Eps: 382 What Every Woman Should Know Before Starting HRT

If you’ve ever been dismissed, talked over, or told your hormone symptoms are “just part of aging,” this conversation will change how you think about HRT and hormones.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is often presented as a simple solution. But for many women, it can become confusing, frustrating, or even makes them feel worse. This episode breaks down why that happens, what most women are never told about hormones, and why HRT is never just about adding more estrogen or progesterone. 

We explore how hormone metabolism, gut health, liver detox, thyroid function, genetics, and proper testing all play a critical role in whether HRT actually helps or backfires. I’m joined by my dear friend and mentor, Shauna Gourley, a functional health and human potential coach who guides women through perimenopause and menopause after her own hormone crash and medical gaslighting.

Tune in for a clear, honest conversation about HRT and hormones that will help you understand what your body is actually asking for, before you make another health decision.

Episode Timeline: 

00:00 – Welcome + Hormone Focus

01:20 – Why Progesterone Matters

03:10 – Progesterone vs Estrogen

04:40 – Perimenopause Progesterone Drop

06:10 – Menopause Hormone Changes

07:50 – Low Progesterone Symptoms

10:10 – High Progesterone Symptoms

12:00 – Stress Drains Progesterone

14:30 – Blood Sugar + Hormones

16:20 – Thyroid and Progesterone

18:00 – Gut Health and Hormones

20:00 – Why Testing Matters

22:40 – Progesterone Types Explained

25:10 – Bioidentical vs Synthetic

28:30 – Is Progesterone Safe?

31:00 – Talking to Your Doctor

33:40 – Detox Before HRT

36:00 – Support Progesterone Naturally

39:30 – Final Hormone Takeaways

Links:

• Book a Hormone Breakthrough Call - https://calendly.com/briatheperiodwhisperer/private-coaching?month=2025-12 
• Connect with Bria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bria_period_whisperer/ 
• Learn more about Bria’s coaching program: https://www.briatheperiodwhisperer.com/Coaching 
• Subscribe to The Period Whisperer Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-period-whisperer-podcast-perimenopause-menopause/id1617315546 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5w8w0KbRuDwOUoBMzeFOOO 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bria_period_whisperer