Period Besties Podcast

HRT vs MHT Myths Debunked: Menopause Hormone Therapy Options, Vaginal Estrogen, Pellets vs Injections + WHI Updates | Period Coach Summit Panel
Our second panel from the week of Period Besties Podcast Live & Unfiltered!
For more about our speakers head here: https://ThePeriodCoach.com/Live2026You can still sign up for the free gifts!
In this Period Besties Podcast Live panel, the host introduces moderator Meredith Canaan and experts Dr. Carrie Jones and menopause coach Maria Claps for a discussion on hormone therapy terminology (HRT, HT, MHT, “HOT”), debunking myths fueled by the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative and media messaging about cancer risk. They outline why timing matters (including early menopause/POI), emphasize long-term health impacts (brain, bone, cardiometabolic health, cancer risk), and review therapy options beyond patches and capsules—pills, gels/creams, troches/RDTs, injections, and pellets—clarifying key differences, adjustability, and FDA/compounding considerations. They explain vaginal estrogen use for GSM/urinary symptoms and correct application to include urethral tissue, discuss testosterone access and safety, address side effects (progesterone sensitivity, dosing/route changes), shortages, and the importance of lifestyle foundations alongside hormones.
00:00 Welcome and Raffle00:42 Meet Moderator Meredith02:55 Introducing Dr Carrie Jones04:53 Introducing Maria Claps06:02 HRT Terms and Labels09:36 WHI Study Fallout14:29 Long Term Health Risks18:27 HRT Delivery Options20:29 Pellets vs Injections27:31 Troches and Oral Risks29:35 When to Start Hormones34:01 Vaginal Estrogen Basics36:14 Testosterone Access Issues39:27 Bladder and Urethra Tips43:08 Safe Dosing Basics44:01 Testosterone Overuse Risks46:54 Genital Atrophy Awareness48:30 Hormone Access Across Borders49:17 When to Start HRT51:53 Birth Control Versus HRT55:43 IUDs and Progesterone Combo58:13 HRT Adjustment Period01:06:22 Cycling Versus Daily Dosing01:11:18 Shortages and Alternatives01:16:53 Progesterone Side Effects Fixes01:21:13 Compounding and Coverage01:22:30 Bone Protection Questions01:23:12 Birth Control and Bones01:24:53 Lifestyle vs Long Term Data01:27:12 Know Your Vulva01:33:32 HRT Patch Dosing01:35:48 IVF Hormones vs HRT01:37:28 Early Perimenopause Clues01:43:15 Palpitations and Heart Risk01:45:53 Foundations Beyond HRT01:49:57 ADHD and Estrogen Drops01:54:15 Microbiome and Prebiotics01:57:49 Raffles and Summit Wrap
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

Join us for Nourish and Flourish Here: https://stasha.kartra.com/page/NourishFlourish
 
Breast Cancer Awareness, HRT Myths, and Women's Health with Dr. Carrie Jones
Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast with Stasha and Katie! In this episode, we dive deep into breast cancer awareness with the esteemed Dr. Carrie Jones. We discuss the rising rates of breast cancer diagnoses, the myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the critical role of lifestyle and environment in women's health.
Dr. Jones sheds light on the importance of early screening, understanding genetic predispositions like the BRCA gene, and how proactive lifestyle changes can potentially reduce cancer risks. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with practical tips, expert advice, and the latest research in women's health.
 
Get your labs list here: DrCarrieJones.com/labs
 
00:00 Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast
01:23 Introducing Dr. Carrie Jones
01:36 Breast Cancer Awareness and Hormones
02:41 Environmental Factors and Breast Cancer
04:59 Challenges in Breast Cancer Diagnosis
14:51 The Role of Hormones in Breast Cancer
26:39 Optimizing Medical Treatments with Menstrual Cycles
27:05 Insights from an OB GYN Surgeon
28:31 New Discoveries in Ovarian Research
30:47 The Role of Mitochondria in Ovarian Health
33:24 Importance of Regular Lab Work and Screenings
36:41 Breast Cancer Awareness and Imaging Techniques
41:01 Bone Density and Preventative Measures
48:05 Top Five Tips for Reducing Breast Cancer Risk
51:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

