Most of us think of progesterone as a women’s hormone. Carol Petersen has spent decades correcting that misconception. But even within the world of progressive hormone medicine, one story has gone largely untold: the role of progesterone’s late-life collapse in men as a potential key driver of Alzheimer’s disease.
Sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein made mainly in the liver. It binds strongly to key sex hormones like testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol. By doing so, SHBG controls how much of these hormones stay “free” (unbound) and biologically active in the body. Think of SHBG as a gatekeeper: it influences how much hormone is available to tissues in both men and women.
This article is an introduction to understanding the role of progesterone in men. Progesterone is often associated with women’s health, particularly in relation to pregnancy and menstrual cycles. However, it also plays a crucial role in men’s health. This hormone is a precursor to testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and helps maintain hormonal balance … Read more