Progesterone vs Progestin: What Healthcare Gets Wrong

Episode Summary:

Progesterone and progestins sound alike — but they act very differently in a woman’s body. This episode breaks down how that confusion took root and what it means for hormone therapy, contraception, and women’s health research. Endocrinologist Dr. Jerilynn Prior and gynecologist Dr. Jim Simon join Georgie Kovacs to explore evidence, controversy, and the systemic forces that keep women in the dark about their options.

Watch now → https://youtu.be/awq6pxW-yH8 or listen below.

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Understanding the Difference

• Progesterone is the natural hormone produced by the ovaries.

• Progestins are synthetic compounds designed to mimic progesterone’s uterine effects but differ in how they act on the brain, breasts, and heart.Learn how these differences influence mood, bone density, and cardiovascular risk.

Why the Confusion Persists

Regulatory shortcuts, underfunded research, and the legacy of the WHI study blurred the line between these hormones. Even product labels and reimbursement systems still reflect outdated terminology — leaving clinicians and patients in a gray zone.

Clinical Guidelines and Real-World Care

Discover how current menopause hormone therapy guidelines address progesterone and progestins, what’s known about Mirena IUD protection with estrogen therapy, and when micronized progesterone may support sleep or symptom relief.

Advocating for Yourself

Ask your provider which hormone form you’re taking and why. Track your symptoms, review your dosing, and ensure your treatment aligns with updated evidence. Shared decision-making is key to safer, personalized hormone care.

Watch Next on Fempower Health

Explore related episodes on menopause research, FDA guideline reform, and systemic barriers in women’s health innovation.👉 [Hormone Therapy Playlist link]

Highlights:

• Key biological differences between progesterone and synthetic progestins

• What the latest menopause guidelines actually say

• Why Mirena protects the uterus but may not provide systemic progesterone effects

• How underfunded research skews labeling and care

• Questions to ask your clinician before starting hormone therapy

About the Guests:

Dr. Jerilynn Prior – Founder, Centre for Menstrual Cycle & Ovulation Research (CeMCOR).

Dr. Jim Simon – Clinical Professor, GWU OB-GYN; President, ISSWSH.

Resources:

• Learn about the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR)

• Learn about the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)

• Check out The Menopause Society position statements, which address clinical issues in women's midlife

Action Steps:

• Learn your hormone terminology.

• Discuss individualized options with your clinician.

• Share this episode to help others get informed.

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Disclaimer

The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.