Progesterone After 40: The Hormone Too Many Women Are Told They Don't Need

Host David J. Bauder, PA-C, founder of Weight Loss & Vitality, is joined by Dr. Christopher Reeves, Medical Director, and Stephanie Lattimore, FNP-BC, for an important discussion about one of the most overlooked hormones in women's health: progesterone. Many women are told that progesterone's only purpose is supporting pregnancy and protecting the uterus during the reproductive years. As a result, its importance during perimenopause and menopause is often underestimated. In this episode, the team challenges that misconception by explaining the many physiological roles progesterone continues to play throughout a woman's life. The conversation explores how declining progesterone levels can contribute to insomnia, anxiety, mood changes, irritability, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. David, Dr. Reeves, and Stephanie explain progesterone's interaction with GABA receptors, its balancing relationship with estrogen, and its role as a precursor to several other important hormones involved in stress regulation, metabolism, and neurological function. Additional topics include estrogen dominance, proper hormone testing during perimenopause, timing of laboratory evaluation, individualized treatment strategies, and why oral micronized progesterone is commonly preferred over topical formulations for systemic hormone replacement.Whether you're approaching menopause, experiencing changes in sleep or mood, or simply want to better understand hormone therapy, this episode provides an evidence-based overview of why progesterone deserves far more attention than it often receives.In This Episode• Why progesterone is misunderstood • Hormonal changes after age 40 • Progesterone and sleep quality • Mood, anxiety, and GABA receptors • Estrogen dominance explained • Progesterone as a hormone precursor • Hormone testing during perimenopause • Oral versus topical progesterone • Individualized hormone replacement therapy • Improving quality of life through comprehensive hormone evaluation Learn More About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy🌐 https://www.weightlossandvitality.com/services/bioidentical-hormone-therapy🏥 https://www.weightlossandvitality.com📞 571-550-9000Key TakeawayProgesterone continues to play a critical role throughout a woman's life. Looking beyond fertility and understanding its influence on sleep, mood, neurological health, and hormonal balance allows for a more comprehensive and personalized approach to women's healthcare.⚠️ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this episode does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional regarding medical concerns, diagnosis, or treatment.