Welcome to Period Besties Live & Unfiltered! Our first panel was Thin Doesn't Mean Thrive. 
For more about our speakers head here: https://ThePeriodCoach.com/Live2026You can still sign up for the free gifts!
Heroin Chic Is Back: GLP-1s, BMI, Ovulation & What Real Women’s Health Looks Like | Period Besties Panel
In the first live Period Besties panel, hosts Stasha Washburn and Katie Bressack welcome moderator Holly Grigg-Spall and panelists Dr. Mariza Snyder, De'Nicea Hilton Harper, and Lou Lachman to discuss the return of “heroin chic,” the rise of GLP-1 medications, and why thinness is not the same as health. The conversation focuses on thriving through biomarkers, strength, bone density, nutrition, trauma and mental health, and quality of life, with critiques of BMI and how health standards vary across populations. They emphasize the menstrual cycle—especially ovulation—as a key marker of vitality, explore how rapid weight loss can affect periods, bones, muscle, libido, motivation, and reward signals, and share practical approaches for self-trust, safe conversations with kids, and embodied tools to interrupt harmful body-talk.
00:00 Welcome to the Panel00:22 Chat and Raffle Details01:03 Meet Moderator Holly02:25 Introducing the Panelists05:38 Why Heroin Chic Matters07:46 Defining Thriving Beyond BMI08:11 Dr Mariza on Biomarkers11:46 De'Nicea on Culture and Context18:55 Lou on Trust and Trauma22:44 Mental Health and Kids28:46 Embodiment and Environment35:35 Ovulation as a Health Metric38:16 Ovulation as Whole-Cycle Marker40:29 Weight Spectrum and Cycle Disruption41:56 GLP-1s and Cycle Concerns43:01 Audience Qs and GLP-1 Basics46:28 Ovulation as Vital Sign49:51 Beyond BMI Clinical Assessment54:29 Trauma Healing and GLP-1 Tradeoffs01:02:00 Body Size Genetics and Culture01:02:40 Heart Shock and Gentle Trauma Work01:11:22 GLP-1s Pleasure and Dopamine01:15:35 Desire Trauma and Identity Shifts01:17:44 Perimenopause Reckoning01:18:25 GLP-1 Identity Shifts01:20:06 Validation Versus Sovereignty01:24:33 Birth Control Social Pressure01:27:09 Rapid Weight Loss Risks01:31:28 Shame Trauma And Safety01:36:46 Survival Strategies And Healing01:39:08 Quieting Food Noise01:41:46 Healthy Navigation Tips01:51:24 Audience Q And Wrap Up01:56:42 Sponsors And Outro
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

Navigating Perimenopause: Insights, Challenges, and Triumphs with Christy | Period Besties Podcast
Join hosts Stasha and Katie on the Period Besties Podcast as they delve into a live coaching session with Christy, a 42-year-old navigating the complexities of perimenopause.
With over 20 years of collective experience in period coaching, Stasha and Katie provide practical tips, dismantle taboos, and offer holistic approaches to hormone health.
Christie shares her journey from experiencing irregular cycles and mood swings to advocating for her health through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This episode covers essential topics like tracking basal body temperature, managing stress, the impact of diet on hormone regulation, and navigating changes in one's body through perimenopause.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with actionable insights for anyone experiencing or interested in understanding perimenopause. Don't miss out on the wisdom shared by Stasha, Katie, and their insightful guests.
 
00:00 Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast
01:21 Live Coaching Session with Christy
01:48 Christy's Hormone Journey
03:52 Navigating Perimenopause Symptoms
09:36 Seeking Medical Help and HRT
14:33 Managing Stress and Lifestyle Changes
24:51 Tracking Ovulation and Hormone Levels
29:46 Understanding Estrogen Withdrawal
30:48 Conflicting Information on HRT
31:37 Family History and HRT Benefits
33:10 Monitoring Health Indicators
33:54 Thyroid Health and Self-Advocacy
36:06 Alternative Approaches to Thyroid Issues
37:45 Tracking and Adjusting Health Strategies
42:42 Importance of Protein and Diet
44:27 Improving Sleep and Managing Stress
46:18 Balancing Work and Health
47:36 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
54:05 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Thanks
 
