Progesterone Deficiency: What you need to know

Progesterone Deficiency: What you need to know | Felice Gersh, MD

Рет қаралды 10,644

Күн бұрын

Progesterone might be the most misunderstood and undervalued female hormone, even more so than estradiol -- is it possible?!?
Progesterone plays a critical role in the health of the brain, the immune system, cardiovascular system, and bones.
And women only make it for the 2-ish weeks of the menstrual cycle after ovulation. Any woman who isn't ovulating regularly is progesterone deficient to some degree. This includes women on hormonal birth control, women with PCOS who have irregular cycles, women in perimenopause who have missed periods, and all women in menopause.
Progesterone receptors are widespread throughout the body. Many people know that progesterone helps a woman shed the uterine lining during menstruation and it is critical to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
But did you know that progesterone
* is neuroprotective
* anti-inflammatory
* lowers blood pressure
* supports strong bones
* protects against cancer
* lowers anxiety
* promotes sleep
Watch my talk to learn more about this essential hormone!
Watch for my latest Instagram live at / dr.felicegersh
I am a full time practicing doctor. I see patients in my office in Irvine, CA and worldwide via telemedicine. If you need more healthcare assistance than I can provide in a video series, please contact my office:
integrativemgi.com/
---- Contents of this video --------------------------
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - What is progesterone
03:34 - Making progesterone in the reproductive years
07:12 - Progesterone's roles throughout the body
07:51 - It's anti-inflammatory
12:27 - It's neuroprotective
13:57 - It's a muscle relaxant
15:40 - It helps build strong bones
17:34 - It protects against cancer
20:35 - Lowers anxiety and promotes sleep
21:13 - Oral vs transdermal
22:26 - Pulsed, not static dosage
23:15 - It lowers blood pressure

Пікірлер: 83

@auaticamazon Ай бұрын

Invaluable information which empowers me to go back to my obgyn and have to walk her through the rationale of why I should be prescribed progesterone . I had previously asked and was told it’s no longer necessary and that makes me pretty angry

@katc9405 12 күн бұрын

This was the most thorough and outstanding video I have ever listen to regarding progesterone and what it does for the female body. Thank you, Doctor

@minatohid7855 3 ай бұрын

Never new Progesterone is anti inflammatory.

@KateHarris9791 3 ай бұрын

Is there ever a situation where continuous progesterone would be advised?

@lindablankenship3856 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for educating us all on the multiple roles that different hormones play in our bodies. I so appreciate you, Felice, and am grateful for how you are working so hard to educate other medical professionals about how hormones really work and how they ought to be prescribed. You are a treasure!

@marynow123 3 ай бұрын

I would like to know how estradiol and progesterone affect the lining in post menopause? How does the pulsing affect the lining? If we pulse the progesterone how does it keep the lining from thickening? And why do most docs advise continuous progesterone? Thanks for all the info you’re sharing ❤

@RodeaDrive 2 ай бұрын

I’d love to hear the answer to this question as well.

@heatherhilderbrand7298 Ай бұрын

Me also, so confusing since most doctors don’t adhere to these theory!

@iss8504 Ай бұрын

Estrogen grows the lining, progesterone sheds it. Take both together and you keep the lining in check.

@AliciasHealingChannel 2 ай бұрын

Would love a video about your opinion on HRT and Suzanne sommers - what went wrong as she died of breast cancer after many years of HRT. Maybe interview her husband to educate us. ❤ so we don’t walk through the chemical booby traps and die trying to do the right thing.

@auaticamazon Ай бұрын

Cancer can develop independently from hormones . I had triple negative cancer so without estrogen and progesterone receptors. If you listen to Dr Gersh talks she says human identical hormones are not carcinogenic . It is possible to develop cancer while on HRT but not because of it . Speculating about a celebrity is not appropriate and interviewing her husband would be an invasion of privacy

@iss8504 Ай бұрын

SS had many cancers incl skin when she was young. Something about her. Highest rate of breast cancer is 70 years and older....20+ years after your estrogen stops.

@jackiegroden416 Ай бұрын

I don’t think her taking hrt contributed to her passing

@faithf5846 24 күн бұрын

Our beautiful Suzanne had a horrible fall a couple years ago. She fell down her deep set stairs broke her neck and shoulder i believe one other area. Shortly before or after that she had a hip replacement. She never really fully recovered from all the surgeries, that is my belief. Yes she also struggled with breast cancer but I don’t believe that is what took her.

@user-zd1rb6hn7d 13 күн бұрын

I am 60 as of today 🎉 i was taking progesterone pill then my doctor placed a IUD and took me offy progesterone pill . The progesterone that is in the iud is Not the same our body needs especially for the brain My fr says i no longer need the progesterone pill! I had brain tumor removed in 2017 and feel that being on the progesterone helped me feel souch better. Thank you for this video and kind information it has helped me so much. Im going to find a dr who will listen and put me nack on progesterone OR if anyone can recommend a progesterone id greatly appreciate it ❤

@ingerlenestordrange219 13 күн бұрын

Happy birthday from Norway!! 🎂💌

@user-zd1rb6hn7d 13 күн бұрын

@ingerlenestordrange219 Awww Thank you so very much 💖 How ironic My great grandparents were from Norway 🫶💖 Your kind message made my heart smile along with making my day 😀 Peaceful day to you ✨️ 🙏 🦋

@MS-sr1fe 2 ай бұрын

If we take it vaginally will we still have the benefits. Ty

@HangPham-ig8xt 2 ай бұрын

Can you also discuss about using IUD for menopause women as a way to take progesterone?

