My peri has been brutal, it slapped me out of nowhere last year, im 46, soon to be 47. My anxiety and deoression along with insomnia being my worst symptoms. ..brain fog too. I felt like i was dying.. was going to start HRT, now considering just taking the 100mg prometrium cyclically.... ive noticed its way worse the week before and 4-5 days into my cycle. I can barely function. I went from being super active , to just existing, i hate this! What i hate even more is how LITTLE drs know about this subject!!!! So thank you for this video!!
@Angel-qf6if Thanks for watching. So sorry that perimenopause has been so rough. Progesterone is a miracle for sleep for the vast majority of women. I’m posting another video next Tuesday about insomnia, brain fog, and progesterone. Subscribe to get notified.
@SimpleHormones what I'm confused about is why is it recommended to take progesterone day 14-28, isn't that when progesterone is the highest? Won't it make anxiety abd depression worse? Ty for your help with this, Mr dr is clueles
@@Angel-qf6if The idea of taking progesterone days 14-28 is about mimicking the normal “Luteal Phase” of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is normally at its highest during the second half of the cycle, after ovulation around day 14. During perimenopause, ovulation starts happening sporadically and much less often, which leads to low progesterone during the luteal phase. Adding progesterone back during the second half (luteal phase) brings hormone levels closer to what they were before perimenopause. For most women, that helps with mood issues, anxiety, and sleep.
@@Angel-qf6if If insomnia is a problem for the whole month and not just days 14-28, some providers will have you take progesterone every night. Neither approach is right or wrong. Progesterone is a very safe hormone and most (but not all) women do great with it.
@SimpleHormones I was worried about overloading my progesterone, seeing I still have my periods. They seem to come a few days later each month, but they're still there... thank you for replying😊
Perimenopause and menopause totally sucks for many women. Don't put off seeking help if you become uncomfortable because it only gets worse from there on.
Currently, I am suffering from premenopausal symptoms that torment me every day. It has been tormenting me for almost three months now, Every day I lose all my energy and I can't go to work, I have insomnia, I'm depressed, I have no energy left to do anything in life, I have to fight with it every day and felt so exhausted, I thought I was going to die. I cried to my gynecologist and begged her to save me during this time. After all the urine and blood tests and all the other examinations, finally my gynecologist I also said I'm in pre-menopause, Finally she decided to give me Hormone therapy (estrogen patch) and progesterone pills, I just started using it 2 days ago, I hope these will help let me get well and have my life return to normal, I really never thought that premenopausal symptoms could be so terrible.
I have some of these symptoms too, such as not being able to easily leave the house and just wanting to hide plus many more, no one talks about this, it’s all about hot flashes which I do not have. Started HRT now and I hope this will make me feel more like myself again
@@greenteenguyen4998 How are you doing currently? I could have written your post. Your journey is exactly mine as well. Menopause is profoundly difficult for some women. I know many who didn't suffer from it. They are the fortunate ones! I am surprised that I have had much improved days (and even weeks!), in this past year. Please hold hope. I was convinced I'd not feel well again in any way (ever).
@@mlbrown1068 It's true. The symptoms are so many, so complex, and so very difficult to experience. How are you doing? * reading other women's TH-cam comments (and other sites), helped me navigate this unreal challenge in life! So helpful.
Wow! This is such great information. These gynecologists are so uneducated about helping patients with menopause. They are clueless. They don't get any education about it in med school. I've learned a lot on my own from doctors online who specialize in women's hormones.Because of what I learned, I literally told my doctor that I need micronoized progesterone oral caps at 100 mg. I'm 52 and still cycling regularly but have had insomnia and brain fog. Plus super heavy cycles. All indicators of low progesterone. I'm following you because you know what you are talking about. Keep up the great work. Plus women need to know that bone loss will happen if they don't replace their estrogen in menopause. Exercise and diet are not enough. Bone density is very dependent on estrogen!
Wow! You are absolutely right that . . . "women need to know that bone loss will happen if they don't replace their estrogen . . . Exercise and diet are not enough." That makes me think about making a video specifically about osteoporosis. Thanks!
Also, good for you for asking for progesterone. It's the single most effective treatment for menopausal (or perimenopausal) insomnia and brain fog. I'm 100% convinced that brain fog is rooted in sleep deprivation. There may be other brain issues going on, which progesterone will also help, but sleep is the biggest problem.
One more thing. I know some amazing OB/GYNs, 1 in St. Louis, 1 in Oklahoma, 1 in Ohio, and 1 in Florida who aren’t at all clueless about hormone optimization. There are good ones out there who have been well-trained.
@@SimpleHormones Thank you for your replies. I live in Las Vegas and I've been to 3 different gynos in the last 6 years and have either gotten wrong information or no information. There is a retired gynecologist here on TH-cam, Menopause Taylor, who offers consults. I've learned so much from her. People like you and her are literally saving women from a low quality of life. It's a topic that has been overlooked and women are suffering when they don't have to be.
@@SimpleHormones where do I get bio identical estradiol patches? And testosterone cream or patches…My family doc is super nice , he can write me a prescription and I can find a compounding pharmacy….but he needs to know what prescription to write…I orders bio identical progesterone spray from dr in the states…
I started perimenopause symptoms at 35. Im almost 38 now and started progesterone 8 months ago and testosterone 2 months ago. Both are helping so much!
So far the best explanation from someone qualified, far more simple and easy to digest than all of the other MD/ menopause experts” videos I’ve watched.. thanks for enlightening us!
Yes it snuck up on me at 50 and I literally thought I needed to be in a white padded room. Now that I know what's going on with my body, it's easier to deal with, however the mood swings, insomnia, brain fog, and hot flashes are my personal challenges. Thanks for the video!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment. Here’s another video that talks more specifically about menopause symptoms and the best way to treat them. th-cam.com/video/HZCd1gD0HrI/w-d-xo.html
Horrendous insomnia, no memory, utter exhaustion, and moods I’ve never had previously is my challenge (HELL?) as well. Who knew it could possibly be this awful.
Hello,Doctor Interesting information I started my HRT at the time of my Peri Menopause aged 39 It is marvelous No regrets No side effects New Subscriber here from Amman Jordan Middle East
Elizabeth - Thanks for watching. So glad you’re doing well with your hormones. That’s exactly the story I’m trying to tell: “Optimal hormones will help you feel like yourself again, eliminate your symptoms, and protect you from long-term health risks. There’s no need to be afraid of hormones - your body has made them for decades and still needs them.”
You are extremely lucky because I am 45 and I am going through perimenopause and I feel like nobody is listening to me. I have not found any information about taking hrt during perimenopause and I don't know what to do?
I was told I was too young to be in peri menopause. 3 different doctors completely shrug off all my symptoms just because of my age (39) So frustrating!
I recently came upon a Hormone video that explained Pre Peri -Post menopause terms. Pre: Puberty to Peri. Peri: start of menopausal symptoms to end of 12 months of no cycle. Menopause: Day of the 12th month of no periods (just 1 day) Post menopause: Ever After 12 months of no period. Sorry can’t remember by whom the video was.
So useful. I haven't found anything as comprehensive on the fluctuation of hormones in perimenopause. The graphs really help to understand precisely the changes that are happening. Thanks so much. I'd really be interested to see a graph of the hormone changes during a month. I only get hit with issues of perimenopause when my period is due but doesn't actually appear - all other days of the month I'm completely fine with only very very minor signs of perimenopause.
This is so detailed and helpful! I think every woman needs to know this information because we all eventually go through this. I’m sharing with my friends! 😊
My peri slapped hard at age 38. And many woman actually start from age 35 in our online community. Many of us find relieve from natural usp progesterone as per Dr John Lee.
I tried so hard to find out exactly what was happening to me. I knew for sure it was a hormonal imbalance due to my symptoms but after reading so many books, looking at youtube videos etc I could not find anywhere a simple and clear explanation what happens to womens hormones in their mid 40s. Everyone has so many suggestions but before deciding what to do about it I really needed to understand what exactly is happening at this age. I also keept wondering what happens to the hormones after menopause since nobody talks about that, I even even wondered if the imbalance was going to last for ever. I cannot thank you enough. Do you have any places you would recommend in Los Angeles? Thanks again for giving me hope and clarity and for the awesome graphs.
Cecilia - thanks for the comment. I’m glad this video has been helpful. No guarantee but I may know some providers near you who have a lot of experience with perimenopause. Send an email to contact@simplehormones.com with your ZIP code and the name of the town where you live. I’ll check my database to see who I can recommend. I know hundreds of hormone optimization physicians, nurse practitioners, and PAs all over the US. Quite a few I know personally and others by reputation.
How desperately unfortunate that progesterone (even the micronized “bio” Prometrium), doesn’t help some of us. Zero help with my severe insomnia and causes depression I never had previously. Menopause has dismantled my entire life. COMPLETELY. I’ve had 53 years of difficulty in my female body. But lots of women do right? But never ever did I think that sleeping 30-60 minutes PER night for 6+ years would be my fate. Yes, it causes me hallucinating regularly. After seeing 24 doctors, endocrinologists, and even Cleveland Clinic and Harvard trained menopause specialists, I’ve given up. I use full hormone replacement therapy ( it helps me be 2% better…sometimes). I say all this so someone out there may know she’s not alone if her menopause is the top 10% of severely debilitating.
@@Aurla-R2-D2 Thanks for asking! Thoughtful! ☺️ I'm actually doing better, but in a totally different way. Really hard to explain what I mean by that. I think my experience with menopause really rewired my brain, and gave me a totally different body and physiology. I don't recall how I used to feel.
@@Aurla-R2-D2 And I am getting some amount of sleep....extreme insomnia is something that truly is a torture for all who experience it. It's mind blowing how much suffering it causes so many people.
@@pilarboutte392 ~ I'm so glad to hear that you are doing better now! Thank goodness! What did you do to improve your sleep / hormones and health? I'm 47, and I've had incredibly severe insomnia every night, ever since I was about 2 years old. I can barely function at all. I'm terrified that my insomnia will worsen as my hormones drop.
I'm nearly 53, have zero perimenopause symptoms, and get my menses every month, like normal. I'm considering doing bhrt to get ahead of my change, and beginning to research, which is how I found you. Thank you for this information!
Krissy - Thanks for watching. I love reading that you're wanting to get ahead on research for BHRT. The fact that you're doing well without symptoms tells me you may not need any hormone replacement (even progesterone) right now. But you're headed for menopause pretty soon, since the average age is 51. Once you do go into menopause, a hormone optimization provider will check your estradiol and progesterone levels, along with other hormones like testosterone and DHEA. They'll look to keep those levels optimal and to keep an eye on a number of symptoms and labs to make sure you stay healthy for the long haul. My contention is that women who sail through menopause without any problems are the unlucky ones - because they're not aware of the long-term health risks caused by low estradiol and progesterone. Women who suffer from severe symptoms are the ones who are motivated to do something about them. Whether you end up having severe symptoms or not, you're already ahead of other women in recognizing what's going on (or what's going to go on) and the potential symptoms and risks menopause can bring.
