Lara Briden - The Period Revolutionary
Leading the change to better periods and hormones
Body identical hormone therapy includes an estradiol patch and oral micronised progesterone. Hormones that are exactly identical to the body’s own hormones.
Progesterone is a fascinating hormone. It’s calming, protective, metabolically active, and deeply responsive to its environment, especially estrogen and the nervous system. In the right context, it can be transformative for sleep, mood, heavy bleeding, and perimenopausal symptoms. In a not-quite-right context (for example, very high estrogen or inflammation), progesterone can feel strange or uncomfortable, especially at first.
When it comes to mood, progesterone is a paradox.
For most women, it’s soothing, thanks to its calming effect on the brain. But for some, it can trigger anxiety, irritability, or even rage. What’s going on?
💡 Also read: Troubleshooting progesterone and Top 6 natural treatments for premenstrual mood symptoms
Body-identical progesterone (also called bioidentical, natural, or oral micronized progesterone) can be an effective treatment for a range of women’s health conditions, including PCOS, PMDD, migraines, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and perimenopause.
To be clear: progesterone is a real hormone (identical to what the body makes) and usually requires a doctor’s prescription. Depending on your country, brand names include Prometrium, Utrogestan, Teva, and Famenita. In some countries, progesterone cream is available over the counter. Cream can help with mild symptoms, but it’s generally less effective than capsules.
Night sweats, mood swings, and crazy heavy periods. Is this menopause already? And you’re only 42? No, menopause could still be a decade away. This is perimenopause or second puberty, which is the decade or so before your final period.
Perimenopause is different from menopause (or post-menopause), which is the life phase that begins one year after your final period.