Progesterone Side Effects & Intolerance: Why You Feel Worse on Progesterone | Dr. Jolene Brighten

So you finally got your progesterone prescription to help you sleep better, feel calmer, and support your hormones, but instead of feeling better, you’re more anxious, moody, and wide awake at night. You might have progesterone intolerance.

In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I uncover why some women experience the opposite of the “calming” benefits they’re promised, and what new research reveals about how progesterone interacts with the brain. Whether you’re in perimenopause, on HRT, or struggling with PMS/PMDD, this conversation will help you finally connect the dots.

Understanding Progesterone Intolerance and Side Effects

What are the side effects of progesterone? Progesterone side effects can include insomnia, panic attacks, mood swings, and even feelings of rage. For many women, though, it has the opposite effect—improving sleep and calming the nervous system. In this episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/ , I share the science behind why some women thrive while others struggle.

Can progesterone cause anxiety? Yes, in some women. Instead of activating the brain’s calming GABA receptors, progesterone’s metabolite may overstimulate the nervous system. I explain how new research on the amygdala sheds light on this paradox.

Is progesterone intolerance the same as PMS or PMDD? Not quite. While symptoms can overlap, progesterone intolerance has unique brain-level differences that make women more reactive during the luteal phase. Tune in to hear the distinctions that matter for treatment.

What’s the difference between progesterone and progestin side effects? Doctors and media often use these words interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Progestins are synthetic, bind differently to hormone receptors, and are linked with depression risk in teens and women starting contraception. I break down the chemistry and clinical differences in this episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/.

For the entire show notes + links mentioned in the episode, please visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/progesterone-side-effects/

Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://drbrighten.com/is-this-normal

Book: Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pil

Progesterone Intolerance Article – https://drbrighten.com/progesterone-intolerance

Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements:

• Adrenal Calm – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm
• Adrenal Support – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support
• Women’s Probiotic – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic
• Balance Women’s Hormone Support – https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance

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