How to Survive the Great Progesterone Crash of Perimenopause

perimenopause and stressIn your forties, you may find you don’t cope as well with stress. It happens because losing progesterone during perimenopause can destabilize the HPA (adrenal) axis or stress response system.

This recalibration of the nervous system is why perimenopause is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Read more

Natural Treatment of Menstrual Migraines

menstrual migraines

According to a Lancet review paper, menstrual migraines are more severe than migraines at other times of the cycle.

Possible drivers of menstrual migraines include estrogen withdrawal at the end of the cycle plus an estrogen-dependent release of prostaglandins and histamine. Body-identical progesterone may help to shelter the brain from estrogen withdrawal and reduce the frequency and intensity of menstrual migraines.

Read more

Why I Prescribe Iodine for Breast Pain, Ovarian Cysts, and PMDD

iodine for women's health

Iodine can relieve breast pain, ovulation pain, premenstrual mood symptoms, and help to prevent ovarian cysts. It works by promoting healthy estrogen metabolism, down-regulating estrogen receptors, and stabilizing estrogen-sensitive tissue including breasts, uterus, ovaries, and the brain.

Iodine’s anti-estrogen effect makes it one of the best treatments for estrogen excess or “estrogen dominance”—although I don’t use that term.

Read more

Roadmap to Progesterone

how to make progesterone

Progesterone is beneficial because it lightens periods. It also reduces inflammation, regulates immune function, and supports healthy thyroid, brain, bones, and breasts.

Do you make enough progesterone? Are you sure?

The only way to make progesterone is with ovulation and a healthy luteal phase.

Read more