Ep. 98 The Progesterone Drop: Perimenopause, Anxiety & That “Wired but Tired” Feeling

I woke up with my heart racing. Later, I had a panic attack on a flight. And I kept asking myself: Is this stress? Is this perimenopause? Or is it both? Ryan and I sit down for a very real (and very Heidi’s Lane) conversation about that question—and about a hormone I think deserves more attention: progesterone. I share what I’ve been learning about ovulation, why progesterone can change during perimenopause, and why sleep, mood, and that “wired but tired” feeling can become such a big part of the conversation. We also talk honestly about my own experience with hormone therapy, the questions I’m bringing to my clinician, and why someone else’s dose or plan is never a shortcut to your own answers. And yes, we take a few detours! The challenge community that means so much to me, the “Hey Mom” tattoo in Matix’s handwriting, and Ryan patiently following every turn in my brain all make an appearance. 😂 In this episode, we discuss: Why real-life stress and changing hormones can be hard to untangle. How ovulation relates to progesterone—even when you’re still having periods. What progesterone and its metabolite, allopregnanolone, have to do with the conversation about rest and sleep. Why feeling anxious or unlike yourself deserves curiosity, not shame or a quick self-diagnosis. How to ask informed questions about hormone therapy without treating my experience as a prescription for yours. If you’re in your late 30s, 40s or beyond and you’ve caught yourself wondering why you suddenly feel so different. I really hope this episode helps you start connecting some dots in your own body. Learn your body. Ask questions. Do your research. And be the CEO of your own health. Mentioned in the episode: Perimenopause 101 (Ep. 93) NuLevel Wellness -> For a FREE telehealth appointment to discuss your hormones and health, go to https://nulevelwellnessmedspa.com/telehealth-consult-ideal/ or CLICK HERE. If you tell them you came from my podcast, they will give you $100 off your first order. Here are the key moments from the episode: 00:00 Why perimenopause feels impossible to figure out 04:39 Panic attacks, heart palpitations and feeling completely off 09:04 When stress, business and hormones all collide 13:32 Whiskers, family life and the pressure of staying relevant 17:02 The “Hey mom” tattoo and what it means to me 22:12 Why progesterone deserves way more attention 27:51 The progesterone and estrogen balance explained 31:05 What made me rethink my own HRT protocol 34:40 Why progesterone starts disappearing in perimenopause 38:17 The early signs of low progesterone you might be missing 42:01 How progesterone affects anxiety, sleep and feeling “wired but tired” 45:00 What I wish I knew before starting hormone replacement therapy 48:01 Why HRT should be taken seriously and what we’re covering next Connect with Heidi: Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realheidipowell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realheidipowell/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell Heidi’s FREE Get Fit Community: ⁠https://fit.heidipowell.net/get-fit-community/⁠