The science-driven approach of Parlor Games
Feb 04, 2025 03:10PM ● By Pat Martin
Parlor Games, LLC has a clear mission: “Getting you through menopause with science, sisterhood and solutions. Let’s age amazingly!”
Co-founders Kate Wells and Kirsti Hegg have spent the past four years building a thriving business, equipping women with the knowledge and hormone support they need for long-term wellness. Their approach blends education with products to help women navigate the challenges of menopause and beyond.
“We don’t just have products that help women—we help teach them, educate them on what’s going on with their bodies,” said Wells.
A BUSINESS BORN OF EXPERTISE
In 2021, Wells and her long-time sweetheart, Rusty, relocated to Grand Junction, drawn by its pleasant climate and abundant outdoor activities.
A native of the United Kingdom, Wells, 62, has an extensive background in teaching, business and integrative medicine. She’s served as chief operating officer for several testing labs, contributed to product development for a genetic testing lab and led a salivary hormone testing lab. Through her work, she gained in-depth knowledge of hormones and how they work in the body.
Years ago in Oregon, Wells and her colleagues developed a line of topical hormone creams sold exclusively through practitioners. That expertise laid the foundation for Parlor Games, which now makes these products available to the general public.
According to Wells, understanding business is one thing—but understanding hormones is another.
Just because your body no longer makes progesterone as it did when you were younger, doesn’t mean you no longer need it.
“Hormones are for life, not just for reproduction,” said Wells.
Progesterone plays an important role in supporting breast, brain, skin, digestive and joint health. Postmenopausal women who experience weight gain, bloating, sleep disturbances, brain fog, forgetfulness, mood swings and breast tenderness may be lacking in progesterone. It also helps the brain process leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and supports proper thyroid function.
When balanced with estrogen, progesterone aids in insulin regulation, which can reduce carbohydrate cravings and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Many of Parlor Games’ products are bioidentical, meaning they mimic the body’s natural hormones—unlike pharmaceutical progestins, which can increase the risk of blood clots and weight gain. The products are also made with organic, paraben-free ingredients.
Estrogen, when properly balanced with progesterone, is another powerful player. While the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative initially linked estrogen to cancer, those conclusions have since been refuted. More recent research indicates that estrogen may actually help protect against cancer development.
Before and after menopause, estrogen helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, prevents bone loss and osteoporosis and elevates mood and cognitive function. It also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, supports muscle mass and skin elasticity and relieves vaginal dryness and discomfort.
WOMEN-LED, WOMEN-FOCUSED
Parlor Games has grown from a small operation to a team of more than 25 employees.
For more information, visit Parlor-Games.com or find them on Facebook, where they share educational resources on menopause and women’s health.
Survive menopause with Parlor Games' uniquely formulated products
Salivary Hormone Test – Provides a comprehensive overview of personal hormone levels, offering more insights than traditional blood tests.
• MoreWOW! Face and Neck Cream – A 5-in-1 formula designed to strengthen connective tissue, enhance skin tone and promote elasticity.
• Silky Peach Cream – Contains bioidentical Estriol for soothing relief from vaginal dryness and discomfort.
• Vibrant Third Progesterone Cream – Supports brain, bones, breasts, heart, digestion and the immune system with bioidentical progesterone.
• ReBounce Cream – A bioidentical DHEA formula for both men and women, designed to combat fatigue, brain fog and muscle aches.
• Chaos Calmer – Helps relax the nervous system and promote a sense of calm after a stressful day—suitable for men and women.
• Bio-Nude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant – A water-based formula designed to mimic the body’s natural chemistry for enhanced comfort and intimacy.Editor’s note: Additional reporting contributed to this article