Is Progesterone Only for Women with a Uterus? The Truth About Hormone Therapy

When you hear “progesterone,” do you immediately think it’s only necessary for women who still have a uterus? Think again.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, unpack one of the most persistent myths in women’s health: that progesterone is optional after hysterectomy.

Together, they explore why progesterone plays a vital role in hormone therapy far beyond uterine protection. From supporting sleep and reducing anxiety, to protecting the brain, bones, and cardiovascular system, progesterone proves itself to be essential for midlife health. The conversation also breaks down confusing terminology around progesterone vs. progestins, dives into different forms and dosing options, and emphasizes why individualized care is key to safe and effective treatment.

You’ll also hear candid insights on side effects, how hormones work in symphony, and why finding a knowledgeable provider matters when navigating hormone therapy.

✨ You’ll walk away knowing that progesterone’s story is much bigger than just the uterus.

Episode Highlights:

• Why you still need progesterone even without a uterus
• The neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits of progesterone
• Continuous vs. cyclic dosing—what works best and why
• Differences between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins
• How progesterone supports sleep, mood, and hormone balance
• Side effects to be aware of and how to adjust care
• The importance of individualized approaches to hormone therapy

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 Understanding Dosing: Continuous vs. Cyclic Progesterone
08:34 Progesterone’s Neuroprotective Benefits
11:39 The Importance of Progesterone for Bone and Cardiovascular Health
14:34 Clarifying Terminology: Progesterone vs. Progestins
17:30 Forms of Progesterone: Oral, Vaginal, and Topical
20:04 Dosing Guidelines for Hormone Replacement Therapy
23:01 Potential Side Effects and Considerations
25:42 Individualized Care in Hormone Therapy

Meet Your Hosts:

Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C
A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness, Dr. Akindipe specializes in hormone and obesity medicine with a focus on root-cause, functional approaches. He is an advocate for health equity and serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, working to expand access to preventive care for underserved communities.

Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP
A board-certified gynecologist and nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Woodruff is the Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. She is also host of NPR-affiliated Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation. Her expertise spans hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aesthetic medicine, empowering women to lead vibrant, informed lives.

📩 Have a question or comment? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com—we’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!
Follow us on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

#MenopauseHealth #Progesterone #HormoneTherapy #MidlifeHealth #WomensHealth #HormoneBalance #SleepHealth #Inflammation

Is Progesterone Only for Women with a Uterus? The Truth About Hormone Therapy

When you hear “progesterone,” do you immediately think it’s only necessary for women who still have a uterus? Think again.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, unpack one of the most persistent myths in women’s health: that progesterone is optional after hysterectomy.

Together, they explore why progesterone plays a vital role in hormone therapy far beyond uterine protection. From supporting sleep and reducing anxiety, to protecting the brain, bones, and cardiovascular system, progesterone proves itself to be essential for midlife health. The conversation also breaks down confusing terminology around progesterone vs. progestins, dives into different forms and dosing options, and emphasizes why individualized care is key to safe and effective treatment.

You’ll also hear candid insights on side effects, how hormones work in symphony, and why finding a knowledgeable provider matters when navigating hormone therapy.

✨ You’ll walk away knowing that progesterone’s story is much bigger than just the uterus.

Episode Highlights:

• Why you still need progesterone even without a uterus
• The neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits of progesterone
• Continuous vs. cyclic dosing—what works best and why
• Differences between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins
• How progesterone supports sleep, mood, and hormone balance
• Side effects to be aware of and how to adjust care
• The importance of individualized approaches to hormone therapy

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 Understanding Dosing: Continuous vs. Cyclic Progesterone
08:34 Progesterone’s Neuroprotective Benefits
11:39 The Importance of Progesterone for Bone and Cardiovascular Health
14:34 Clarifying Terminology: Progesterone vs. Progestins
17:30 Forms of Progesterone: Oral, Vaginal, and Topical
20:04 Dosing Guidelines for Hormone Replacement Therapy
23:01 Potential Side Effects and Considerations
25:42 Individualized Care in Hormone Therapy

Meet Your Hosts:

Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C

A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness, Dr. Akindipe specializes in hormone and obesity medicine with a focus on root-cause, functional approaches. He is an advocate for health equity and serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, working to expand access to preventive care for underserved communities.

Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP
A board-certified gynecologist and nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Woodruff is the Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. She is also host of NPR-affiliated Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation. Her expertise spans hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aesthetic medicine, empowering women to lead vibrant, informed lives.

📩 Have a question or comment? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com—we’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!
Follow us on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

#MenopauseHealth #Progesterone #HormoneTherapy #MidlifeHealth #WomensHealth #HormoneBalance #SleepHealth #Inflammation #ModernMidlifeCollective

Are you feeling constantly tired, struggling with brain fog, or wondering if it's just 'part of getting older'? What if there's more to the story, especially when it comes to chronic fatigue in midlife?

In this enlightening episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, explore the multifaceted causes of fatigue that often go overlooked. They debunk the myth that fatigue is simply a byproduct of aging and delve into how hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle factors play a crucial role in your energy levels.

Together, they discuss how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol influence your mood, motivation, and overall vitality. You'll hear both evidence-based insights and personal stories to help you understand the real impact of these factors—and what options are available to restore your energy. From individualized testing and therapy to lifestyle-based solutions, this episode is your guide to navigating midlife fatigue with confidence and clarity.

You deserve answers, and you're not alone. Tune in now and discover how addressing the root causes of fatigue can help you thrive in midlife and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

Chronic fatigue is not just a part of aging; it's a signal from your body. The role of hormones in managing energy levels and mood. Personal stories and scientific insights into overcoming fatigue. The importance of personalized health care and monitoring.

Meet Your Hosts:

Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C

A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness, Dr. Akindipe specializes in hormone and obesity medicine with a focus on root-cause, functional approaches. She is an advocate for health equity and serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, working to expand access to preventive care for underserved communities.

Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP

A board-certified gynecologist and nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Woodruff is the Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. She is also host of NPR-affiliated Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation. Her expertise spans hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aesthetic medicine, empowering women to lead vibrant, informed lives.

📩 Have a question or comment? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com—we’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!

Follow us on Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.

#ModernMidlifeCollective #MidlifeHealth #ChronicFatigue #ModernMedicine #WomenDeserveBetter