Hormone Testing Demystified: Maria Rupp on Finding Your Balance S3E29

Hormone Testing Demystified: Maria Rupp on Finding Your Balance S3E29

Hormone Testing Explained: Blood Work vs Dutch vs Hormone Zoomer (Cortisol, Toxins, Perimenopause) | Period Besties In this Period Besties Podcast episode, hosts welcome Maria of Rupp Wellness to explain hormone testing options and why many people with clear symptoms still get “normal” results on standard blood work. Maria compares blood labs with functional testing like the Hormone Zoomer (which she calls the gold standard), emphasizing hormone metabolites, multi-point saliva cortisol patterns, and screening for endocrine disruptors and toxins such as BPA, atrazine, triclosan, and glyphosate. The conversation covers how cortisol, insulin resistance, gut health, and toxins can drive hormone imbalance, plus connections to sleep, melatonin, testosterone, thyroid function, and supplement quality. They discuss budget-friendly approaches, advocating for foundational lifestyle changes, targeted labs (including thyroid panels and vitamin D), and careful testing before adding hormones, especially in perimenopause.   Maria Rupp, RDN, LDN, is an Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian and the founder of Rupp Wellness. She earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Nutrition & Dietetics and Hospitality Management from East Carolina University, along with a minor in Business Administration. With over 14 years of experience, Maria has worked across a wide range of healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, university research, workplace wellness, and disease management programs. Her clinical focus includes women’s health, hormone balance, gastrointestinal health, metabolic wellness, autoimmune conditions, pediatric nutrition, behavioral and sensory challenges, and chronic or unexplained health concerns. Maria’s passion for functional medicine was born from her own personal healing journey after overcoming a decade-long battle with PCOS, migraines, and infertility. Her dedication deepened even further after helping reverse food sensitivities and sensory processing challenges within her own family. These experiences continue to shape her compassionate, root-cause approach to care. Today, Maria is passionate about helping individuals and families uncover the “why” behind their symptoms and create sustainable, personalized wellness plans that support long-term healing. Her approach blends evidence-based nutrition with integrative and functional strategies to help clients feel empowered, supported, and truly understood throughout their health journey. Outside of practice, Maria enjoys boating, reading, and spending quality time with her husband Chris, their three children — Vale, Willow, and Theodore — and their dogs, Lincoln and Aspen.   https://www.ruppwellness.com [https://www.ruppwellness.com] IG: RUPPWELLNESS   00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:38 Comparing Hormone Tests 01:04 Why Bloodwork Misses Issues 02:08 Hormone Zoomer Explained 02:28 Endocrine Disruptors Spotlight 03:58 Feeling Gaslit by Normal Labs 07:02 Cortisol Testing Deep Dive 10:35 Stress Gut and Sleep Cycle 13:41 Baseline Testing vs Lifestyle 15:11 Budget Testing and Thyroid 17:19 Advocating for Labs and HRT 22:03 Birth Control and Thyroid Risk 24:24 Case Study Early 30s Symptoms 27:53 Toxins in Families and Kids 31:00 Reducing Plastics and Detox 33:04 Detox Wins and Hope 34:18 Estrogen Pathways Explained 37:12 Perimenopause Case Testing 39:29 Optimal Labs and Vitamins 41:57 Supplement Overload Warnings 46:09 Stress and Lifestyle Foundations 46:52 Where to Find Maria 48:03 Lightning Round Fun 54:00 Hormone Zoomer Wrap Up 56:54 Final Thanks and Sponsors   Todays episode is sponsored by: Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness. Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com Our Websites: PeriodCoachingSchool.com KatieBressack.com Instagram and Facebook: @StashaWashburn  @KatieBressack  Freebies: Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrc Eating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/ Books: The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/Revolution Bloody 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

