Progesterone is one of those hormones that gets mentioned everywhere but explained almost nowhere, and that gap is costing women a lot. What most women don't know is that progesterone isn't just a fertility hormone.

You have progesterone receptors from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, which means when levels start to drop, the effects show up everywhere. We're talking worse PMS, heavier periods, anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere, and that lovely 1am wake-up where your brain decides it's time to think about everything you've ever done wrong.

In this solo episode of Hello Hormones, I'm breaking down the top three things most women don't know about progesterone, including the brain chemistry behind why it's basically your built-in calm-down switch, what actually happens to your levels as you move through perimenopause and into menopause, and why having had a hysterectomy does not mean you're off the hook.

If you've been wondering whether progesterone might be part of what's going on for you, this one is a great place to start.

What's Discussed:

(0:00) The top three progesterone facts most women have never been told.

(0:43) Why progesterone is called the pro-gestation hormone and what it does beyond pregnancy.

(1:11) The surprising ways progesterone helps if you're still cycling.

(1:27) When your body actually makes progesterone and why it's not all the time.

(1:51) Why your progesterone levels should be way higher than your estrogen.

(2:14) Why progesterone is the first hormone to drop in perimenopause and what that feels like.

(2:41) How far progesterone falls once you're fully menopausal.

(3:10) The ALLO-GABA connection and why it explains your sleep, anxiety, and irritability.

(4:39) When to talk to your practitioner about progesterone replacement.

(5:05) The hysterectomy myth Dr. Carrie wants to clear up once and for all.

(5:49) Bioidentical progesterone vs. synthetic progestin and why the difference matters.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

Top 7 Perimenopause Myths You Need to Stop Believing ASAP: www.drcarriejones.com/myths

Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101

The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom

Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause

Find more from Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: www.drcarriejones.comNewsletter: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter Instagram: @dr.carriejonesFacebook: @drcarriejonesTikTok: @drcarriejonesYouTube: @drcarriejonesPinterest: @drcarriejones

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.