I hope you check out Menopause Taylor channel. HRT is so important for woman’s health in the second half of their lives. There are so many fears produced by inaccurate media reporting to boost media income. Menopause is not healthy for women. Human life expectancy was not above 50 years anytime in history before 1900s. As we live way past 50 we need to replace the estrogen deficiency with HRT for our long term health.
That's absolute nonsense. Loads of people lived to their late 60s 70s/80s in the 19th century. Just go into an old graveyard and have a look. The high death rare was down to infant mortality and childbirth complications. And if people lived in squalor and worked to death. The rich(parasites)always feed on the poor. It's still the same today.
Very grateful for having your expertise available on TH-cam. You explain perimenopause so well and I really appreciate the way in which you explain the use of HRT as well as its benefits. I am particularly interested on more information on the use of HRT for women like me who have been diagnosed with stage 4 Endometriosis in 2010 when I had a laparoscopy. I had big part of my adhesions removed. Now at 53 and going through perimenopause I would like to consider taking HRT. I have had all kinds of perimenopause symptoms which have been managed to some extend with supplements and herbs however, I feel it could be beneficial to start taking HRT. Any suggestions on HRT for women with Endometriosis and how to approach my GP on my upcoming appointment on Oct. 12. Thank you so much for the great job you are doing!
This is the best talk I have seen. You go right to the point. I love the graphs as they help one visualize the hormone patterns. One comment I can add is some women have stated that they felt even better when they had a little bit of testosterone added to their HRT. I presume that can go a bit too low as well but many women are not tested for low testosterone.
Absolutely true! Testosterone is definitely one of the hormones women need to have optimized. It helps with libido, muscle strength, fatigue, and helps prevent or reverse osteoporosis.
DHEA is another hormone that I recommend you optimize using an OTC oral capsule. DHEA in a vaginal cream form has been shown to be effective at relieving vaginal dryness and painful intimacy due to menopause. My experience with DHEA as a transdermal cream is that it's pretty difficult for pharmacies to compound and it's not very well absorbed through the skin. I would NOT recommend the cream, except for vaginal use. My experience and the studies are mixed about DHEA increasing libido or testosterone. The vaginal cream supposedly has some ability to increase libido, but the oral capsules don't. DHEA could theoretically increase testosterone, since they're chemically quite close to each other. But sadly, it doesn't seem to work very well at raising testosterone.
I just stumbled across your video and like other people am so encouraged by how thorough yet easy to understand this presentation is. Hormones have always been such a mystery to me. I will be 51 next week and I have been wondering why I am so absolutely EXHAUSTED all the time. I don't believe I sleep well I do toss and turn a lot. I am reaching out on the off chance you might know someone good in the central CA area I can seek for guidance about my hormones? My Dr. ignores everything I say and it's incredibly frustrating which is why I hardly ever go. I just want motivation back and to have some energy again. I appreciate any help you can offer. Please keep these videos coming. I'm so grateful I can have more understanding about what's happening to me. I too have felt like I'm losing it. Thank you again.
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
This video was so clearly explained- thank you. So many resources give the impression it will be very difficult to get treatment and that finding the right treatments isn’t well understood. This video gives me hope and confidence that YES there are well understood treatments available. Great video
Thank you very much for your work! Best explanation I have found so far for what’s going on with hormones around the perimenopause time. Simple and to the point.
I am a board certified gynecologist and I really enjoy your videos. I am a huge fan of progesterone in the perimenopause since so many women have sleep and anxiety issues in perimenopause. However, you mention the large fluctuations in estradiol and progesterone, and yet you also recommend serum testing. I discourage testing with a few exceptions, because testing at one point in time, or even a few points in the cycle, does not accurately reflect the whole picture. I would be interested in when you recommend testing--day 3? Day 21? Also, despite estrogen dominance, I often find that adding estradiol can help with vasomotor symptoms in perimenopause, but I would love to know your thoughts on which dosage is high enough to suppress endogenous estradiol. Thank you for making these videos!
Hi hope you don’t mind I ask you about progesterone I tried utrogestan 200 vaginally and rectally and was always very bloated to the point I couldn’t sleep and wanted to ask you which type of progesterone will I be able to tolerate and thank you 🙏
Since estrogen is typically the highest at day 12 to 13 of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women-wouldn’t it make sense to start there as baseline? If it’s showing lower levels than baseline on an annual test, then couldn’t it help the doctor know that a patient is moving into perimenopause? (Pre-menopausal and PERI-menopausal are different phases from what I’ve read)
I feel like there's just not very good information on menopause at all. I feel like I should be doing something or taking something. But broaching the subject with other women my age it's like your hushed. This is definitely the most easy to digest TH-cam video on the topic that I was able to find.
1:19 my symptoms: 20 lb weight gain in six months without diet or exercise change, anxiety, depression, adrenal surges, insomnia, hair loss, itchy skin, water retention even though I’m well hydrated, flat stomach to poochy stomach, nausea, sore boobs for weeks, acne at 49. I have ovaries but no uterus so I don’t know if I need estradiol only or progesterone or what. I was prescribed both but I’m not feeling better. I hope you have answers in your video 😢 2:15 Night sweats and feeling like I’m being cooked in a microwave. I forgot about those. I weighed 125lb in March and it’s Sept and I’m 148lb
@@R.N.LosAngeles Ok, you've described my experience EXACTLY. You have sisters in arms. And you have many of us out there who empathize wholly. Only detail compared to my symptoms is, I gained 60 lbs in 5 months. Please hold on to hope. This journey can eventually do a huge shift and majorly improve. * progesterone of no help in my case (protects my uterus only) estradiol and TESTOSTERONE....absolutely.
@@pilarboutte392 I’m fortunate that my testosterone is pretty steady. I have almost no progesterone (0.1 from LabCorp). With the 0.05mg estradiol patch my level is in the 30s so I asked to go up to 0.075mg patch. I’m lifting weights four times a week and I’m starting to see very slow progress, but it’s progress. I wish my mom talked to me about this crud. I had no idea what was happening to me. I tell my daughter all about it so she won’t feel like she’s losing her mind.
Amazing!!!!!! POrtugal here! I´m taking recently progesteron bio! I´d like to know that sooner, i´m 52 and suufer with endometriosis, and last week i went to the gino and she wants to prescribe Ac, because she said i´m not in menopause! And leveles were ok..no they weren`t ! Thank you!!
This was great! Any tips for women in late thirties goes through much longer periods between cycles and hot flashes? Seems young, maybe POI. Have you don’t on this? Premature menopause is increasingly common
Wow! I am thankful to have found this video. Great information! I’m in the peri menopause stage and trying to learn and understand what is happening to my body! I will be subscribing to this channel and listening to your videos! I will check out your website also! Thank you!
Hello! If your periods are no longer regular or you missed periods altogether, how do you know when to take the progesterone since you won’t know when day 14 to 28 is? At that point is it suggested to take it every day? Thank you!
Great simple explanation so far. I learnt a lot watching your videos than actually seeing specialists in Australia. I am not sure if we have any hormone optimisation specialist in Australia. Would it be another title for them, such us endocrinologist?
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
Thank you. A very informative. My changing hormones gave me benign arrythmias, sleep and mood issues, then 2 years later, I developed fissuring, even though my période was regular. The doctor prescribed Premarin externally but that caused so many side effects. It made my period stop, made my mood worst, gave me night sweets, headaches and caused my heart to pound and gave me more sleep issues, and it did nothing to the fissuring. Listening to this, I think my doctor should have tested my hormones before giving me Premarin.
I would agree with your assessment. I would add that Premarin® may not be the best option, since it comes from horse urine and is chock full of contaminants that no one knows what they do. My biggest suggestion is to have all your hormones optimized by a healthcare practitioner who really knows what they're doing - testing levels, increasing some, leaving others the same, decreasing some if necessary. It's all about getting all your hormones not too high, not too low, but JUST RIGHT.
I have ound you folks in the business of compounding are the smartest kids on the block!!!! my life has been so difficult due to doctors who have nothing but some chart that puts us all in a very small box!!!!
Kim - thanks for watching. Glad you found it helpful. I would encourage you not to be afraid of perimenopause or migraines. Do what you can to take control of your health, especially as you get closer to menopause.
This did NOT match my experience. Taking Progesterone alone did NOTHING for my hot flashes...which seem to be caused by low estrogen no? and made me so fatigued and depressed I questioned whether that quality of life was worth living. It was horrible. I added testosterone and that gave me enough of a little boost to make it possible to live, but only adding estrogen really helped to where I could feel stable and have access to happiness. That is my experience. And yes, in perimenopause my estrogen was not stable...it was up and down, but its wayyy more tolerable to have occasional high estrogen symptoms than low ones. I mean look at the list. The main thing that makes womens quality of life tank is the damn hot flashes. not to mention the rest. I did not get many high symptoms. No breast tenderness (which is not a big deal anyway) I think I got like a couple headaches...no big deal I took pain killers and waited it out. I personally find since it is the estrogen tanking that causes the most negative impact to quality of life, that is the important one to replace. Of course it makes sense to add the other two too for various reasons. But I would not leave the estrogen out. Its the most important IMO
According to other menopausal experts who are actual medical doctors or gynecologists you are correct. Menopause Barbie is my favorite. I took HRT that included estrogen during peri-menopause and it really helped me. I thought I was loosing my mind and even started on depression meds before I found out my hormones were all over the place. After starting HRT life when back to normal until a few years later when I was diagnosed with Graves disease. I'm so glad I was already on HRT because I could have suffered some severe bone loss due to Graves but HRT helped slow that down. Anyhow I'm in remission for Graves and hoping to stay that way. I'm staying on HRT as long as possible too. I would prefer to not get osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's, All are high risk diseases one could get from estrogen deficiency.
THANK YOU! Ona's natural progesterone cream is a life saver for me age 50. THanks for debunking the myth that we all need extra estrogen, as if we don't get enough xenoestrogens from the environment anyway....
Great news that progesterone seems to be helping you. As for estrogen, I do agree that xenoestrogens are an issue . . . But after menopause, your estrogen levels will go to (almost) ZERO. At that time, xenoestrogens are a tiny drop in the bucket and won't help you with post-menopausal symptoms (like weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, mood swings, heart palpitations . . . and dozens of others) at all. I strongly advocate getting ALL your hormones optimized after menopause, including both progesterone and estradiol, among others.
This is so well articulated and easy to follow, thank you! My functional Med doc has put me on oral progesterone to help with frequent bleeding (every 2 weeks) but it’s been about a year and I still don’t see any improvement. I want to see this work but it doesn’t seem likely. My obgyn just said maybe try going off the progesterone to see if it improves. He said there are some changes in the uterine cells based on biopsy and maybe that is caused by the progesterone? I’m so confused cause 1st he said maybe I need to go on progesterone to fix the issue then when I told him I have been on it for that very purpose he said maybe go off. He suggested an IUD but I’ve had 2 before and didn’t love them plus no longer need for the birth control piece. I’m almost 45 but have been dealing with these frequent periods, along with all the cramps, breast tenderness, for about 18months or so. Love how well I sleep on the progesterone but as of now I’m supposed to stop taking it as soon as I see blood so I only end up getting to take it every other week. So appreciate you’re wisdom and generous gift of time!