@user-zd1rb6hn7d 13 күн бұрын

Following. My Dr took me off my progesterone pill after I had an IUD placed. my research shows that the progesterone in the Mirena iud is not helping the redtbof our body it is only helping the uterine area. I will be asking my Dr again for progesterone if she says no I will find a Dr that will understand the needs of my body needing progesterone. Fyi.this is the progesterone in my iud ..levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone Basically this synthetic progesterone is The same as the plan B pill that helps a person to abort an unwanted pregnancy.

@carolewren497 23 күн бұрын

You are an excellent educator!

@r-anne7375 3 ай бұрын

I am post menopause, I always feel bloated during the time that I take progesterone. I would love to hear more about how can I take progesterone vaginally so it doesn't go thru my system.

@Aki-wq6xh 3 ай бұрын

Me too. And is that enough to counter the Uteral cancer risk of estrogen

@rd7726 14 күн бұрын

From what I've read, if you're experiencing bloating from it then you're not on a high enough dose.

@basantidevi2305 9 күн бұрын

You're insulin resistant. You must go keto or carnivore. Bloat is the hormonal domino effect that stems from insulin resistance. See Dr. Berg on YT. I use Source Naturals Progesterone and it works very well for me since I'm estrogen dominant which creates IR. I also took Shiitake Mushroom extract and cinnamon. Eat leaner mean and less than 20 grams of carbs. Carbs is what bloat you. Progesterone and low/zero carb will minimize bloat. No need to insert Progesterone vaginally.

@3hotspuds 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Felice. Do testosterone next, please?!

@juliestapleton589 Ай бұрын

Dr Louise Newson, and Newson Health, have several excellent vids on testosterone. 😊

@user-ne6jh8ty1c 13 күн бұрын

Wow thank you for your wisdom and explaining it ❤

@philomenawarburton8332 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much...this is so helpful to me at this time....

@christianaphoumivongdhiman7930 Ай бұрын

Can't thank you enough for all the education 🙏 ❤

@cheryllewis1697 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful! And timely for me. Thank you! 🙏

@londontolaguna361 3 ай бұрын

Thank you Dr gersch for this data driven deep dive into the uses and benefits of progesterone. You are a gem!!!!! 💎

@anne-louisegoldie 3 ай бұрын

The post menopausal women on continuous micronized progesterone are generally advised that we don't need to stop it at all. The leaflet says take it for 25 days each month. Is that actually beneficial then, to have a few days break from progesterone? Even if you're using continuous oestradiol (eg patch)? I'd like to do what's best for my body ( but also don't want to be bleeding if I can help it) 😊xx

@iss8504 Ай бұрын

Dr Gersh believes in cycles ie bleeding

@anne-louisegoldie Ай бұрын

@@iss8504 I'm going to try 5 days off micronized progesterone, I think I can manage a few days of uterine shedding. But let's see. Not sure what to do about the continuous estradiol, I don't want night sweats back (at all). 😊xx

@belonging9200 Ай бұрын

How would You pulse it in a practical way?

@mirandawrites9311 3 ай бұрын

Recently diagnosed with Estrogen positive BC and blood test showed SHBG hormone out of whack high...is there any correlation?

@jaykaira9939 Ай бұрын

Very useful information. Thank you . I am peri-menopause and have uterus, and don’t suffer from hot flashes, only insomnia. Can I take micronised progesterone 100mg (Utrogestan known in uk ) orally every night without estradiol ,Is it okay to take it? Any advise would be great help. Many thanks!!

@jennybadl7840 27 күн бұрын

When I had my cycles, I had PMS and PMDD. Now menopausal, I have progesterone intolerance (Sleepiness, bouts of depression, bloating, constipation and sluggish liver). When I stop taking the progesterone, all of these things disappear. And when I start again, all is coming back. So, I can't take the right dosage of oestrogens because if I don't take enough progesterone I have signs of oestrogens dominance and I not feeling well. I currently take 1/3rd of the oestrogens minimum dosage daily and around 5 mg of progesterone every other day or third day. I feel that this dosage of oestrogens is not enough for me to feeling well (Have a clear mind, energy, sex drive...) Am I doomed to not feeling well and myself the rest of my life? Nobody seems to talk / care about this. I would like to try the cyclic HRT because it makes sense to me but I don't think I could take this form of treatment.

@heatheromalley1590 2 ай бұрын

What is your thinking on a pill like Ginet 35 to help control PCOS and hair growth on the face (and control acne). Is this damaging long term to the person or helpful between the ages of 20-23? What category is cyperotone acetate?

