Progesterone is usually the first hormone to shift as we move through our late 30s and 40s, and yet it’s one of the least clearly explained in my opinion and experience with clients.
In this episode, I’m walking you through progesterone in perimenopause in a clear, grounded way, so things start to make sense, rather than feel worrying or overwhelming.
We explore why progesterone plays such a crucial role in mood, sleep, stress resilience, and brain health, why it begins to decline earlier than oestrogen, and how skipped or weaker ovulation is often at the root of so many common perimenopause symptoms.
I also share personal insights from tracking my own ovulation at 45, and explain why this phase of life isn’t your body “failing”, it’s your body asking for a different kind of support.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why progesterone is often the first hormone to decline in perimenopause
- What progesterone actually does in the body (far beyond fertility)
- The powerful connection between progesterone, the brain, GABA, and anxiety
- Why sleep often changes in the second half of the cycle
- How progesterone helps buffer stress and regulate cortisol
- The relationship between progesterone and “oestrogen dominance”
- Why ovulation is essential for progesterone production
- How missed ovulation becomes more common in perimenopause
- Tracking ovulation using basal body temperature (BBT)
- Common signs of low progesterone
- The 6 key pillars to support ovulation and progesterone naturally
- The role of stress, thyroid health, blood sugar, nutrition, inflammation, and circadian rhythm
- When Vitex (chaste tree) may be helpful, and how to use it safely
If you’ve been experiencing anxiety that feels new, disrupted sleep, heavier or more painful periods, breast tenderness, headaches, or a sense that your nervous system just isn’t as resilient as it once was, this episode will help you understand why.
Most importantly, it’s a reminder that perimenopause is not a failure. It’s a transition, and progesterone is often the first place to start.
Previous episodes mentioned in the episode:
- Episode 65: The Best Blood Tests for Perimenopause & Midlife Health
- Episode 32: Is it Your Thyroid, Perimenopause—or Both?
Take the Free Perimenopause Quiz here! Find your perimenopause stage, uncover your priority health pillars, and get instant steps to feel better, all in one free quiz.
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Other Resources & Support
- Download my free Perimenopause Blueprint Guide
- Watch the Thriving Through Perimenopause Masterclass
- Explore 1:1 personalised support
All available via my website, or feel free to email or DM me on Instagram if you’re unsure what support you need.
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