The Flow with BloodStream Media

For years, women with bleeding disorders were told it was "just a heavy period."

On the kickoff episode of The Flow with BloodStream, "It's Not Just a Heavy Period," women and clinicians expose what happens when serious symptoms are minimized, normalized, or dismissed entirely.

Heavy prolonged periods. Anemia. Bruising. Joint bleeds. Rectal bleeding. Years without answers.

Three women share what it was like to document their symptoms just to be believed — and how finally receiving factor treatment and prophylaxis changed their lives.

Hematologist Dr. Jen Davila breaks down how the right questions can uncover what patients have learned to normalize, and how stigma, misinformation, and assumptions about women in bleeding disorders continue to delay care.

This episode is about being heard, properly diagnosed, and redefining what women with bleeding disorders should have to live with.

Presenting Sponsor:

For too long, women and girls with bleeding disorders have been told they're "just carriers." But

the truth is, women can experience real bleeding symptoms too. And their stories deserve to be

heard.

That's the idea behind "Because She Matters," a campaign from Novo Nordisk. It highlights the

experiences of women living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, helping raise

awareness of symptoms that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

On the site, you'll see real stories from women who went years without answers, learn about

signs like heavy or prolonged periods, frequent bruising, or unexplained bleeding, and find

guidance on how to start conversations with your healthcare provider.

Because recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting the care you deserve.

Visit WomenWithHemophilia.com, that's WomenWithHemophilia.com or click the link in the

show notes.

Because when it comes to bleeding disorders, women's health matters.

Women's voices matter.

Because SHE matters.

Learn more and explore the resources at WomenWithHemophilia.com.

WomenWithHemophilia.com

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Research scientist Dr. Bethany Samuelson Bannow talks bodily autonomy, calls for the need for better menstrual tracking methods for individuals with bleeding disorders, and reveals how medical school training often provides minimal education on the period. She encourages listeners to speak openly about their periods to break the stigma, noting that even within religious texts, there are accounts of individuals seeking and receiving healing for heavy bleeding.

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• Dr. Bannow https://www.ohsu.edu/providers/bethany-samuelsonbannow-md-mcr#profile-section__about-me

• Konika Ray Wong's Period Education Book https://girlpowerscience.com/shop/p/oneinamillionbook

• Dr. Bannow's paper / ASH Publications, re: Anticoagulation in Women: https://ashpublications.org/hematology/article/2022/1/467/493547/Anticoagulant-therapy-for-women-implications-for?guestAccessKey=

• NIH / Anticoagulation Article by Dr. Bannow https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39476970/

• PDX Monthly Article about Dr. Bannow's outstanding work: https://www.pdxmonthly.com/health-and-wellness/2024/06/ohsu-menstrual-research-period-products-bethany-samuelson-bannow

• NBDF Video featuring Dr. Bannow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyb44gh27Og

• Dr. Period Hackers https://www.drperiodhackers.com/

• Flow with Dr. Period Hackers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuA63YI8RDU

• Dr. Bannow first to test menstrual blood on period products! https://www.opb.org/article/2023/08/30/ohsu-researchers-test-menstrual-products-with-blood-for-the-first-time/

FLOW Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

The conversation highlights propaganda-driven myths about hospital birth, how birth centers / collaborative care models can save lives, and ways listeners can support local birth workers' advocacy efforts. Deliver Us (documentary) shares the journey Black midwives around the country - opening birth centers and demanding justice for Black mothers - visit delvierusdoc.com now to learn more!

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• Project Site: https://www.deliverusdoc.com/

• Cinequest Screening: https://bit.ly/deliveruscinequest

• IG www.instagram.com/deliverusdoc

• Kindred Space LA: https://www.kindredspacela.com/

• Birth Sanctuary Gainsville: https://thebirthsanctuary.com/

• Chicago South Side Birth Center: https://www.chicagosouthsidebirthcenter.org/

• Fourth Tri Sanctuary: https://www.fourthtrisanctuary.com/

• Birth Center Equity: https://birthcenterequity.org/

FLOW Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) goes far beyond typical PMS, causing debilitating symptoms including extreme depression, intrusive thoughts, and reality distortion. FLOW's Sarah and Jessica sit down with Christina de la Riva, who shares her journey with diagnosis, shame, and initially thinking she was just "handling PMS poorly." Cristina also introduces the archetype of Lilith* as a framework for understanding PMDD, emphasizing how Lilith* validates the PMDD experience rather than pathologizing it.

*Often culturally constructed as a symbol of uncontrollable female rage, Lilith is reframed herein as an icon of wisdom, pleasure, and righteous anger.

As always, FLOW includes practical management strategies and a reminder to reach out for community support.

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• International Association of Premenstrual Disorder (IAPMD) https://www.iapmd.org/pmdd-not-pms

• Pleasure Activism https://adriennemareebrown.net/

• University of Amnsterdam, Hermetic History Program https://ash.uva.nl/content/research-groups/history-of-hermetic-philosophy-and-related-currents/history-of-hermetic-philosophy-and-related-currents.html

• The Montrose Center / TX https://montrosecenter.org/

• Guest IG https://www.instagram.com/cristinadelariva/

• Guest Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinadelariva27/

How's Your Flow?