@Kate Bruno I have been having the same issue. For about 6 months my cycle starts every 21 days and once after 13 days. My doc put me on bio identical progesterone from a compounding pharmacy. So far it’s kind of working after only 30 days no period. I’m on 200mg a night plus a 25mg cream during the day. Which progesterone were you prescribed?
@@muse3241 very good to hear you've had some success! I don't think the one I am on is compounded as I get it from CVS and she has me taking 800mg per night 24 hours after last blood (so literally as soon as my period stops) each night. I tried a cream for a while in conjunction cause she thought maybe my gut was having malabsorption of the pills but that didn't change anything for me.
Help Steve, my Gyn, told me that after having a hysterectomy, I will not need to take progesterone anymore. How will I be supposed to sleep? For decades, I have been unable to sleep for more than two or three hours at a stretch, so being able to sleep after taking oral progesterone, was truly heavenly. Now I have a Merina IUD, which is obviously going to be tossed out with the 'bath water' when my uterus disappears. Now what? What did I do before I found your site? Coming here is so helpful and informative!
Thanks for the great explanation. I'm sure I'm in the late stage of perimenopause but have all the symptoms of menopause it seems. Do you know a center in the Northern VA area?
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
I love your videos, but premenopause is not the same as perimenopause. Premenopause is the time between a woman's first period and the onset of perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transition phase into menopause. Also, almost all menopause specialists explain that it's pointless to test a woman's hormone levels during perimenopause because the levels are fluctuating so hugely and so frequently. All best wishes
Thanks for a great info. Do yo know what causes sudden explosion on facial hair growth (it's soft, blonde but still, it came out of blue)? I checked my hormones and they all seem to be on a lower side except DHEA at 327. I was on DIM for at least two years due to really bad symptoms of estrogen dominance. My Dr. said to just start using progesterone cream but I am not sure that will fix the issues with facial hair. Thank you!
DHEA can increase hair growth in women and 327 is a little high. The most common cause of unwanted hair growth in women under 50 is insulin resistance, which increases testosterone levels.
Thank you Sir for the educational video. Following my DUTCH test, I've learned I'm low estrogen, ok with rest of hormones. I'm 48 with clockwork 25 day cycle, no hot flashes, but do experience recent weight gain in the belly, bloating, mood swings and brain fog. Not sure if I should take bio identical estrogen/ progesterone, or try natural approaches first? So scared as I'm so sensitive to hormones! Cholesterol, thyroid, blood sugars all normal.
Sounds like you're in pretty good shape for the moment. Most of the providers I work with (just talked to one an hour ago) are hesitant to prescribe estradiol before a woman is fully in menopause. As long as you're still having regular cycles, you can probably wait it out until you've gone 1 full year without one. Then a hormone specialist would take a close look at estradiol, along with progesterone and other hormones.
Thank you for the awesome charts and very clear explanations! I appreciate all of your knowledge and videos. Thank you for caring! ❤️ I used to say I DO NOT want to listen to a man tell me anything about perimenopause or menopause. 😂 But I made an exception for you!
Thank you for saying that. Being a man is definitely a barrier for me in talking with women about hormones. Trying to maintain a sense of empathy and understanding, as much as a man can have.
You explained this very good .. Now I know why I been struggling for the past few years.. I cant swallow pills is there any options for people who can't swallow pills? And what about if I couldn't take birth controls cause they all made me not feel well evwn the lower dose ones.. Will I be able to take HRT?
This information was such a huge help. I'm on BHRT for both estradiol and progesterone. But DUTCH Complete results show I'm Estrogen dominant, have "bad estrogen", very low progesterone, very low DHEA, and extremely low testosterone. I was advised to keep up with estradiol, try 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, add DIM Detox and 25 mg DHEA. Progesterone was increased to 150 mg orally (to help with sleep as I was barely on the chart for melatonin). I've been wondering what the point of even using E2 and E3 is if I'm already close to off to off chart (E1 is high too)? It makes more sense to me to continue with the DIM Detox, leave progesterone where it was at 75 mg orally, OR drop the progesterone to try Chaste Tree Berry or pregnenolone. Doesn't pregnenolone help increase progesterone, DHEA and testosterone? It also appears that my body may not be processing/detoxing properly.
Stephanie - Hey thanks for watching! From what you’re describing, it looks like your doctor is on the right track. I like the DUTCH test a lot. DIM is a great option if DUTCH shows you’re metabolizing estradiol down the wrong way. More progesterone is a great call and ORAL progesterone is best. My only concern is that you’re taking estradiol and may not need it. You didn’t say whether you’re in perimenopause (still menstruating) but I would assume you are because your levels are high. The providers I work with will generally steer away from estradiol before menopause for exactly what you’re experiencing.
@@SimpleHormones Thanks Steve! Correct, I'm perimenopause! This is all relatively new to me. I started having hot flashes that suddenly increased to multiple times a day and night last fall at age 46. PMS, which was new to me, had been increasing for a year or more before that. Then irregular or even skipped periods. And the mood swings and insomnia. Dr kept telling me I'm too young to have these issues, I'm still "technically" within normal ranges for cycle schedule, and the best they could do was put me on the pill, or I could try a Naturopath. I decided I'd try to figure it out on my own and find a Naturopath. I started off taking Amberen Peri which actually worked for hot flashes and helped with pms/irregular cycle, but I learned it has MSG and wasn't sure how I felt about that long term. Then tried Estroven Peri with black cohosh and soy isoflavones, which stopped the hot flashes too, but I couldn't get past the idea of soy isoflavones long term either. I was still suffering from insomnia mood swings and fatigue also. I was under A LOT of stress in my personal life too. Then starting in Jan I went through a series of crisis back to back that pushed me over the edge. My system crashed. Major fatigue, insomnia, then crash and sleep up to 15 hrs and still not feel rested, then back to insomnia. Lack of appetite. Major brain fog, irritability, short fuse, zero tolerance for people, drama, noise....the list goes on. I believed it was extreme adrenal fatigue. When I finally got in to see a Naturopath I was in such bad shape I literally could not fill out the intake forms because I could. not. think. I was embarrassed and an emotional wreck. Turns out I had a fever and low blood pressure too. Which had actually been going on for me off and on for 2-3 years already. I had no idea at that point that I had a fever. She usually tests first, but I was in such distress and in need of immediate intervention so she prescribed vag Estradiol and oral progesterone through a compounding pharmacy, and sent me home with Endocrine, B-vitamins, multivitamin, and the magnesium for the brain, can't remember what it's called ironically. Since then I've had the DUTCH Complete test done (as I mentioned previously) which was really confusing to me since it shows my cortisol is pretty normal, but my system leans towards cortisone. I have no idea what all that means even after watching the videos on Precision Analytics explaining it. I'm stuck on the idea I'm suffering from adrenal fatigue because I have so many of the symptoms; fatigue, insomnia, depression, irritability, easily overwhelmed by simple things, muscle weakness, shortness of breathe, a kind of gasping for air I've adopted through out the day, "heavy" legs, weak arms, lower/middle back pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, get full quick, I've lost 15 lbs that I did not need to lose (normally 135 down to 115, I'm 5'7), low blood pressure, light headed upon standing, my pupils pulse within 2 seconds of light test and can't hold steady at all during 1 minute test, the skin stays white for 20-30 seconds before turning red (if it does at all) doing the scratch test multiple times, can't hold breath longer than 29 sec. But my free cortisol and cortisone are in normal range. I don't get it. So the most obvious issue to me is what I mentioned in my previous message. High Estrogen, and continuing to use estradiol. It just doesn't make sense to me. Sorry I geeked out on this. I'm just anxious to get to the bottom of this and really grateful to find you. Thank you for you sharing your knowledge and expertise on this topic. I've been hearing some scary things about using even micronized hormones and it got me searching for the truth, while wondering if I should stop using it and try herbs and supplements instead. I've signed up to your email list on your website, thank you for taking the time to chat with me.
Bioidentical hormones are worthless for anything but preventing hot flashes. You need to learn a lot more. These people are happily taking your money and keeping you confused and distracted with worthless lab tests. How do you feel? Are you functioning? That is what matters.
Saniya - So sorry you've had to face early menopause. Hysterectomy is a difficult thing both physically and emotionally. I've been planning to create some videos about that topic. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much doctor you have answered my theory , I am56 still peri menopausal yep lol , periods are now every 3 to 4 months apart ,, I have gad fibro cystic breast syndrome for years , I started to her hot flashes so my doctor put me on estrogen and progesterone but the estrogen makes my flashes worse 7 a night and 8 a day yes I know phew ,, I really think I’m estrogen dominance,, I’ll ask for my hormones to be tested
There is no such thing as astro dominance. The filt in your body has to get out..your gut or liver aren't working well to get all the poison that we get in or body's out!..look up fFelice Gersh on this topic of misunderstanding astrogen dominance
I'm 39 and recently placed on E2/Progesterone cream therapy. I feel much more energized but my periods and PMS seem to be exacerbated. Terrible breast pain, cramping, and nausea.
Sounds like perimenopause for sure. If you're in the US or Canada, I would recommend looking for a perimenopause specialist who knows how to manage those hormones and get them optimized. simplehormones.com/referral
Hello, im 42 and have regular periods my whole life. 3 months ago I started having hot flashes and missed 3 periods as well. Still haven't started. Previously, my periods were becoming irregular. I would sometimes have 2 periods in 1 month. I saw my gyn and had biopsy, and ultrasounds. Everything was perfect. I've been vegan for 13 years and eat very healthy and am at a healthy weight. I fear HRT as i.wpuld like to transition naturally. However, I'm concerned of negative diseases due to lack of estrogen. I would really appreciate your opinion. Thank you kindly 🙂
Sounds like your ovaries are starting to sputter and produce less estradiol. You’re a little young for that but it’s definitely not unusual. I would tell you not to be afraid of HRT as long as you get the right hormones at just right levels. That’s the very best way to transition “naturally.” It’s also the best way to protect yourself from long-term health risks, like diabetes, osteoporosis. Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
@Simple Hormones ok thank you! I will say around that time I started Intermittent fasting for health and still am. I wonder if this could play a part as well? I eat low fat whole food plant based diet and exercise on power plate (vibration therapy), which is also great for bone density.
Being vegan doesn’t mean you’re healthier. And 42 is young to start skipping periods. I’m 45, eat 80-100 grams of animal protein daily and still and have always had a regular period. I would carefully consider whether being vegan might be the reason you’re already skipping periods.
