Every week, I talk to women who feel totally overwhelmed by all the noise about menopause, midlife, and longevity. There are soooooooo many opinions out there. Some of the messaging is bossy, some fear-based, and a lot of it tells you to take this supplement, try that protocol, or wear some new device, “or else” your body will fall apart.

If your periods have started to feel unpredictable or all over the place in your 40s, it's not just random. It's actually part of the perimenopause transition. There are real physical reasons for this, based on how your hormones interact with each other. Once you understand these patterns, it all starts to make a lot more sense.

Most providers mean well. But when it comes to progesterone, they're often missing a critical piece of the puzzle, one that affects how women feel, how they sleep, how their brains function, and how their bodies age.

We had such a great chat today—thanks to all who joined! Dr. Phyllis Bronson holds a doctorate in biochemistry. Her ongoing research involves studying the biological impact of molecules on mood and emotion. We discussed a wide range of topics, including progesterone sensitivity, transdermal progesterone, the importance of achieving adequate progesterone dosing, and we debunked many of the progesterone myths circulating on social media.Put first paragraph here

No one knows for sure what causes breast cancer to develop, although cancer stem cells (a kind of cell that has nothing to do with estrogen) are thought to play a role. Cancer causes are complex and related to many issues including inflammation, stress, exposure to radiation, viruses, chemicals, and other factors. 

Peptides are rapidly emerging as a major tool for healthy aging. While I’m not a peptide expert, I care deeply about how we can proactively stay healthy, strong, and clear-minded as we age. The core idea here is not just to live longer, but to use targeted therapies—like peptides—to live better by replacing what our bodies lose with age.

If you've ever been told that progesterone “doesn’t matter” unless you have a uterus… or that your symptoms after starting progesterone HRT must mean “your dose is too high”… or that transdermal progesterone doesn’t work—then this article is for you.

If you’ve ever thought about hormone therapy but immediately felt a wave of fear—because you were told it causes cancer—you’re not alone. One of the most common things I hear from women is: “I was told I can’t do hormones because of breast cancer,” Or, “My doctor said hormones are dangerous—especially with my family history.”

Progesterone plays a critical role in balancing estrogen’s effects on the uterine lining. In a normal menstrual cycle: Estrogen builds up the uterine lining (called the proliferative endometrium). Progesterone comes in after ovulation and stabilizes and matures that lining, converting it into a secretory endometrium—a plush, nutrient-rich environment ready for a fertilized egg to implant.

You’ve probably heard people talk about estrogen like it’s either the hero or the villain when it comes to women’s health, especially breast cancer. The truth is, this area of women’s health is full of complexity, outdated research, and evolving science. But it’s also important. Because the way your body breaks down estrogen—your estrogen metabolism—can influence everything from mood and energy to long-term risks like breast cancer.

80% of women will experience hot flashes, flushing, and night sweats as they transition through the menopausal years. The medical community refers to these symptoms as vasomotor symptoms or VMS.  The hypothalamus triggers hot flashes and night sweats in the brain to release heat built up in the body in response to a surge of adrenaline, one of our stress hormones.  While the sudden drop in estrogen is thought to be the primary trigger of the cascade that causes a hot flash, high cortisol, low cortisol, low progesterone, or low serotonin can also be drivers for hot flashes.  

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone modulate different aspects of brain function through several pathways initiated ONLY after hormones bind to receptors on our brain cells.

I'm often asked whether nonhormonal remedies are an effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women transitioning from perimenopause to menopause (and beyond).

Weight changes in perimenopause and menopause are common and the result of several factors

Chances are, if you’re in your perimenopausal or menopausal years, you’ve had your fair share of sleepless nights. I know I have. And most of my clients and patients have too.  Sleep is critical for hormone balance. Hormones are made when we sleep.  Hormones are detoxified when we sleep. Sleep affects ALL of our hormones, so we need to prioritize a good night’s sleep. 

If you’ve managed to make it through most of your adult years with regular, “normal” periods but now suddenly find yourself with heavy or irregular bleeding, it can be rather alarming.