• We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories

Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

In this episode, hosts Jessica and Sarah FLOW with guest Amy Gaston to explore the groundbreaking future of menstrual aid. Join us to understand the science behind OhmBody's device, its impact on reducing blood loss - and how OhmBody's tech can improve overall quality of life for menstruators. Amy Gaston highlights the need for better menstrual education and research, and aims for a future where managing periods becomes seamless and integrated into daily life, "because life doesn't stop when you start."

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• Ohm Body https://go.ohmbody.com/FLOW

• Re: neurostimulation https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1664433/full

• What is a PBAC? https://elearning.wfh.org/resource/pictorial-blood-loss-assessment-chart/

• Pictoral Blood Assessment Chart https://hemophiliafed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PBAC_Weekly_Revised_08.23.23.pdf

• OhmBody Socials:

• Ohm Body IG https://www.instagram.com/ohm.body

• Ohm Body FB https://www.facebook.com/getohmbody/

• Ohm Body TT https://www.tiktok.com/@ohmbody

How's Your Flow?

• We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories

Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

Recorded live in session at HFM's Conference for Women with Bleeding Disorders in Detroit, Michigan!

Flow is a monthly podcast dedicated to the bleeding disorders community - in October 2025, Flowsters Sarah and Jessica spent time in Michigan to collect powerful personal stories of both medical gaslighting and health advocacy. In this recorded-live episode participants discuss their experiences with extreme symptoms, the need for narrative medicine, and the recurring lack of testing for rare conditions.

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• The New Menopause by Claire Harver https://thepauselife.com/pages/the-new-menopause-book

• Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/

• HFM Conference for Women: https://hfmich.org/october-3-5-2025national-conference-for-women-with-hemophilia-and-rare-factor-deficiencies/

How's Your Flow?

• We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories

Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

Recorded live in session at HFM's Conference for Women with Bleeding Disorders in Detroit, Michigan!

Flow is a monthly podcast dedicated to the bleeding disorders community - in October 2025, Flowsters Sarah and Jessica spent time in Michigan to collect powerful personal stories of both medical gaslighting and health advocacy. In this recorded-live episode participants discuss their experiences with extreme symptoms, the need for narrative medicine, and the recuring lack of testing for rare conditions.

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/

• HFM Conference for Women: https://hfmich.org/october-3-5-2025national-conference-for-women-with-hemophilia-and-rare-factor-deficiencies/

• On Burnout / Emily Nagoski: https://www.ted.com/talks/emily_nagoski_and_amelia_nagoski_the_cure_for_burnout_hint_it_isn_t_self_care

How's Your Flow?

• We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories

Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

Recorded August 23, 2025 in Denver, CO at NBDF's Annual Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC).

Flow thanks NBDF (National Bleeding Disorders Foundation) for the time to Flow with participants in a session at their annual conference! This recorded-live episode captures powerful stories of individuals navigating life with bleeding disorders. Conversations highlight the struggles of diagnosis, the impact of medical gaslighting, and the essential role of self/collective-advocacy.

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• NBDF - find your chapter! https://www.bleeding.org/

• Dismissed - new documentary from Bloodstream media - host a screening near you! https://www.dismissedfilm.com/

• Flow with us on Instagram www.instagram.com/howsyourflow

How's Your Flow?

• We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories

Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

In this episode, Flowsters Jessica and Sarah welcome Kim Rosas, founder of Period Nirvana. Their candid conversation covers Kim's educational work, her journey with menstrual cups, and her fascination with the evolution of reusable period products.

Their candid conversation covers Kim's journey with menstrual cups and her fascination with the evolution of reusable period products, insights about her in-store menstrual care oasis and menstrual museum materials, and perhaps, most importantly in our modern world: battling misinformation online.

Program Notes

Episode Links:

• Period Nirvana: https://www.periodnirvana.com/period-museum-exhibit/

• Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/

How's Your Flow?

• We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories

Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/

Jennifer Eden brings global experiences to her mission to make organic menstrual products accessible and affordable. Her conversation with hosts Sarah and Jessica highlights the benefits of menstrual education (e.g. in her home country of Australia), and focuses on the responsibility of businesses / business owners to advocate for safe and effective products.

Program Notes:

Episode Links:

• Bloodstream Media: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/

• Tampon Tribe: http://www.tampontribe.com/

• Tampon Tribe on Social: https://www.instagram.com/tampontribe

How's Your Flow?

• We wanna know (Calendly link): https://calendly.com/flowtalk/flow-talk-period-pain-stories

Presenting Sponsor: #Takeda, visit bleedingdisorders.com to learn more.

Connect with BloodStream Media:

Find all of our bleeding disorders podcasts on

BloodStreamMedia.com

BloodStream on Facebook

BloodStream on Twitter

BloodStream on Instagram

BloodStream on TikTok

BloodStream on LinkedIn

Check out Believe Limited's Other Work:

Bombardier Blood: bombardierblood.com

My Beautiful Stutter: mybeautifulstutter.com/

Stop The Bleeding!: stbhemo.com

The Science Fair: thesciencefair.org

On the Shoulders of Giants: https://www.ontheshouldersfilm.com/