Bloody Brilliant Business - Cycle Sync for Success! S2E8

Harnessing Your Menstrual Cycle for Business Success | Period Besties Podcast Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast with Stasha and Katie! In this episode, your hosts, seasoned period coaches, dive into the power of working with your menstrual cycle to enhance business productivity and overall well-being. Celebrate the launch of Stasha's new book, 'Bloody Brilliant Business,' and get ready for a series of episodes packed with tips, tricks, and interviews with experts. Get the book here: PeriodCoachingSchool.com/BBBB  Discover how understanding and leveraging different phases of your cycle can turn what feels like liabilities into powerful assets. Whether you're a business owner, considering period coaching, or simply curious about optimizing your hormonal health, this fun, lighthearted, yet educational podcast episode is for you. Tune in for actionable advice, entertaining stories, and valuable insights!   00:00 Welcome to the Period Besties Podcast 01:19 Introduction to Today's Episode 02:21 The Impact of Stress on Hormones 03:04 Using Your Cycle for Productivity 03:43 Real-Life Examples and Office Dynamics 07:16 Corporate Insights and Management 11:37 Introducing the New Book 12:52 Practical Tips and Book Details 17:51 Engagement and Q&A 19:56 Conclusion and Announcements   Todays episode is sponsored by: Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness. Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com Our Websites: PeriodCoachingSchool.com KatieBressack.com Instagram and Facebook: @StashaWashburn  @KatieBressack  Freebies: Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrc Eating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/ Books: The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/Revolution Bloody 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

Stasha Unfiltered: Hormones, Health Hacks, and Hopes S3E28

Perimenopause Update: Hot Flashes, Hormone Testing, Liver Enzymes + Launching the “Pain Free Periods” Podcast   In this Period Besties episode, Katie interviews her “period bestie” Stasha for a candid perimenopause check-in. Stasha shares new symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes, what Mira hormone testing showed (low progesterone and fluctuating estrogen), and why bloodwork snapshots can miss ongoing changes. She discusses follow-up testing, an ultrasound and possible fatty liver affecting access to estrogen, and plans to try the lowest-dose estrogen carefully due to endometriosis. They talk cycle syncing with progesterone, using CBD/CBG support, and thyroid support with iodine. Stasha announces her new Pain Free Periods podcast focused on physical, emotional, and spiritual pain around periods, plus ongoing work on the Period Besties Summit Live & Unfiltered (live panels in September). She also shares summer plans, supplement changes, blood-sugar-focused eating and weight loss, and quick favorites.   Sign up to join us LIVE in September here: http://theperiodcoach.com/Live2026 [http://theperiodcoach.com/Live2026]   00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:40 Perimenopause Symptoms Update 01:48 Hormone Testing and HRT Plans 02:37 Liver Enzymes Mystery 07:00 Progesterone Cycle Syncing 08:34 Hot Flashes and Thyroid Support 11:13 Summer Energy and Intuition Work 14:39 Pain Free Periods Podcast Launch 19:43 Summit Behind the Scenes 22:35 Summer Plans and Camping Trial 23:36 Camping Trial With Dogs 25:01 New Supplements Update 26:25 Cycle Changes And Cramps 27:26 Blood Sugar Eating Wins 29:00 Lightning Round Favorites 30:55 Book Nerd Deep Dive 36:47 Dream Vacations And Greece Food 39:15 Wrap Up And Sponsor Thanks   Todays episode is sponsored by: Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness. Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com Our Websites: PeriodCoachingSchool.com KatieBressack.com Instagram and Facebook: @StashaWashburn  @KatieBressack  Freebies: Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrc Eating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/ Books: The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/Revolution Bloody 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

