#281 The misjudged hormone w/Pharmacist Carol Petersen

In this enlightening episode of "Stuff Your Doctor Should Know," we dive deep into the controversy surrounding Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite that's recently been scrutinized unfairly due to inconclusive results from a rat study. This study suggested potential cognitive issues with ongoing use, casting a shadow over a metabolite known for its crucial role in pregnancy—helping women stay relaxed and potentially preventing postnatal depression (PND) and in anxiety disorders in general.

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Join us as expert pharmacist Carol Petersen helps demystify Allopregnanolone, explaining why labeling it merely as a drug is not only premature but irresponsible. Carol will discuss:

The Importance of Allopregnanolone: How high levels of this metabolite are beneficial, especially in pregnancy, and why it's essential to approach research findings with a critical eye.

Progesterone Supplementation: How oral progesterone is metabolized by the liver into Allopregnanolone, and why this pathway is crucial for understanding its effects.

Adrenaline and Liver Health: Carol breaks down the methylation process involved in clearing adrenaline in the liver. She explains how issues with this process could lead to an adrenaline kickback in some women when taking progesterone.

The Baking Soda Miracle: Exploring an unexpected topic, Carol discusses how simple household baking soda could potentially aid in hormone balance and alleviate leg cramps.

Tune in to shed light on these complex hormonal interactions and learn why it's crucial to question and investigate beyond initial studies.

-The content provided in this podcast, including text, graphics, images, and information, is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kitty Martone, also known as Healthy Gut Girl, is not a medical professional and never claims to be one. The discussions in this podcast are the opinions of the hosts and guests and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The views expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, guests, or affiliates.