Thanks for this video, so so helpful. But I have a question: if one's in perimenopause and experiencing long and unpredictable intervals between periods/menstruation (of up to 5-6 months), how can progesterone be taken without disrupting cycles when they happen? I've read that there are two ways of taking it, and than one of them leads to the absence of menstruation, which I think it's not very natural if one's still cycling, even if at unpredictable times.
@corinas.harvik6404 That’s a great question. Progesterone is usually given for a 10 day cycle in perimenopause. At the right dose, progesterone will suppress menstrual periods. But when the 10 days are over and progesterone levels drop, that usually triggers a period. It’s possible to regulate periods, at least to some extent, with progesterone. You’re correct in thinking that continuous progesterone will suppress periods so you don’t have any. Neither way is right or wrong, but most providers prefer cyclical progesterone during perimenopause.
I noticed my symptoms around my late 50s I have no night sweats no hot flashes. In my mid 40 my libido was low . Mid to late 50 really low when I hit 56 /57 my mental health was crazy. Anxiety depression off the charts. So now I just started HRT and I just turned 60 in November. Do you think HRT is safe for me . 🤷🏻♀️
I just started taking Estroiol and Progesterone and I have Cystic Fibrosis diabetes. I lift heavy weights 5x a week and do daily walks and 5x a week of moderate intensity cardio workouts as well. I follow a strict diet of 120 high quality carbs, 125 protein, and 65 of fat daily and track macros. Unfortunately in this week since starting my low dose HRT my blood sugars have been quite high and my sensitive to carbs is terrible. Is this common? Will it level out? Any recommendations as to what to do?
Steve, I was just reading that ovaries produce hormones other than estrogen and progesterone. That being the case, why would I want to have them removed, albeit some like to think that ovarian cancer is a risk after having endometrial cancer. But, if it is only grade 1, isn't the cancer removed at the time of the hysterectomy? Also, one hospital on TH-cam is saying that endometrial cancer is most likely to return within the first three years of having a hysterectomy. What's the scoop? Please would you be kind enough to elaborate Steve? I am starting to find conflicting answers, and trust your information, because I have concluded that not everyone is so well versed, even if they happen to be doctors.
Anyone in Canada Niagara Falls area? My gynaecologist isn’t testing proper only prescribing estrogen and progesterone Bhrt so estrogel and prometrium. That’s it
I am sure that what the pharmaceutical that makes the Mirena IUD has figureed out how much progestin average/optimum dose it releases for majority of women. Can there be cases of insufficient dose and patients might need to supplement with bit more progesterone/progestin to get that happy average? Especially in periM stage in life.
Hi Dr Im 47 years old female athlete, My gynecologists did put me on Angelique Hrt 2 tablets a day, After my blood work I was diagnosed with low level of progesterone and estrogen just need to know your opinion on this. Thanks
I'm on the pill (Zoely) in continue to manage PMS due to PCO (Not PCOS). I wouldn't know if my periods were irregular because I skip the period stage. I might have started pre-menopause before taking the pill in continue. The pill removes the PMS symptoms but I still feel some pre-menopause symptoms (brain fog, tired, poor sleep, mood down, dryness...). How is the pill helping or aggravating my pre-menopause symptoms? Thanks
I’m 42 with a lot of symptoms! I thought I was becoming bipolar. 2 weeks leading up to my period are horrible!! Anxiety attacks, nausea, insomnia, crying spells, stomach problems, dizziness, blurry vision, smell heightened, ringing in my ears. My dr prescribed me 200mgs of progesterone to take the weeks before my period. I’m scared thats way too high of an amount. I already feel so nuts I don’t want to feel any worse. Any suggestions? Is that a high dose?
I have just turned 50, and my symptoms are bad sleep, low libido, irritability, brain fog, dry eyes, while still having periods ( less flow and shorter) . I have just started 0.5 estradiol transdermal gel 7 days ago, and I am bleeding since day 2. Does this mean I do not need estradiol yet, or is this normal? Not getting too much help from the prescribing doctor, so will see another doctor next week.
Great video. I was prescribed Biest (80/20) Progestrone (200mg) and DHEA 5mg. I am still in perimanpause. I recently got my test serum result and my estradiol was extreme high at 854. Based on your video, it sounds like i should not take Biest? I have estrogen dominant system including constipation, Breast tendness, PMS cramp etc. I stopped both Biest and DHEA and started to increase my progestrone to 400 mg a day. When I only take 200mg, I could not sleep well. When I take 400 mg, I sleep better. My question is that what is the optimal level for progestrone? Will 400Mg a day too high? Not sure if I should continue to take Biest and DHEA? My dr asked me to take DHEA is because low sex drive. I am not sure if I should take T instead?
Hey, thanks for watching and for sending me that referral request. It sounds like you’re someone who is experiencing exactly what I mention in the video. Perimenopause is a time when estradiol can be all over the place - super high (like yours) one day and super low the next. Your ovaries are sputtering unpredictably. That’s why I usually don’t recommend estradiol while you’re still having periods. After you go into menopause, you’ll need estradiol.
DHEA may help some with low sex drive. Testosterone is probably more effective though. DHEA is tricky to dose, especially in women. Too much gives you acne.
I only wish I could get that info sooner. Changes all of a sudden hit me like a "ton of bricks" and I had to fight every doctor for over 2 years. In Canada I was told "we don't do hormone levels check" :(
I'm sorry to hear that (again)! I've heard similar stories from Canadian woman who were told to just get used to menopause symptoms. There are a small handful of hormone providers in Canada who do care and who are willing to help optimize your hormones. If you fill out my patient referral request from here simplehormones.com/referral I can check to see if there's one in your area. I don't have a lot of contacts, but it's worth a try.
I am 49 with graves disease and my symptoms are very similar. I am thinking of taking progesterone only. What u think. Your the only Dr talked about thyroid and premenapause
Thanks for watching! Sounds like a hormone specialist could help you deal with the fluctuations of perimenopause, combined with high thyroid caused by Graves. Progesterone might help . . . although it depends on how much progesterone your system is already making.
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
I'm 46 years old, not experiencing any mood swings, I still have regular periods but noticed that they have been much lighter. I had a miscarriage in 2016' and haven't been able to conceive since then. What meds along with colomid should I ask my OBGYN for?
Wow thanks for asking. That’s definitely a tough situation. I’m so sorry to hear about your miscarriage and those 4+ years probably have been difficult as well. It’s possible you may have issues related to PCOS, but regular periods may not fit with that. I might suggest you try to find someone with experience in patients with PCOS and infertility who can do a complete hormone lab panel and help you find out if you’re ovulating consistently. That would be the first place to start. Clomid can be helpful in encouraging ovulation but it’s also important to look for the root problem.
I'm 50 and experiencing really bad sweats at night and hot flushes during the days. My moods are all over the place. My aunt passed away from breast cancer, I'm unsure and nervous of taking HRT. Have you any advice I'd really appreciate it
Having a relative who has had breast cancer is very sad. It's understandable if that makes you nervous about hormone replacement. But the right hormones, given in the right doses, can actually reduce your risk for breast cancer. It's important to see a hormone optimization specialist about those issues. Watch my other TH-cam video here th-cam.com/video/ImQxgAPSf1s/w-d-xo.html
Hi just seen this video been doing some research. I am really suffering doctors given me norethisterone I don't wether o should take it or not can you advice me on this please
I started taking estradiol in perimenopause and it saved me! Taking progesterone alone did little for me. Each person is different.
@@ericaaldin6611
👌❤️
My peri has been brutal, it slapped me out of nowhere last year, im 46, soon to be 47. My anxiety and deoression along with insomnia being my worst symptoms. ..brain fog too. I felt like i was dying.. was going to start HRT, now considering just taking the 100mg prometrium cyclically.... ive noticed its way worse the week before and 4-5 days into my cycle. I can barely function. I went from being super active , to just existing, i hate this! What i hate even more is how LITTLE drs know about this subject!!!! So thank you for this video!!
@Angel-qf6if Thanks for watching. So sorry that perimenopause has been so rough. Progesterone is a miracle for sleep for the vast majority of women. I’m posting another video next Tuesday about insomnia, brain fog, and progesterone. Subscribe to get notified.
@SimpleHormones what I'm confused about is why is it recommended to take progesterone day 14-28, isn't that when progesterone is the highest? Won't it make anxiety abd depression worse? Ty for your help with this, Mr dr is clueles
@@Angel-qf6if The idea of taking progesterone days 14-28 is about mimicking the normal “Luteal Phase” of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is normally at its highest during the second half of the cycle, after ovulation around day 14. During perimenopause, ovulation starts happening sporadically and much less often, which leads to low progesterone during the luteal phase. Adding progesterone back during the second half (luteal phase) brings hormone levels closer to what they were before perimenopause. For most women, that helps with mood issues, anxiety, and sleep.
@@Angel-qf6if If insomnia is a problem for the whole month and not just days 14-28, some providers will have you take progesterone every night. Neither approach is right or wrong. Progesterone is a very safe hormone and most (but not all) women do great with it.
@SimpleHormones I was worried about overloading my progesterone, seeing I still have my periods. They seem to come a few days later each month, but they're still there... thank you for replying😊
Perimenopause and menopause totally sucks for many women. Don't put off seeking help if you become uncomfortable because it only gets worse from there on.
Sylvia - You're 100% correct on that. Thanks for your wise input.
It's an uphill battle getting hrt for perimenopause
Currently, I am suffering from premenopausal symptoms that torment me every day. It has been tormenting me for almost three months now, Every day I lose all my energy and I can't go to work, I have insomnia, I'm depressed, I have no energy left to do anything in life, I have to fight with it every day and felt so exhausted, I thought I was going to die. I cried to my gynecologist and begged her to save me during this time. After all the urine and blood tests and all the other examinations, finally my gynecologist I also said I'm in pre-menopause, Finally she decided to give me Hormone therapy (estrogen patch) and progesterone pills, I just started using it 2 days ago, I hope these will help let me get well and have my life return to normal, I really never thought that premenopausal symptoms could be so terrible.
I have some of these symptoms too, such as not being able to easily leave the house and just wanting to hide plus many more, no one talks about this, it’s all about hot flashes which I do not have. Started HRT now and I hope this will make me feel more like myself again
Hello! Im starting to go through this now. I’m curious if the patches and progesterone have helped you? Really hope you’re feeling better. 🙏
@@mariedawn-Exactly. I do not have hot flashes as of now but a crap load pf other scary stuff that I never heard of.
@@greenteenguyen4998
How are you doing currently?
I could have written your post. Your journey is exactly mine as well.
Menopause is profoundly difficult for some women. I know many who didn't suffer from it. They are the fortunate ones!
I am surprised that I have had much improved days (and even weeks!), in this past year.
Please hold hope. I was convinced I'd not feel well again in any way (ever).
@@mlbrown1068
It's true. The symptoms are so many, so complex, and so very difficult to experience. How are you doing?
* reading other women's TH-cam comments (and other sites), helped me navigate this unreal challenge in life! So helpful.
