues improved, and I felt more balanced overall. The downside was its restrictiveness, especially when eating out or socialising, so I didn’t stick with it. I’d like to revisit it in a more flexible way.

Stress management has also been key - getting enough rest, saying no when needed, and prioritising self-care helps me stay on track.

 

How do you balance work when you're unwell?

It’s a balancing act. I schedule regular days off after busy periods to recharge and listen to my body. If I’m drained, I rest and don’t push myself too hard. But sometimes, work doesn’t stop, and I have to push through, relying on painkillers and heat packs and taking it one moment at a time.

 

Has PCOS influenced your work or art?

Living with PCOS has made me more in tune with my body, which translates into my art. With The Luna Bay, I often explore themes of escapism and dream-like worlds - my imagination has always been my sanctuary. The quiet moments when I’m unwell spark creativity, giving me space to reflect and develop new ideas. It’s taught me to slow down and honor the ebb and flow of my energy, which shows in my work.

What’s your advice for someone feeling alone with PCOS?

You're not alone, even though PCOS can feel isolating. It’s often misunderstood, especially when others, including doctors, don’t understand. Connecting with others going through the same thing can be empowering and reassuring. Whether it's a friend, support group, or online community, sharing your experiences can make a big difference. It’s helped me feel heard and less alone on my journey.

 

Can you describe what period self-care means to you?

Period self-care is about comfort and gentleness - resting when needed, curling up with a heat pack, tea, and my favourite show or book. It’s listening to my body - taking a gentle yoga class, staying hydrated, and eating nourishing foods. Sometimes, it’s as simple as giving myself permission to do nothing without guilt. It’s creating a little pocket of care for myself when my body needs it most.

 

Why do you think periods are STILL such a taboo topic?

I think it’s because we’ve been conditioned to see periods as something to hide or be embarrassed about. Growing up, you’d hear things like “Don’t talk about it” or “It’s gross,” and those attitudes get passed down. There’s still so much stigma around women’s health, and periods are seen as “messy” or “too much” for people to deal with. But the more we talk about it, the more we normalise it - it’s the most natural thing in the world.

 

What’s your top health message for everyone?

Listen to your body and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is, and you deserve to be heard. Don’t let anyone dismiss your pain or tell you it’s “normal” if you know it’s not. Advocate for yourself, ask questions, and keep pushing for answers. Your health matters, and you shouldn’t have to settle for being ignored.

 

What are your hopes for the future of period care and conversation?

I hope periods become a normal, open topic—something we don’t shy away from or feel embarrassed about. I’d love to see better education for young people so they understand their bodies and know what’s normal. I also hope for more support and empathy for those dealing with painful periods, PCOS, and other reproductive health issues. Periods are a big part of life and deserve to be talked about without shame or stigma.

 

MY CYCLE

• My period in 3-words: Unpredictable, exhausting, painful
• Period self-care toolkit: A heat pad (my absolute lifesaver), herbal teas like chamomile or ginger, comfy oversized clothes, painkillers, dark chocolate, and a stack of movies or a good book to distract me.
• Best period hacks: Always keep a heat pack ready to go… it works wonders. Stay hydrated to help with bloating and cramps. Even when you don’t feel like moving, gentle yoga or stretching can ease the pain a bit. I make sure I don’t overcommit socially during my period so I can rest when I need to.
• Contraception of choice: I’ve just started using The Pill ‘YAZ’ for the first time, so I’m still figuring out how it works for me. I’m hopeful it’ll help with my PCOS symptoms and make my cycles a bit more manageable.
• On day 1, you'll find me: Curled up in bed with my heat pack, herbal tea in hand, and binge-watching comfort shows or movies I’ve seen a million times. Day 1 is all about survival mode for me.