Inside OOVA: Transforming Hormonal Health with Cutting-Edge Technology S2E22

Revolutionizing Women's Health with Amy Divaraniya | Period Besties Podcast In this episode of the Period Besties Podcast, Stasha and Katie dive into a dynamic conversation with Amy Divaraniya, the founder of OOVA, a groundbreaking company transforming the landscape of hormonal health tracking. Amy shares her personal journey through infertility, which inspired the creation of OOVA, a non-invasive, at-home hormone monitoring tool highly trusted by clinicians. Navigating topics from fertility struggles to the challenges of perimenopause, Amy discusses the innovative technology behind OOVA, its clinical applications, and how it's empowering women with actionable data. Tune in to hear about Amy's inspiring path, the benefits of OOVA, and real stories from users who have experienced life-changing results. https://www.oova.life [https://www.oova.life] Discount code is 10% - PERIODBESTIES10 https://www.instagram.com/oovalife/ [https://www.instagram.com/oovalife/]   Dr. Amy Divaraniya is the CEO and Founder of Oova, a leading women’s health platform known for its physician-backed fertility and perimenopause at-home hormone monitoring. Oova, which she founded after her own experience with infertility, empowers people to take control of their hormone health from their first period and to their last and beyond. Since founding Oova, Dr. Divaraniya has led groundbreaking research in the field of hormone health, leveraging her background as a data scientist. Prior to Oova, Dr. Divaraniya worked for industry leaders like Roche and Bristol Meyers Squibb, analyzing molecular networks, driving discoveries in common diseases, and publishing research in personal genomics and biomarker discovery. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Temple University, her Masters of Science in Bioinformatics from New Jersey Institute of Technology, and her Doctor of Philosophy in genetics and genomics sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.   00:00 Introduction to Period Besties Podcast 01:22 Kicking Off World Infertility Awareness Month 06:09 Interview with Amy Divaraniya: Fertility and Perimenopause 06:32 Amy's Personal Journey and the Birth of OOVA 10:34 The Technology Behind OOVA 15:19 Expanding to Perimenopause 24:15 User Stories and Impact 28:08 Navigating Doctor Visits with Confidence 29:27 The Frustration of Inadequate Medical Testing 30:59 Empowering Women with Actionable Data 31:40 Personal Stories of Overcoming Health Challenges 35:17 The Growth and Passion Behind OOVA 39:22 Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care 44:37 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights 48:55 Conclusion and Special Offers   Todays episode is sponsored by: Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness. Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com Our Websites: PeriodCoachingSchool.com KatieBressack.com Instagram and Facebook: @StashaWashburn  @KatieBressack  Freebies: Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrc Eating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/ Books: The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/Revolution Bloody 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

Hormonal Highs and Summer Vibes: Katie's Latest Adventures S3E27

Perimenopause Check-In with Co-Host Katie Brussack: Progesterone, Thyroid, Heavy Periods + Summer Routines | Period Besties In this Period Besties Podcast episode, Stasha Washburn interviews co-host Katie Brussack for a personal check-in on her perimenopause journey, including nearly two years on progesterone, thyroid dose adjustments for Hashimoto’s-related fatigue, weight changes, improved energy and focus, and new cycle shifts like heavier bleeding and fluctuating cycle lengths. Katie shares why she’s starting estrogen gel (and avoiding the patch during a summer of ocean, pool time, and sweating), plus plans to optimize DHEAS next. They also discuss Katie’s summer schedule with her kids, upcoming plans in New Hampshire, and their September “Live and Unfiltered” summit with live panels, moderators, and guests including Dr. Lara Briden, Dr. Carrie Jones, Nicole Jardim, and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack. Katie mentions her summer coaching sessions, experimenting with creatine, boosting protein and hydration, favorite books and shows, and writing a romance novel.   Summer Sessions with Katie: https://go.oncehub.com/KatieBressack?mc_cid=35467e466a [https://go.oncehub.com/KatieBressack?mc_cid=35467e466a]    00:00 Welcome and Check In 00:29 Perimenopause Update 01:24 Thyroid and Energy Fix 02:59 Cycle Changes and Next Steps 05:08 Estrogen Gel vs Patch 06:30 Summer Plans and Travel 08:38 Live Summit Preview 10:54 Summer Sessions Offer 11:56 Creatine and Summer Eating 14:37 Walking and Dog Hikes 16:18 Kids Update and Screen Free Fun 17:14 Book And Show Recs 18:16 Book To Screen Debate 19:30 Writing The Romance Novel 21:06 Seasonal Mood Shifts 22:31 Where To Find Katie 23:04 Lightning Round Favorites 26:26 Wrap Up And Sponsors Todays episode is sponsored by: Period Coaching School and Katie Bressack Wellness. Email us: PeriodBestiesPodcast@gmail.com Our Websites: PeriodCoachingSchool.com KatieBressack.com Instagram and Facebook: @StashaWashburn  @KatieBressack  Freebies: Charting with Stasha https://ThePeriodCoach.com/etrc Eating For Your Hormones Guide https://katiebressack.com/freegift/ Books: The Revolution Will Be Bloody https://ThePeriodCoach.com/Revolution Bloody 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