Is Progesterone Only for Women with a Uterus? The Truth About Hormone Therapy | MMC Episode 16
When you hear “progesterone,” do you think it’s only for women who still have a uterus? Think again. 💫
In this empowering episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, joins Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, to debunk one of the biggest myths in women’s health: that progesterone is optional after hysterectomy.
They reveal why progesterone is essential for midlife health — not just for uterine protection, but for your brain, mood, bones, heart, and sleep. You’ll learn the difference between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins, how to find the right dosing method, and why individualized hormone therapy is key for every woman.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you still need progesterone, this episode gives you the clarity, science, and confidence to make informed decisions about your health.
✨ What You’ll Learn:
-Why progesterone still matters even without a uterus
-How it supports sleep, anxiety, and hormone balance
-The neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits of progesterone
-The truth about bioidentical progesterone vs. progestins
-Continuous vs. cyclic dosing — and which might be right for you
-How to navigate side effects and symptom changes
-Why personalized hormone care leads to better outcomes
🧠 Memorable Quotes:
“Progesterone’s role does not end with the uterus.”
“The key is—it’s not a blanket rule.”
“We have to share the not-so-good parts too.”
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 Debunking the Uterus Myth
02:42 The Role of Progesterone in Hormone Therapy
05:45 Continuous vs. Cyclic Dosing
08:34 Neuroprotective Benefits of Progesterone
11:39 Progesterone for Bone & Heart Health
14:34 Progesterone vs. Progestins Explained
17:30 Forms: Oral, Vaginal, and Topical
20:04 Safe Dosing in HRT
23:01 Side Effects & Adjustments
25:42 Individualized Hormone Therapy
👩⚕️ Meet Your Hosts:
Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP
Board-certified gynecologist, menopause practitioner, and Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. Host of NPR’s Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, she helps women thrive through personalized hormone therapy and integrative wellness care.
Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C
Founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness and functional medicine expert specializing in hormone and obesity medicine. Advocate for health equity and Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus.
📩 Got a question or story to share?
Email us: [email protected]
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @modernmidlifecollective
🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube