Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™ Ep. 470 Your Midlife Hormone Survival Guide with Dr. Amy Killen
May 31, 2025
Dr. Amy Killen, a board-certified physician and expert in bioidentical hormones, joins the discussion highlighting crucial insights for women navigating midlife. She explains the significance of progesterone sensitivity and how estrogen plays a vital role in longevity and heart health. The conversation delves into the impact of hormonal therapies on cognitive function and bone density. Dr. Killen also addresses common misconceptions about oral estrogen and offers practical advice for managing menopause symptoms, including hair loss and effective supplementation strategies.
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Understanding Progesterone Sensitivity Spectrum
- Progesterone sensitivity affects about 10-15% of women, presenting as intolerance, paradoxical response, or rare allergic reaction.
- The paradoxical response involves excitatory effects on the brain via GABA receptor variations, causing anxiety and irritability.
Progesterone Treatment Options
- Changing progesterone administration from oral to vaginal or rectal reduces excitatory metabolites and side effects.
- Adjusting the oral progesterone dose above or below 200 mg can mitigate paradoxical responses in sensitive individuals.
Estrogen as Longevity Drug
- Estrogen is considered the best longevity drug and remains underrecognized at longevity events dominated by other novel therapies.
- Despite proven benefits, only about 4% of women currently use hormone replacement therapy.