Wow! This is such great information. These gynecologists are so uneducated about helping patients with menopause. They are clueless. They don't get any education about it in med school. I've learned a lot on my own from doctors online who specialize in women's hormones.Because of what I learned, I literally told my doctor that I need micronoized progesterone oral caps at 100 mg. I'm 52 and still cycling regularly but have had insomnia and brain fog. Plus super heavy cycles. All indicators of low progesterone. I'm following you because you know what you are talking about. Keep up the great work. Plus women need to know that bone loss will happen if they don't replace their estrogen in menopause. Exercise and diet are not enough. Bone density is very dependent on estrogen!
Wow! You are absolutely right that . . . "women need to know that bone loss will happen if they don't replace their estrogen . . . Exercise and diet are not enough." That makes me think about making a video specifically about osteoporosis. Thanks!
Also, good for you for asking for progesterone. It's the single most effective treatment for menopausal (or perimenopausal) insomnia and brain fog. I'm 100% convinced that brain fog is rooted in sleep deprivation. There may be other brain issues going on, which progesterone will also help, but sleep is the biggest problem.
One more thing. I know some amazing OB/GYNs, 1 in St. Louis, 1 in Oklahoma, 1 in Ohio, and 1 in Florida who aren’t at all clueless about hormone optimization. There are good ones out there who have been well-trained.
@@SimpleHormones Thank you for your replies. I live in Las Vegas and I've been to 3 different gynos in the last 6 years and have either gotten wrong information or no information. There is a retired gynecologist here on TH-cam, Menopause Taylor, who offers consults. I've learned so much from her. People like you and her are literally saving women from a low quality of life. It's a topic that has been overlooked and women are suffering when they don't have to be.
@@SimpleHormones where do I get bio identical estradiol patches? And testosterone cream or patches…My family doc is super nice , he can write me a prescription and I can find a compounding pharmacy….but he needs to know what prescription to write…I orders bio identical progesterone spray from dr in the states…
I started perimenopause symptoms at 35. Im almost 38 now and started progesterone 8 months ago and testosterone 2 months ago. Both are helping so much!
So far the best explanation
from someone qualified, far more simple and easy to digest than all of the other MD/ menopause experts” videos I’ve watched.. thanks for enlightening us!
Thanks Sara! Glad it was helpful.
You so right Sara. It’s easy to understand Steve’s explanations.
Sad but true
Yes it snuck up on me at 50 and I literally thought I needed to be in a white padded room. Now that I know what's going on with my body, it's easier to deal with, however the mood swings, insomnia, brain fog, and hot flashes are my personal challenges. Thanks for the video!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment. Here’s another video that talks more specifically about menopause symptoms and the best way to treat them. th-cam.com/video/HZCd1gD0HrI/w-d-xo.html
@@SimpleHormones Thanks I'll take a took!
Horrendous insomnia, no memory, utter exhaustion, and moods I’ve never had previously is my challenge (HELL?) as well. Who knew it could possibly be this awful.
@@pilarboutte392 So sorry it’s been awful for you. It may sound a bit simplistic, but 1) you’re not alone and 2) there IS hope.
@@pilarboutte392 Most of what you’re describing sounds related to low progesterone levels
I'm 50 and haven't even hit perimenapause. I had my blood work done. Looking forward to it.
This is such an amazing lesson. Why didn’t anyone including any doctors teach us this?!?! This channel is helping me navigate this tumultuous time.
@gymchick1 Thanks for watching. I'm here to help!
Hello,Doctor
Interesting information
I started my HRT at the time of my Peri Menopause aged 39
It is marvelous
No regrets
No side effects
New Subscriber here from Amman Jordan Middle East
Elizabeth - Thanks for watching. So glad you’re doing well with your hormones. That’s exactly the story I’m trying to tell: “Optimal hormones will help you feel like yourself again, eliminate your symptoms, and protect you from long-term health risks. There’s no need to be afraid of hormones - your body has made them for decades and still needs them.”
How's your condition now? Do you still get the period?
You are extremely lucky because I am 45 and I am going through perimenopause and I feel like nobody is listening to me.
I have not found any information about taking hrt during perimenopause and I don't know what to do?
I was told I was too young to be in peri menopause. 3 different doctors completely shrug off all my symptoms just because of my age (39) So frustrating!
I recently came upon a Hormone video that explained Pre Peri -Post menopause terms. Pre: Puberty to Peri.
Peri: start of menopausal symptoms to end of 12 months of no cycle. Menopause: Day of the 12th month of no periods (just 1 day) Post menopause: Ever After 12 months of no period. Sorry can’t remember by whom the video was.
So useful. I haven't found anything as comprehensive on the fluctuation of hormones in perimenopause. The graphs really help to understand precisely the changes that are happening. Thanks so much. I'd really be interested to see a graph of the hormone changes during a month. I only get hit with issues of perimenopause when my period is due but doesn't actually appear - all other days of the month I'm completely fine with only very very minor signs of perimenopause.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching.
Same here!! Only I just started getting mine again after 3 months of it being gone😢😂.. but it's def worse the week before and 5 days after it starts
The best advice so far
Thank you for watching Salonee
This is so detailed and helpful! I think every woman needs to know this information because we all eventually go through this. I’m sharing with my friends! 😊
@silleecat Thank you! And please do.
My peri slapped hard at age 38. And many woman actually start from age 35 in our online community. Many of us find relieve from natural usp progesterone as per Dr John Lee.
I tried so hard to find out exactly what was happening to me. I knew for sure it was a hormonal imbalance due to my symptoms but after reading so many books, looking at youtube videos etc I could not find anywhere a simple and clear explanation what happens to womens hormones in their mid 40s. Everyone has so many suggestions but before deciding what to do about it I really needed to understand what exactly is happening at this age. I also keept wondering what happens to the hormones after menopause since nobody talks about that, I even even wondered if the imbalance was going to last for ever. I cannot thank you enough. Do you have any places you would recommend in Los Angeles? Thanks again for giving me hope and clarity and for the awesome graphs.
Cecilia - thanks for the comment. I’m glad this video has been helpful. No guarantee but I may know some providers near you who have a lot of experience with perimenopause. Send an email to contact@simplehormones.com with your ZIP code and the name of the town where you live. I’ll check my database to see who I can recommend. I know hundreds of hormone optimization physicians, nurse practitioners, and PAs all over the US. Quite a few I know personally and others by reputation.
How desperately unfortunate that progesterone (even the micronized “bio” Prometrium), doesn’t help some of us. Zero help with my severe insomnia and causes depression I never had previously.
Menopause has dismantled my entire life. COMPLETELY.
I’ve had 53 years of difficulty in my female body. But lots of women do right?
But never ever did I think that sleeping 30-60 minutes PER night for 6+ years would be my fate. Yes, it causes me hallucinating regularly.
After seeing 24 doctors, endocrinologists, and even Cleveland Clinic and Harvard trained menopause specialists, I’ve given up. I use full hormone replacement therapy ( it helps me be 2% better…sometimes).
I say all this so someone out there may know she’s not alone if her menopause is the top 10% of severely debilitating.
I'm extremely sorry that you have been through all of this! How are you now? I dearly hope that you are sleeping better by now?
@@Aurla-R2-D2
Thanks for asking! Thoughtful! ☺️
I'm actually doing better, but in a totally different way. Really hard to explain what I mean by that. I think my experience with menopause really rewired my brain, and gave me a totally different body and physiology. I don't recall how I used to feel.
@@Aurla-R2-D2
And I am getting some amount of sleep....extreme insomnia is something that truly is a torture for all who experience it.
It's mind blowing how much suffering it causes so many people.
@@pilarboutte392 ~ I'm so glad to hear that you are doing better now! Thank goodness! What did you do to improve your sleep / hormones and health? I'm 47, and I've had incredibly severe insomnia every night, ever since I was about 2 years old. I can barely function at all. I'm terrified that my insomnia will worsen as my hormones drop.
@@pilarboutte392
Try Valerian root capsules and melatonin, it helps me with my sleep. I am in progesteron also.
This is the best educational video I’ve seen on this topic! Everything was well explained and easy to comprehend. Glad I found this.
Glad you enjoyed it! I love reading affirmation that I'm on the right track.
I'm nearly 53, have zero perimenopause symptoms, and get my menses every month, like normal. I'm considering doing bhrt to get ahead of my change, and beginning to research, which is how I found you.
Thank you for this information!
Krissy - Thanks for watching. I love reading that you're wanting to get ahead on research for BHRT. The fact that you're doing well without symptoms tells me you may not need any hormone replacement (even progesterone) right now. But you're headed for menopause pretty soon, since the average age is 51. Once you do go into menopause, a hormone optimization provider will check your estradiol and progesterone levels, along with other hormones like testosterone and DHEA. They'll look to keep those levels optimal and to keep an eye on a number of symptoms and labs to make sure you stay healthy for the long haul. My contention is that women who sail through menopause without any problems are the unlucky ones - because they're not aware of the long-term health risks caused by low estradiol and progesterone. Women who suffer from severe symptoms are the ones who are motivated to do something about them. Whether you end up having severe symptoms or not, you're already ahead of other women in recognizing what's going on (or what's going to go on) and the potential symptoms and risks menopause can bring.
I hope you check out Menopause Taylor channel. HRT is so important for woman’s health in the second half of their lives. There are so many fears produced by inaccurate media reporting to boost media income. Menopause is not healthy for women. Human life expectancy was not above 50 years anytime in history before 1900s. As we live way past 50 we need to replace the estrogen deficiency with HRT for our long term health.
That's absolute nonsense. Loads of people lived to their late 60s 70s/80s in the 19th century. Just go into an old graveyard and have a look. The high death rare was down to infant mortality and childbirth complications. And if people lived in squalor and worked to death. The rich(parasites)always feed on the poor. It's still the same today.
Very grateful for having your expertise available on TH-cam. You explain perimenopause so well and I really appreciate the way in which you explain the use of HRT as well as its benefits. I am particularly interested on more information on the use of HRT for women like me who have been diagnosed with stage 4 Endometriosis in 2010 when I had a laparoscopy. I had big part of my adhesions removed. Now at 53 and going through perimenopause I would like to consider taking HRT. I have had all kinds of perimenopause symptoms which have been managed to some extend with supplements and herbs however, I feel it could be beneficial to start taking HRT. Any suggestions on HRT for women with Endometriosis and how to approach my GP on my upcoming appointment on Oct. 12. Thank you so much for the great job you are doing!
This is the best talk I have seen. You go right to the point. I love the graphs as they help one visualize the hormone patterns. One comment I can add is some women have stated that they felt even better when they had a little bit of testosterone added to their HRT. I presume that can go a bit too low as well but many women are not tested for low testosterone.
Absolutely true! Testosterone is definitely one of the hormones women need to have optimized. It helps with libido, muscle strength, fatigue, and helps prevent or reverse osteoporosis.
@@SimpleHormones Do you think taking DHEA or using DHEA cream is a good way to pick it up.
