We’ve all been told about the powerful effects of estrogen on a woman’s reproductive cycle. But more people are now learning that progesterone is equally as important. With so much research and discussion regarding hormone imbalances in women today, experts confirm that these two female sex hormones are critical to more than just sex and pregnancy— they’re vital to every woman’s health.

In this episode, Dr. Jerilynn Prior of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) shares essential information about the roles that estrogen and progesterone play in not only ovulation but basic health. She explains why hormone imbalance is so important to confront, and how hormones impact overall wellness from heart health to bone health to mood. She offers some insight into how women’s hormones change throughout various stages of life, from puberty to menopause. 

Dr. Jerilynn Prior is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years of experience in women’s health. She specializes in women’s hormones and peri/menopause treatments. Read more in her book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause.

Discussed in this episode:

• The difference between estrogen and progesterone
• Understanding estrogen vs progesterone in the menstrual cycle
• The role of estrogen and progesterone in bone health, breast and endometrial cancer risk, fertility, weight, and heart health
• Why balancing hormones in women is so important (regardless of whether or not you want to get pregnant!)
• Clearing up confusion on the common question: does stress impact fertility?
• Why it’s hard for women to be aware of some of this research
• How your hormone balance is defined at different ages and stages of life

“It’s important to be aware of your reproductive cycle because it’s such a key indicator of optimal health overall. It’s also important to know because if you want to have a child one day, you need to ovulate normally. Having ‘regular cycles’ is not sufficient.” - Dr. Jerilynn Prior

Related to this episode:

• CeMCOR website: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research
• Sign up for the CeMCOR Newsletter for the latest on women’s health
• Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health
• Dr. Jerilynn Prior’s book: Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause
• Recommended book: Period Repair Manual
• Recommended book: Hormone Repair Manual
• Recommended book: Sex Matters

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**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**