216 - All about progesterone: PMS, PMDD, postnatal depression and menopause

Listen to this episode from The Dr Louise Newson Podcast on Spotify. Progesterone is a hormone produced after ovulation and dominates the second half of your menstrual cycle. It balances the effects of oestrogen, supports the body during pregnancy and is known as the relaxing hormone. But how can progesterone impact your mental health in the run up to periods, after childbirth and during the perimenopause and menopause? Joining Dr Louise this week is Newson Health GP and Menopause Specialist Dr Hannah Ward, whose interest in the menopause and HRT was ignited following her own hormonal struggles after the birth of her children. Here, Dr Hannah shares her personal experiences of progesterone treatment, and takes us through the key differences between body identical progesterone and synthetic progestogens.