Dr. Heather Rhodes is a holistic pharmacist with a passion for women’s health. In this episode we talk about the least talked about hormone – progesterone! Tune in to learn more about progesterone’s role in hormone balance and why this hormone is so critical to our mood, cycle health and fertility. 

This often underrated and underappreciated hormone plays a key role in hormone balance, fertility, bone health and mood. Given the interplay across various body systems, progesterone impacts the health, balance, and functions of numerous organs and glands including the thyroid, skin, uterus, brain, bones, etc. To name a few functions, it serves to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, balance estrogen levels, reduce stress hormones, support bone health, and promote thyroid function. This means when the body lacks adequate progesterone, it can lead to a wide variety of problems in various areas. 

While progesterone hormone replacement therapy is possible via a number of avenues (hormone replacement therapy, topical cream, etc), there is truly no perfect replacement for our body’s own progesterone production. Progesterone hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial in certain settings like pregnancy, but can mask the underlying problem at play. If the body is not producing adequate progesterone, it is important to identify why. In this episode we discuss some of the situations in a woman’s diet and lifestyle that may lead to low progesterone levels.

In women of reproductive age, progesterone is made in the highest amounts after ovulation (during the second half of the menstrual cycle); therefore, ovulation is a crucial part of the progesterone equation. It is possible to menstruate without first ovulating. This is called an anovulatory cycle. Women who lack a period and/or experience anovulation (lack of ovulation) are more likely to experience low progesterone levels. Signs and symptoms of low progesterone may include irregular periods, short cycles, headaches, hot flashes, weight gain, mood changes, depression, anxiety, decreased sex drive, gallbladder issues, etc. In pregnant women, signs of low progesterone may include spotting, low blood sugar, breast tenderness, fatigue, and miscarriage. In summary, progesterone and its impact on multiple body systems make it an indispensable actor in the hormone health equation.

A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

• What is progesterone and how it’s made
• Benefits of natural progesterone production
• The progesterone and cortisol relationship
• How to naturally support progesterone

Important show links 👇👇👇

• Learn about the Total Hormone Reset with Heather 
• Connect with me on Instagram

Learn about your hormone levels with lab testing and individualized guidance through our 1:1 Coaching program