Beyond Reproduction: The Broader Health Impacts of Estrogen and Progesterone | Dr. Jerilynn Prior
Manage episode 431450020 series 3589554
Originally Published October 25, 2021.
Inspired by an upcoming episode with Dr Prior about perimenopause, specifically, I thought it important to revisit the need to understand the important roles of BOTH estrogen AND progesterone.
We’ve all been told about the powerful effects of estrogen on a woman’s reproductive cycle. But more people are now learning that progesterone is equally as important. With so much research and discussion regarding hormone imbalances in women today, experts confirm that these two female sex hormones are critical to more than just sex and pregnancy— they’re vital to every woman’s health.
In this episode, Dr. Jerilynn Prior of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) shares essential information about the roles that estrogen and progesterone play in not only ovulation but basic health. She explains why hormone imbalance is so important to confront, and how hormones impact overall wellness from heart health to bone health to mood. She offers some insight into how women’s hormones change throughout various stages of life, from puberty to menopause.
Discussed in this episode:
- The difference between estrogen and progesterone
- Understanding estrogen vs progesterone in the menstrual cycle
- The role of estrogen and progesterone in bone health, breast and endometrial cancer risk, fertility, weight, and heart health
- Why balancing hormones in women is so important (regardless of whether or not you want to get pregnant!)
- Clearing up confusion on the common question: does stress impact fertility?
- Why it’s hard for women to be aware of some of this research
- How your hormone balance is defined at different ages and stages of life
“It’s important to be aware of your reproductive cycle because it’s such a key indicator of optimal health overall. It’s also important to know because if you want to have a child one day, you need to ovulate normally. Having ‘regular cycles’ is not sufficient.” - Dr. Jerilynn Prior
Related to this episode:
- CeMCOR website: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research
- Sign up for the CeMCOR Newsletter for the latest on women’s health
- Learn more about your Hormones and Menstrual Cycle
- Dr. Jerilynn Prior’s book: Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause
- Recommended book: Period Repair Manual
- Recommended book: Hormone Repair Manual
- Recommended book: Sex Matters
- More on ovulation: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle
If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
- Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
- Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
- Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
- Engage with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
- Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
- Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.
Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!
Speaker Bio
Dr. Jerilynn Prior is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years of experience in women’s health. She specializes in women’s hormones and peri/menopause treatments. Read more in her book, Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause
**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**
**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
47 episodios