DHEA is another hormone that I recommend you optimize using an OTC oral capsule. DHEA in a vaginal cream form has been shown to be effective at relieving vaginal dryness and painful intimacy due to menopause. My experience with DHEA as a transdermal cream is that it's pretty difficult for pharmacies to compound and it's not very well absorbed through the skin. I would NOT recommend the cream, except for vaginal use. My experience and the studies are mixed about DHEA increasing libido or testosterone. The vaginal cream supposedly has some ability to increase libido, but the oral capsules don't. DHEA could theoretically increase testosterone, since they're chemically quite close to each other. But sadly, it doesn't seem to work very well at raising testosterone.
@@SimpleHormones Thanks for that advice.
I just stumbled across your video and like other people am so encouraged by how thorough yet easy to understand this presentation is. Hormones have always been such a mystery to me. I will be 51 next week and I have been wondering why I am so absolutely EXHAUSTED all the time. I don't believe I sleep well I do toss and turn a lot. I am reaching out on the off chance you might know someone good in the central CA area I can seek for guidance about my hormones? My Dr. ignores everything I say and it's incredibly frustrating which is why I hardly ever go. I just want motivation back and to have some energy again. I appreciate any help you can offer. Please keep these videos coming. I'm so grateful I can have more understanding about what's happening to me. I too have felt like I'm losing it. Thank you again.
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
@SimpleHormones I did this, hoping for a response soon 🎉
Most concise explanation yet. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Wow, informative and concise! Thank you.
Thank you for this!!! Hard to come by this info
You're so welcome!
This video was so clearly explained- thank you. So many resources give the impression it will be very difficult to get treatment and that finding the right treatments isn’t well understood.
This video gives me hope and confidence that YES there are well understood treatments available. Great video
Thank you very much for your work! Best explanation I have found so far for what’s going on with hormones around the perimenopause time. Simple and to the point.
That comment makes me feel like this channel is worth all the work (and helps outweigh some of the mean ones!) Glad you see it as “simple.”
So basically you can get depression and anxiety either from high estrogen or low estrogen. Or from high progesterone or low progesterone.
Yeah, it's ridiculously confusing isn't it?!
I am a board certified gynecologist and I really enjoy your videos. I am a huge fan of progesterone in the perimenopause since so many women have sleep and anxiety issues in perimenopause. However, you mention the large fluctuations in estradiol and progesterone, and yet you also recommend serum testing. I discourage testing with a few exceptions, because testing at one point in time, or even a few points in the cycle, does not accurately reflect the whole picture. I would be interested in when you recommend testing--day 3? Day 21?
Also, despite estrogen dominance, I often find that adding estradiol can help with vasomotor symptoms in perimenopause, but I would love to know your thoughts on which dosage is high enough to suppress endogenous estradiol. Thank you for making these videos!
Hi hope you don’t mind I ask you about progesterone I tried utrogestan 200 vaginally and rectally and was always very bloated to the point I couldn’t sleep and wanted to ask you which type of progesterone will I be able to tolerate and thank you 🙏
Since estrogen is typically the highest at day 12 to 13 of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women-wouldn’t it make sense to start there as baseline? If it’s showing lower levels than baseline on an annual test, then couldn’t it help the doctor know that a patient is moving into perimenopause? (Pre-menopausal and PERI-menopausal are different phases from what I’ve read)
Thanks so much, Steve! You're amazing..Best Wishes for you & your family in 2022!!!
You’re so welcome! I hope you have a fantastic 2022!
I feel like there's just not very good information on menopause at all. I feel like I should be doing something or taking something. But broaching the subject with other women my age it's like your hushed. This is definitely the most easy to digest TH-cam video on the topic that I was able to find.
Sara - Thanks for watching and for getting what I’m trying to say. If you’re interested in more on menopause, I have a bunch of other videos.
Here’s one where I list the top 10 treatments for menopause th-cam.com/video/3S0Ms92Sqf8/w-d-xo.html
And another about hot flashes th-cam.com/video/z-E5PGDxm_o/w-d-xo.html
And this one’s about menopause weight gain th-cam.com/video/AUDYt6G8NmQ/w-d-xo.html
1:19 my symptoms: 20 lb weight gain in six months without diet or exercise change, anxiety, depression, adrenal surges, insomnia, hair loss, itchy skin, water retention even though I’m well hydrated, flat stomach to poochy stomach, nausea, sore boobs for weeks, acne at 49. I have ovaries but no uterus so I don’t know if I need estradiol only or progesterone or what. I was prescribed both but I’m not feeling better. I hope you have answers in your video 😢
2:15 Night sweats and feeling like I’m being cooked in a microwave. I forgot about those. I weighed 125lb in March and it’s Sept and I’m 148lb
@@R.N.LosAngeles
Ok, you've described my experience EXACTLY. You have sisters in arms.
And you have many of us out there who empathize wholly. Only detail compared to my symptoms is, I gained 60 lbs in 5 months. Please hold on to hope. This journey can eventually do a huge shift and majorly improve.
* progesterone of no help in my case (protects my uterus only) estradiol and TESTOSTERONE....absolutely.
@@pilarboutte392 I’m fortunate that my testosterone is pretty steady. I have almost no progesterone (0.1 from LabCorp). With the 0.05mg estradiol patch my level is in the 30s so I asked to go up to 0.075mg patch. I’m lifting weights four times a week and I’m starting to see very slow progress, but it’s progress. I wish my mom talked to me about this crud. I had no idea what was happening to me. I tell my daughter all about it so she won’t feel like she’s losing her mind.
Amazing!!!!!! POrtugal here! I´m taking recently progesteron bio! I´d like to know that sooner, i´m 52 and suufer with endometriosis, and last week i went to the gino and she wants to prescribe Ac, because she said i´m not in menopause! And leveles were ok..no they weren`t ! Thank you!!
Good information. Much under discussed
Glad you think so!
This was great! Any tips for women in late thirties goes through much longer periods between cycles and hot flashes? Seems young, maybe POI. Have you don’t on this? Premature menopause is increasingly common
Wow! I am thankful to have found this video. Great information! I’m in the peri menopause stage and trying to learn and understand what is happening to my body! I will be subscribing to this channel and listening to your videos! I will check out your website also! Thank you!
Thankyou so much for this informative video. Very well explained.im 40 & going through perimenopause. On HRT at the moment.
You're welcome.
Hello! If your periods are no longer regular or you missed periods altogether, how do you know when to take the progesterone since you won’t know when day 14 to 28 is? At that point is it suggested to take it every day? Thank you!
Great simple explanation so far. I learnt a lot watching your videos than actually seeing specialists in Australia. I am not sure if we have any hormone optimisation specialist in Australia. Would it be another title for them, such us endocrinologist?
Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of contacts in Australia. I do know a couple and they may be able to refer you to someone close?
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
Great video thank you for explaining it so easy 😃
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Very helpful. Thank you. 🙏
Very good explanation, thank you
I appreciate this video. I was able to understand and walk away with knowledge I need❤
Glad it was helpful!
thank you so much for the referral .. i will let you know how it went 😊
Sooooooo helpful. What a tricky process it is. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. A very informative. My changing hormones gave me benign arrythmias, sleep and mood issues, then 2 years later, I developed fissuring, even though my période was regular. The doctor prescribed Premarin externally but that caused so many side effects. It made my period stop, made my mood worst, gave me night sweets, headaches and caused my heart to pound and gave me more sleep issues, and it did nothing to the fissuring. Listening to this, I think my doctor should have tested my hormones before giving me Premarin.
I would agree with your assessment. I would add that Premarin® may not be the best option, since it comes from horse urine and is chock full of contaminants that no one knows what they do. My biggest suggestion is to have all your hormones optimized by a healthcare practitioner who really knows what they're doing - testing levels, increasing some, leaving others the same, decreasing some if necessary. It's all about getting all your hormones not too high, not too low, but JUST RIGHT.
I’m dealing with muscle cramps and joints popping
Great explanation 💕💕💕 very easy to understand. Thank you 🙏
Thanks for watching Amanda! Happy that this video has been helpful.
I have ound you folks in the business of compounding are the smartest kids on the block!!!! my life has been so difficult due to doctors who have nothing but some chart that puts us all in a very small box!!!!
Thanks! I'm no longer compounding but I WAS smart back then.🤓
Your demeanor helps so much. I'm fearful. My mom had many migraines and I am starting
Kim - thanks for watching. Glad you found it helpful. I would encourage you not to be afraid of perimenopause or migraines. Do what you can to take control of your health, especially as you get closer to menopause.
@@SimpleHormones I cut down on dairy which seems to help reduce the ups and downs
I love dairy - especially a nice cappuccio breve'. But cutting back substantially has helped me in lots of ways.
@@SimpleHormones I agree!!! I love it so much so I do indulge but way less than I used it and I see a huge difference
Thank you. You have been most helpful.
Glad to help
This did NOT match my experience. Taking Progesterone alone did NOTHING for my hot flashes...which seem to be caused by low estrogen no? and made me so fatigued and depressed I questioned whether that quality of life was worth living. It was horrible.
I added testosterone and that gave me enough of a little boost to make it possible to live, but only adding estrogen really helped to where I could feel stable and have access to happiness.
That is my experience. And yes, in perimenopause my estrogen was not stable...it was up and down, but its wayyy more tolerable to have occasional high estrogen symptoms than low ones. I mean look at the list. The main thing that makes womens quality of life tank is the damn hot flashes. not to mention the rest.
I did not get many high symptoms. No breast tenderness (which is not a big deal anyway) I think I got like a couple headaches...no big deal I took pain killers and waited it out.
I personally find since it is the estrogen tanking that causes the most negative impact to quality of life, that is the important one to replace. Of course it makes sense to add the other two too for various reasons. But I would not leave the estrogen out. Its the most important IMO
According to other menopausal experts who are actual medical doctors or gynecologists you are correct. Menopause Barbie is my favorite. I took HRT that included estrogen during peri-menopause and it really helped me. I thought I was loosing my mind and even started on depression meds before I found out my hormones were all over the place. After starting HRT life when back to normal until a few years later when I was diagnosed with Graves disease. I'm so glad I was already on HRT because I could have suffered some severe bone loss due to Graves but HRT helped slow that down. Anyhow I'm in remission for Graves and hoping to stay that way. I'm staying on HRT as long as possible too. I would prefer to not get osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's, All are high risk diseases one could get from estrogen deficiency.
You are the best information I've found💗
Thanks!
THANK YOU! Ona's natural progesterone cream is a life saver for me age 50. THanks for debunking the myth that we all need extra estrogen, as if we don't get enough xenoestrogens from the environment anyway....
Great news that progesterone seems to be helping you. As for estrogen, I do agree that xenoestrogens are an issue . . . But after menopause, your estrogen levels will go to (almost) ZERO. At that time, xenoestrogens are a tiny drop in the bucket and won't help you with post-menopausal symptoms (like weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, mood swings, heart palpitations . . . and dozens of others) at all. I strongly advocate getting ALL your hormones optimized after menopause, including both progesterone and estradiol, among others.