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

Live Panel Week Recap | Period Besties Podcast (Self-Sovereignty, Cycle Tracking & Period Coach Support)
Katie and Stasha recap their week of seven live panels, celebrating the high energy, deep audience questions, and supportive community that showed up in the chats with kindness and encouragement. They share relief that all panelists arrived on time, note they’ll announce the giveaway winner after decompressing, and encourage listeners to reach out for further support, including booking sessions, rather than doing it alone. They preview upcoming podcast episodes featuring audio from every panel (or immediate access via a VIP ticket), and tease key takeaways like self-sovereignty, trading the “busy badge” for a “lazy badge,” cultivating an “inner sloth,” comparing yourself cycle to cycle, and reminders about charting versus apps. They emphasize reconnecting with your body, taking what resonates, and leaving the rest without judgment.
 
VIP: https://stasha.kartra.com/page/Live2026VIP 
 
00:00 Live Panels Recap
01:00 Community Magic
03:21 Behind the Scenes Stress
05:17 Giveaway and Support
07:03 Best Panel Quotes
08:52 How to Listen
09:50 VIP and Next Steps
11:46 Wrap Up and Sponsors
 
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

Transforming Healthcare with Natural Medicine | Period Besties Podcast
Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast with Stasha and Katie! In today's episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Sarah from Upper Health, a revolutionary healthcare system focused on natural and preventative medicine.
Sarah shares her incredible journey from personal training to creating a national hospital system that prioritizes holistic and natural approaches to healthcare. Learn how Upper Health is disrupting traditional medicine, the challenges they face, and their vision for the future.
Whether you're looking to avoid pharmaceuticals or consider becoming a period coach, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to improve your health and happiness. Tune in now!
 
Founder and CEO of Upper
www.upper.health
@upper.health
Free 6 Month Membership to Upper: https://ontheupper.com/enrollment/
 
00:00 Introduction to Period Besties Podcast
01:19 Today's Guest: Sarah from Upper Health
04:35 Sarah's Journey into Natural Medicine
05:58 The Birth of Upper Health
23:35 Challenges and Pushbacks in Healthcare
27:49 Future Vision for Upper Health
28:38 Overcoming Payment and Convenience Barriers
29:34 Expanding Physical Presence and Integration
31:10 Target Audience and Enrollment Process
33:50 Alternative Solutions to Pharmaceutical Drugs
39:10 Personal Health and Wellness Practices
43:40 Lightning Round: Get to Know the Guest
51:12 Closing Remarks and Free Membership Offer
52:09 Sponsor Acknowledgements and Farewell
 
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

This week only! 
Katie and I have invited some of our favorite experts to our week of live panels and you can join us on the Zoom calls! Get the link here: https://ThePeriodCoach.com/live2026

Unlocking the Mystery of Period Poops | Period Besties Podcast Episode
Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast with Stasha and Katie! Join experienced period coaches as they dive into the world of menstrual coaching, offering practical tips and sharing their knowledge on everything from puberty to menopause.
In this episode, they discuss the phenomenon of 'period poops', answering a common question about the changes in bowel movements around menstruation. Discover the role of prostaglandins, the impact of diet on inflammation, and tips for tracking your body's signals. Tune in for valuable insights on managing your menstrual health and improving your overall well-being.
00:00 Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast
01:20 Diving into Period Poops
02:06 Understanding Prostaglandins and Their Effects
03:44 Personal Experiences and Tips
06:32 Managing Inflammation and Diet
08:06 Magnesium and Hydration Tips
10:42 Traveling and Digestion Challenges
12:26 Engaging with the Audience
13:05 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Shoutouts
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

Mira Hormone Testing Explained: Urine vs Bloodwork, Perimenopause Insights & Better Cycle Tracking | Period Besties
In this episode of the Period Besties Podcast, Stasha and Katie talk with Rose McKenzie, Clinical Manager at Mira, about at-home urine hormone testing and why frequent, cycle-long tracking can reveal patterns that single-point blood draws often miss.
Rose explains benefits of urine testing (ease, cost, daily measurement), why adoption can be slower in traditional medicine, and how Mira differs from other femtechs. They clarify serum hormones vs urinary metabolites, reference ranges, and common timing pitfalls like cycle day 21 and day 3 labs, emphasizing testing relative to ovulation.
The hosts share personal experiences using Mira in perimenopause and progesterone support, discuss clinician education and age-stratified reference ranges, and cover lifestyle “four pillars” (diet, sleep/light, stress tools, key supplements) plus Mira’s upcoming expansion to additional hormone measurement.
 