@tesiemarie8942 12 күн бұрын

So, taking progesterone during perimenopause or post menopausal won’t lower your testosterone and estradiol? I had a complete hysterectomy and I’m starting bio progesterone but I don’t want it to deplete my testosterone or estradiol. Thank you so much for the information!

@pennynichols 16 күн бұрын

I don't expect a response from Dr Gersch but maybe someone else could comment. She says in this video when using transdermal progesterone be sure you are getting a uterine response. How would one know this? Blood work? Uterine ultrasound?

@doodieevanshenagan3330 24 күн бұрын

My friend has cysts on ovaries that cause a bit of pain, had them checked out & dr says they are cysts…….will natural progesterone cure these cysts or shrink them.

@pennynichols 17 күн бұрын

In young women you said that in there cycle when the estradiol dros there lining sheds. Yet i understand that in women on hrt when you cycle off the progesterone (as you recommend doing) this causes a bleed which i assume is shedding the lining. Why isnt it recommended for women on Hrt to cycle off the estradiol? To also thin the lining?

@RodeaDrive 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this valuable information. I am late 40ies and in perimenopause. Trying to learn as much as I can about HRT as I am considering starting it both for mitigation of symptoms as well as long term health. Your videos have been an absolute treasure! Would you mind please sharing how best to “pulse” the progesterone? Should I try to time it with my menstrual cycle now? Or should I try to take it 2 weeks out of every 4 weeks?

@FeliceGershMD 2 ай бұрын

My hope is to create a course on use of progesterone.

@RodeaDrive 2 ай бұрын

@@FeliceGershMD That would be very helpful. I would be very much interested in going through such a course. Thank you. 🙏

@Melh05 7 күн бұрын

@felicegershmd I would love to hear more on pulsing progesterone! My OB-GYN has me taking 200 mg daily; Even taking it at night makes me feel groggy part of the day

@paulbarnett7588 16 күн бұрын

The terms "bioidentical progesterone", and "micronize progesterone " are not based on scientific evidence , but are based on marketing strategies of these synthetic hormones in the competing market. What are the size of these synthetic micro hormones in comparison to their receptors?

@rebeccadavis674 12 күн бұрын

I think you are confusing progestin (MPA- medroxyprogesterone acetate ) with real progesterone

@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order 2 ай бұрын

I started the cream a few weeks ago, it's quite miraculous stuff.

@lolasen1206 Ай бұрын

What one works for you? Do you mind sharing?

@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order Ай бұрын

@@lolasen1206 I use Pro-Gest by Emerita, off I-herb.

@thesorensens4849 19 күн бұрын

Can you share which one you use please

@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order 18 күн бұрын

@@thesorensens4849 I can recommend, either Pro-Gest by Emerita, or Platt-Pro, they are both really good. I did buy another brand and I could tell the progesterone didn't absorb at all, so it's good to go with a trustworthy brand.

@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order 18 күн бұрын

@@lolasen1206 Hi, the replies to my comments sometimes switch off for no reason. I have mentioned 2 brands in my comment below.

@anonanonymous1970 3 ай бұрын

What about progesterone intolerance? I'm deficient but have horrible reactions to prometrium, compounded progesterone and prog cream.

@user-xs9835 3 ай бұрын

Do you happen to know what kind of progesteron is better: micronized progesteron or prometrium?

@Faithb73 3 ай бұрын

@@user-xs9835one and the same. Prometrium is just a brand. I have the generic form of micronized progesterone and my insurance covers it. My naturopathic dr prescribed it for me for sleep issues and night sweats and it works.

@Aki-wq6xh 3 ай бұрын

Same question 🙋🏻‍♀️

@lolasen1206 2 ай бұрын

It’s the same. Use cream option.

@RodeaDrive 2 ай бұрын

Prometrium is micronized progesterone.

@cindypickering5708 2 ай бұрын

What is the best way to pulse progesterone? If using cream is it best to do daily for 3 weeks and one week off? Or every other day?

@faithf5846 24 күн бұрын

I heard a doctor once say women that are going through postpartum depression do well when given progesterone.

@GinaR21212 3 күн бұрын

If you're not supposed to have these hormones as you age, why would you supplement them, just accept that you're getting older and live with it!

@neophytewraith Ай бұрын

I have had a radical hysterectomy due to cervical cancer last year. I am on hrt estrodial only. I have purchased progesterone cream and am using this. I do notice I am calmer while using it. Since I am not menstruating and have no uterus, how should I best use this. It is a cream created by doctor Lee. It says for non menstrating women. 25 days of using and than 5 days off. Can I follow this lead or do you recommend sonething else? I am not good with oral progesterone. ( utrogestan 100mg, we do not hae 50 mg in this country) It makes me depressed when i use it 3 days in a row for instance. I had pms in the past. Had symptoms like bloating. Fluid retention. Feeling very sad. Especially irritated at night one to two weeks before menstruation. Acne and everything. Once the menstration came through. I was totally fine again. I do notice I gave to keep the cream also at a relatively small dose ( 20 to 40 miligrams) or I indeed get this hangover feeling. How many days a month should I be using it as a woman who has no ovaries and no uterus? I am 45 years of age btw. Thank you for your video! It's very helpful so far!