This is so well articulated and easy to follow, thank you! My functional Med doc has put me on oral progesterone to help with frequent bleeding (every 2 weeks) but it’s been about a year and I still don’t see any improvement. I want to see this work but it doesn’t seem likely. My obgyn just said maybe try going off the progesterone to see if it improves. He said there are some changes in the uterine cells based on biopsy and maybe that is caused by the progesterone? I’m so confused cause 1st he said maybe I need to go on progesterone to fix the issue then when I told him I have been on it for that very purpose he said maybe go off. He suggested an IUD but I’ve had 2 before and didn’t love them plus no longer need for the birth control piece. I’m almost 45 but have been dealing with these frequent periods, along with all the cramps, breast tenderness, for about 18months or so. Love how well I sleep on the progesterone but as of now I’m supposed to stop taking it as soon as I see blood so I only end up getting to take it every other week. So appreciate you’re wisdom and generous gift of time!
I’m sure you need to take Oestrogen as well to balance it out? Please research this as I’m not 100%.
@Kate Bruno I have been having the same issue. For about 6 months my cycle starts every 21 days and once after 13 days. My doc put me on bio identical progesterone from a compounding pharmacy. So far it’s kind of working after only 30 days no period. I’m on 200mg a night plus a 25mg cream during the day. Which progesterone were you prescribed?
@@muse3241 very good to hear you've had some success! I don't think the one I am on is compounded as I get it from CVS and she has me taking 800mg per night 24 hours after last blood (so literally as soon as my period stops) each night. I tried a cream for a while in conjunction cause she thought maybe my gut was having malabsorption of the pills but that didn't change anything for me.
Excellent video!!
Thank you very much!
Help Steve, my Gyn, told me that after having a hysterectomy, I will not need to take progesterone anymore. How will I be supposed to sleep? For decades, I have been unable to sleep for more than two or three hours at a stretch, so being able to sleep after taking oral progesterone, was truly heavenly. Now I have a Merina IUD, which is obviously going to be tossed out with the 'bath water' when my uterus disappears. Now what? What did I do before I found your site? Coming here is so helpful and informative!
Thanks for the great explanation. I'm sure I'm in the late stage of perimenopause but have all the symptoms of menopause it seems. Do you know a center in the Northern VA area?
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
I love your videos, but premenopause is not the same as perimenopause. Premenopause is the time between a woman's first period and the onset of perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transition phase into menopause. Also, almost all menopause specialists explain that it's pointless to test a woman's hormone levels during perimenopause because the levels are fluctuating so hugely and so frequently. All best wishes
This is simply the very best explanation of what is going on a womans body that I’ve ever came across. Treasure! Thank you ❤
Wow, thank you!
Thanks for a great info. Do yo know what causes sudden explosion on facial hair growth (it's soft, blonde but still, it came out of blue)? I checked my hormones and they all seem to be on a lower side except DHEA at 327. I was on DIM for at least two years due to really bad symptoms of estrogen dominance. My Dr. said to just start using progesterone cream but I am not sure that will fix the issues with facial hair. Thank you!
DHEA can increase hair growth in women and 327 is a little high. The most common cause of unwanted hair growth in women under 50 is insulin resistance, which increases testosterone levels.
Extremely helpful! Thx
Kat - Thanks for watching and you're welcome!
So many providers won't test because of the fluctuations. They treat with HRT based on symptoms. What do you think? I think they should be tested.
Thank you Sir for the educational video. Following my DUTCH test, I've learned I'm low estrogen, ok with rest of hormones. I'm 48 with clockwork 25 day cycle, no hot flashes, but do experience recent weight gain in the belly, bloating, mood swings and brain fog. Not sure if I should take bio identical estrogen/ progesterone, or try natural approaches first? So scared as I'm so sensitive to hormones! Cholesterol, thyroid, blood sugars all normal.
Sounds like you're in pretty good shape for the moment. Most of the providers I work with (just talked to one an hour ago) are hesitant to prescribe estradiol before a woman is fully in menopause. As long as you're still having regular cycles, you can probably wait it out until you've gone 1 full year without one. Then a hormone specialist would take a close look at estradiol, along with progesterone and other hormones.
Thank you for the awesome charts and very clear explanations! I appreciate all of your knowledge and videos. Thank you for caring! ❤️ I used to say I DO NOT want to listen to a man tell me anything about perimenopause or menopause. 😂 But I made an exception for you!
Thank you for saying that. Being a man is definitely a barrier for me in talking with women about hormones. Trying to maintain a sense of empathy and understanding, as much as a man can have.
Here's another video that explains a littler more about where I'm coming from. th-cam.com/video/ZzDzT34fmXU/w-d-xo.html
Have you done a video about anger, rage and extreme irritability in peri-menopause???
Not yet. Good thought though. Perhaps I'll add that topic to my perimenopause course?
You need to go to a good homeopath. And stay the course for at least 9 months to a year. The rage and anger will go away if treated properly.
thank you keep up good work i have learn a lots and also i just start take hormones age 43 from australia
Best of luck!
You explained this very good .. Now I know why I been struggling for the past few years..
I cant swallow pills is there any options for people who can't swallow pills?
And what about if I couldn't take birth controls cause they all made me not feel well evwn the lower dose ones.. Will I be able to take HRT?
This information was such a huge help. I'm on BHRT for both estradiol and progesterone. But DUTCH Complete results show I'm Estrogen dominant, have "bad estrogen", very low progesterone, very low DHEA, and extremely low testosterone.
I was advised to keep up with estradiol, try 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, add DIM Detox and 25 mg DHEA. Progesterone was increased to 150 mg orally (to help with sleep as I was barely on the chart for melatonin).
I've been wondering what the point of even using E2 and E3 is if I'm already close to off to off chart (E1 is high too)? It makes more sense to me to continue with the DIM Detox, leave progesterone where it was at 75 mg orally, OR drop the progesterone to try Chaste Tree Berry or pregnenolone. Doesn't pregnenolone help increase progesterone, DHEA and testosterone? It also appears that my body may not be processing/detoxing properly.
Stephanie - Hey thanks for watching! From what you’re describing, it looks like your doctor is on the right track. I like the DUTCH test a lot. DIM is a great option if DUTCH shows you’re metabolizing estradiol down the wrong way. More progesterone is a great call and ORAL progesterone is best. My only concern is that you’re taking estradiol and may not need it. You didn’t say whether you’re in perimenopause (still menstruating) but I would assume you are because your levels are high. The providers I work with will generally steer away from estradiol before menopause for exactly what you’re experiencing.
@@SimpleHormones Thanks Steve!
Correct, I'm perimenopause! This is all relatively new to me. I started having hot flashes that suddenly increased to multiple times a day and night last fall at age 46. PMS, which was new to me, had been increasing for a year or more before that. Then irregular or even skipped periods. And the mood swings and insomnia. Dr kept telling me I'm too young to have these issues, I'm still "technically" within normal ranges for cycle schedule, and the best they could do was put me on the pill, or I could try a Naturopath. I decided I'd try to figure it out on my own and find a Naturopath.
I started off taking Amberen Peri which actually worked for hot flashes and helped with pms/irregular cycle, but I learned it has MSG and wasn't sure how I felt about that long term. Then tried Estroven Peri with black cohosh and soy isoflavones, which stopped the hot flashes too, but I couldn't get past the idea of soy isoflavones long term either. I was still suffering from insomnia mood swings and fatigue also. I was under A LOT of stress in my personal life too.
Then starting in Jan I went through a series of crisis back to back that pushed me over the edge. My system crashed. Major fatigue, insomnia, then crash and sleep up to 15 hrs and still not feel rested, then back to insomnia. Lack of appetite. Major brain fog, irritability, short fuse, zero tolerance for people, drama, noise....the list goes on. I believed it was extreme adrenal fatigue.
When I finally got in to see a Naturopath I was in such bad shape I literally could not fill out the intake forms because I could. not. think. I was embarrassed and an emotional wreck. Turns out I had a fever and low blood pressure too. Which had actually been going on for me off and on for 2-3 years already. I had no idea at that point that I had a fever.
She usually tests first, but I was in such distress and in need of immediate intervention so she prescribed vag Estradiol and oral progesterone through a compounding pharmacy, and sent me home with Endocrine, B-vitamins, multivitamin, and the magnesium for the brain, can't remember what it's called ironically.
Since then I've had the DUTCH Complete test done (as I mentioned previously) which was really confusing to me since it shows my cortisol is pretty normal, but my system leans towards cortisone. I have no idea what all that means even after watching the videos on Precision Analytics explaining it. I'm stuck on the idea I'm suffering from adrenal fatigue because I have so many of the symptoms; fatigue, insomnia, depression, irritability, easily overwhelmed by simple things, muscle weakness, shortness of breathe, a kind of gasping for air I've adopted through out the day, "heavy" legs, weak arms, lower/middle back pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, get full quick, I've lost 15 lbs that I did not need to lose (normally 135 down to 115, I'm 5'7), low blood pressure, light headed upon standing, my pupils pulse within 2 seconds of light test and can't hold steady at all during 1 minute test, the skin stays white for 20-30 seconds before turning red (if it does at all) doing the scratch test multiple times, can't hold breath longer than 29 sec. But my free cortisol and cortisone are in normal range. I don't get it.
So the most obvious issue to me is what I mentioned in my previous message. High Estrogen, and continuing to use estradiol. It just doesn't make sense to me.
Sorry I geeked out on this. I'm just anxious to get to the bottom of this and really grateful to find you. Thank you for you sharing your knowledge and expertise on this topic. I've been hearing some scary things about using even micronized hormones and it got me searching for the truth, while wondering if I should stop using it and try herbs and supplements instead.
I've signed up to your email list on your website, thank you for taking the time to chat with me.
Bioidentical hormones are worthless for anything but preventing hot flashes. You need to learn a lot more. These people are happily taking your money and keeping you confused and distracted with worthless lab tests. How do you feel? Are you functioning? That is what matters.
Please say some knowledge about menupause after hysterectomy full and partial in early age like 39
Saniya - So sorry you've had to face early menopause. Hysterectomy is a difficult thing both physically and emotionally. I've been planning to create some videos about that topic. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much doctor you have answered my theory , I am56 still peri menopausal yep lol , periods are now every 3 to 4 months apart ,, I have gad fibro cystic breast syndrome for years , I started to her hot flashes so my doctor put me on estrogen and progesterone but the estrogen makes my flashes worse 7 a night and 8 a day yes I know phew ,, I really think I’m estrogen dominance,, I’ll ask for my hormones to be tested
There is no such thing as astro dominance. The filt in your body has to get out..your gut or liver aren't working well to get all the poison that we get in or body's out!..look up fFelice Gersh on this topic of misunderstanding astrogen dominance
12:10, progesterone in perimenopause can be very helpful.
