Progesterone and Adrenaline: Calm vs. Fight or Flight

A light-toned medical illustration on a parchment-style background depicting the hormonal balance between progesterone and adrenaline. The left side features soft blue neural pathways and a brain labeled "Progesterone: Calm & Relaxation." The right side shows warm orange energy lines and adrenal glands labeled "Adrenaline: Fight-or-Flight." A central yin-yang symbol connects the two sides, illustrating a state of equilibrium.

What comes to mind when you think of stress? For most of us, it’s adrenaline — the hormone that primes our body for “fight or flight,” increasing heart rate and sharpening our senses. But what counterbalances this powerful system? The answer, lies in an unexpected source: progesterone. This article explores the fascinating science of how progesterone and adrenaline interact, creating a dynamic interplay that affects mood, anxiety, and overall resilience.

Read more

Q&A with Carol Petersen

Q&A promotional flyer with a light colored room, pink swivel lounge chairs, a coffee table with white cups of coffee and a book

Join us for this engaging live Q&A session, recorded in real-time on Zoom. Carol will be ready to dive into your questions on perimenopause, progesterone, and PMDD—bring them on!

Missing the Mark on Progesterone: What Most Menopause Doctors Get Wrong

Missing the Mark on Progesterone: What Most Menopause Doctors Get Wrong Featuring Dr. Phyllis Bronson & Carol Petersen, RPh | Hosted by Jill Chmielewski September 10, 2025 at 10am MST/11 am CST

Featuring Dr. Phyllis Bronson & Carol Petersen, RPh | Hosted by Jill Chmielewski September 10, 2025 at 10am MST/11 am CST Introduction (Jill) Welcome audience, introduce Phyllis & Carol. Context: After the 2002 WHI study, menopause medicine was largely abandoned. Training stopped, myths spread, and providers were taught incomplete or inaccurate information, especially about progesterone. … Read more

The Enigmatic Life of Histamine: Hormonal Intrigues, Detox Strategies, and Natural Modulation

Histamine is synonymous with allergic reactions—sneezing, itching, or swelling—but its influence extends far beyond these symptoms. As a biogenic amine, histamine shapes immune responses, hormonal interactions, detoxification pathways, and neurological function. Its complex interplay with mast cells, sex hormones, enzymatic systems, and natural compounds reveals a dynamic molecule requiring nuanced management. This exploration delves into histamine’s multifaceted biology, offering insights into its regulation and strategies for addressing dysregulation.

Read more

Progesterone-Induced Dizziness: Is Allopregnanolone Spinning Your World?

dizzy dirty blonde woman in blue shirt holding her head and closing her eyes

If you’ve felt unusually drowsy, dizzy, or mentally foggy after taking progesterone, the neurosteroid allopregnanolone may be the reason. This powerful metabolite of progesterone influences brain function, mood, and stress response, but its calming effects can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this article, we explore what allopregnanolone is, why it causes side effects like dizziness, what factors influence its activity, and how to support your body’s ability to metabolize it effectively.

Read more