Rose is the Clinical Manager at Mira, where she helps healthcare providers integrate at-home hormone monitoring into their clinical workflow. With over 10 years of experience as a fertility-awareness instructor trained in both the Marquette Method and the Sympto-Thermal Method, she has supported women using hormone monitoring across a wide range of situations—including regular and irregular cycles, postpartum amenorrhea, chemo-induced menopause, and perimenopause. Rose equips clinicians and fertility-awareness educators with the knowledge and confidence to interpret hormone patterns and apply them effectively in patient care. Through webinars, case reports, and individualized support, she ensures that providers feel fully guided as they incorporate hormone data into their practice.
 
miracare.com
https://www.instagram.com/hellomiracare  https://www.facebook.com/mirafertility/ https://www.youtube.com/@hellomiracare  https://www.linkedin.com/company/miracare/  https://www.tiktok.com/@hellomiracare
20% Mira supplies using Katie or Stasha's public discount code: 2KATIEBRESSACK20 
2STASHAWASHBURN20
or click this link https://mira-fertility.pxf.io/qWgVGn
 
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:35 Urine vs Blood Testing
02:00 Why Doctors Lag Behind
05:48 Mira Mission and Users
06:58 What Makes Mira Different
10:10 Urine Metabolites Explained
12:31 Clinician Tools and Ranges
15:26 Personal Progesterone Story
18:14 Why Blood Tests Mislead
26:36 Tracking Symptoms and Patterns
28:34 Rose Background and Journey
32:17 Breast Cancer Client Story
32:50 Tracking After Chemo
33:29 Cycle Data Empowerment
35:03 Fixing Hormone Imbalances
36:47 How Hard Is It
39:20 Four Pillars Self Care
42:46 Future of Mira Tech
45:43 Testing Kits Wish List
47:00 How to Buy and Test
52:12 Lightning Round Fun
56:41 Wrap Up and Sponsors
 
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business https://PeriodCoachingSchool.com/Bloody-Brilliant-Business-book Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound

The Sweet Side of Periods: Healthy Dessert Tips on the Period Besties Podcast
Join Stasha and Katie on the Period Besties Podcast as they dive into the sweet world of desserts! With over 20 years of combined experience in period coaching, they share practical tips to make desserts healthier, easier, and less intense on blood sugar.
From balancing blood sugar to sharing their favorite dessert recipes, like raw macaroons and baked apples, they offer a plethora of ideas to satisfy your sweet tooth while promoting hormone health.
Discover new ways to enjoy chocolate and other treats without the guilt. Tune in for a fun and delicious episode where Stasha and Katie tackle the often-misunderstood link between sugar cravings and menstrual health.
 
Katies cacao dessert: https://katiebressack.com/simple-delish-recipe-raw-chocolate-macaroons/
Stasha's chocolate sweet potato dessert: https://theperiodcoach.com/sweet-potato-chocolate-pudding/
 
00:00 Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast
01:22 Today's Topic: Desserts
01:51 Balancing Blood Sugar with Desserts
02:54 Healthy Dessert Tips and Recipes
03:35 Chocolate and Peanut Butter Delights
09:44 Baked Fruit and Apple Desserts
21:49 The Evolutionary Sugar Craving
27:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Todays episode is sponsored by:Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness.
Our Websites:PeriodCoachingSchool.comKatieBressack.com
Instagram and Facebook:@StashaWashburn @KatieBressack 
Freebies:Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrcEating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/
Books:The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/RevolutionBloody Brilliant Business waitlist https://periodcoachingschool.com/bbbwaitlist/Eating For Your Hormones Recipe Book https://katiebressack.com/hormone-balancing-recipe-book/
Theme music composed, recorded, performed, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ted Wulfers 663 Sound