I'm 39 and recently placed on E2/Progesterone cream therapy. I feel much more energized but my periods and PMS seem to be exacerbated. Terrible breast pain, cramping, and nausea.
@@N00pe731 Maybe too much. Talk to tour doctor and see if tour dose needs adjusted.
37 and in hell with fatigue and millions of symptoms. I have very low P and high E and T is low as well. My cortisol and adrenals are a mess too :(
Sounds like perimenopause for sure. If you're in the US or Canada, I would recommend looking for a perimenopause specialist who knows how to manage those hormones and get them optimized. simplehormones.com/referral
Hello, im 42 and have regular periods my whole life. 3 months ago I started having hot flashes and missed 3 periods as well. Still haven't started. Previously, my periods were becoming irregular. I would sometimes have 2 periods in 1 month. I saw my gyn and had biopsy, and ultrasounds. Everything was perfect. I've been vegan for 13 years and eat very healthy and am at a healthy weight. I fear HRT as i.wpuld like to transition naturally. However, I'm concerned of negative diseases due to lack of estrogen. I would really appreciate your opinion. Thank you kindly 🙂
Sounds like your ovaries are starting to sputter and produce less estradiol. You’re a little young for that but it’s definitely not unusual. I would tell you not to be afraid of HRT as long as you get the right hormones at just right levels. That’s the very best way to transition “naturally.” It’s also the best way to protect yourself from long-term health risks, like diabetes, osteoporosis. Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
@Simple Hormones ok thank you! I will say around that time I started Intermittent fasting for health and still am. I wonder if this could play a part as well? I eat low fat whole food plant based diet and exercise on power plate (vibration therapy), which is also great for bone density.
Being vegan doesn’t mean you’re healthier. And 42 is young to start skipping periods. I’m 45, eat 80-100 grams of animal protein daily and still and have always had a regular period. I would carefully consider whether being vegan might be the reason you’re already skipping periods.
If you can take birth control in perimenopause, then you can certainly take estradiol.
Thank you❤
Do women, who had no children, go through this stuff
Yes so long as you have functioning ovaries you will.experience these changes
Thanks for this video, so so helpful. But I have a question: if one's in perimenopause and experiencing long and unpredictable intervals between periods/menstruation (of up to 5-6 months), how can progesterone be taken without disrupting cycles when they happen? I've read that there are two ways of taking it, and than one of them leads to the absence of menstruation, which I think it's not very natural if one's still cycling, even if at unpredictable times.
@corinas.harvik6404 That’s a great question. Progesterone is usually given for a 10 day cycle in perimenopause. At the right dose, progesterone will suppress menstrual periods. But when the 10 days are over and progesterone levels drop, that usually triggers a period. It’s possible to regulate periods, at least to some extent, with progesterone. You’re correct in thinking that continuous progesterone will suppress periods so you don’t have any. Neither way is right or wrong, but most providers prefer cyclical progesterone during perimenopause.
@@SimpleHormones Got it. Thanks!
None of the sleeping supplements helped with sleep as much as progesterone does !
I've heard that multiple times from patients and providers.
I just started on progesterone in peri menopause and wondering how long until it takes effect? A month or so??
I noticed my symptoms around my late 50s I have no night sweats no hot flashes. In my mid 40 my libido was low . Mid to late 50 really low when I hit 56 /57 my mental health was crazy. Anxiety depression off the charts. So now I just started HRT and I just turned 60 in November. Do you think HRT is safe for me . 🤷🏻♀️
I just started taking Estroiol and Progesterone and I have Cystic Fibrosis diabetes. I lift heavy weights 5x a week and do daily walks and 5x a week of moderate intensity cardio workouts as well. I follow a strict diet of 120 high quality carbs, 125 protein, and 65 of fat daily and track macros. Unfortunately in this week since starting my low dose HRT my blood sugars have been quite high and my sensitive to carbs is terrible. Is this common? Will it level out? Any recommendations as to what to do?
Steve, I was just reading that ovaries produce hormones other than estrogen and progesterone. That being the case, why would I want to have them removed, albeit some like to think that ovarian cancer is a risk after having endometrial cancer. But, if it is only grade 1, isn't the cancer removed at the time of the hysterectomy? Also, one hospital on TH-cam is saying that endometrial cancer is most likely to return within the first three years of having a hysterectomy. What's the scoop? Please would you be kind enough to elaborate Steve? I am starting to find conflicting answers, and trust your information, because I have concluded that not everyone is so well versed, even if they happen to be doctors.
Testing levels in blood is not accurate. How you are feeling is what will tell a woman if she has the balance correct.
Anyone in Canada Niagara Falls area? My gynaecologist isn’t testing proper only prescribing estrogen and progesterone Bhrt so estrogel and prometrium. That’s it
I am sure that what the pharmaceutical that makes the Mirena IUD has figureed out how much progestin average/optimum dose it releases for majority of women. Can there be cases of insufficient dose and patients might need to supplement with bit more progesterone/progestin to get that happy average? Especially in periM stage in life.
Davis Mary Miller Nancy Johnson Cynthia
Hi Dr Im 47 years old female athlete, My gynecologists did put me on Angelique Hrt 2 tablets a day, After my blood work I was diagnosed with low level of progesterone and estrogen just need to know your opinion on this. Thanks
I'm on the pill (Zoely) in continue to manage PMS due to PCO (Not PCOS). I wouldn't know if my periods were irregular because I skip the period stage. I might have started pre-menopause before taking the pill in continue. The pill removes the PMS symptoms but I still feel some pre-menopause symptoms (brain fog, tired, poor sleep, mood down, dryness...). How is the pill helping or aggravating my pre-menopause symptoms? Thanks
I didn’t have a lot of patience but now hardly any at all 😮
I’m 42 with a lot of symptoms! I thought I was becoming bipolar. 2 weeks leading up to my period are horrible!! Anxiety attacks, nausea, insomnia, crying spells, stomach problems, dizziness, blurry vision, smell heightened, ringing in my ears. My dr prescribed me 200mgs of progesterone to take the weeks before my period. I’m scared thats way too high of an amount. I already feel so nuts I don’t want to feel any worse. Any suggestions? Is that a high dose?
I have just turned 50, and my symptoms are bad sleep, low libido, irritability, brain fog, dry eyes, while still having periods ( less flow and shorter) . I have just started 0.5 estradiol transdermal gel 7 days ago, and I am bleeding since day 2. Does this mean I do not need estradiol yet, or is this normal? Not getting too much help from the prescribing doctor, so will see another doctor next week.
@agnesjuhasz7715 Here's a video that explains a bit more about bleeding after menopause. th-cam.com/video/_J2wWHx7Bcg/w-d-xo.html
Great video. I was prescribed Biest (80/20) Progestrone (200mg) and DHEA 5mg. I am still in perimanpause. I recently got my test serum result and my estradiol was extreme high at 854. Based on your video, it sounds like i should not take Biest? I have estrogen dominant system including constipation, Breast tendness, PMS cramp etc. I stopped both Biest and DHEA and started to increase my progestrone to 400 mg a day. When I only take 200mg, I could not sleep well. When I take 400 mg, I sleep better. My question is that what is the optimal level for progestrone? Will 400Mg a day too high? Not sure if I should continue to take Biest and DHEA? My dr asked me to take DHEA is because low sex drive. I am not sure if I should take T instead?
Hey, thanks for watching and for sending me that referral request. It sounds like you’re someone who is experiencing exactly what I mention in the video. Perimenopause is a time when estradiol can be all over the place - super high (like yours) one day and super low the next. Your ovaries are sputtering unpredictably. That’s why I usually don’t recommend estradiol while you’re still having periods. After you go into menopause, you’ll need estradiol.
You’re also seeing how important just right doses of progesterone are, especially for sleep but also to help calm down the too-high estradiol.
DHEA may help some with low sex drive. Testosterone is probably more effective though. DHEA is tricky to dose, especially in women. Too much gives you acne.
@@SimpleHormones Thank you for your reply. Yes you are right on. Do you know if I should take DHEA ? I heard that DHEA can convert to Estrogen too.
@@SimpleHormones yes, I understand better with your video. What is the right dose for Progesterone? Is 400mg too high?
I only wish I could get that info sooner. Changes all of a sudden hit me like a "ton of bricks" and I had to fight every doctor for over 2 years. In Canada I was told "we don't do hormone levels check" :(
I'm sorry to hear that (again)! I've heard similar stories from Canadian woman who were told to just get used to menopause symptoms. There are a small handful of hormone providers in Canada who do care and who are willing to help optimize your hormones. If you fill out my patient referral request from here simplehormones.com/referral I can check to see if there's one in your area. I don't have a lot of contacts, but it's worth a try.
Hormone level checks are really not effective. Your symptoms will tell a good doctor how to adjust your hormones. When you FEEL good you are GOOD.
@@elsagrace3893 I wish it were that Simple but it’s not.
I am 49 with graves disease and my symptoms are very similar. I am thinking of taking progesterone only. What u think. Your the only Dr talked about thyroid and premenapause
Thanks for watching! Sounds like a hormone specialist could help you deal with the fluctuations of perimenopause, combined with high thyroid caused by Graves. Progesterone might help . . . although it depends on how much progesterone your system is already making.
The best way to find a hormone specialist, somebody who really knows how to manage all your hormone issues and get you to optimal levels, is to visit this page on my website and fill out my Patient Referral Request Form here simplehormones.com/referral If you leave a referral request on TH-cam or email it to me, it's extremely likely I'll drop the ball or it will fall through the cracks. Once you fill out the form, be sure to check your email for a message that says "Confirm your email address." Thanks!
I'm 46 years old, not experiencing any mood swings, I still have regular periods but noticed that they have been much lighter. I had a miscarriage in 2016' and haven't been able to conceive since then. What meds along with colomid should I ask my OBGYN for?
Wow thanks for asking. That’s definitely a tough situation. I’m so sorry to hear about your miscarriage and those 4+ years probably have been difficult as well. It’s possible you may have issues related to PCOS, but regular periods may not fit with that. I might suggest you try to find someone with experience in patients with PCOS and infertility who can do a complete hormone lab panel and help you find out if you’re ovulating consistently. That would be the first place to start. Clomid can be helpful in encouraging ovulation but it’s also important to look for the root problem.
@@SimpleHormones
Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated 😉
I'm 50 and experiencing really bad sweats at night and hot flushes during the days. My moods are all over the place. My aunt passed away from breast cancer, I'm unsure and nervous of taking HRT. Have you any advice I'd really appreciate it
Having a relative who has had breast cancer is very sad. It's understandable if that makes you nervous about hormone replacement. But the right hormones, given in the right doses, can actually reduce your risk for breast cancer. It's important to see a hormone optimization specialist about those issues. Watch my other TH-cam video here th-cam.com/video/ImQxgAPSf1s/w-d-xo.html
Hi just seen this video been doing some research. I am really suffering doctors given me norethisterone I don't wether o should take it or not can you advice me on this please