Dr. Tabatha Barber, a triple board-certified OB-GYN, answers whether you need progesterone after a hysterectomy. Progesterone receptors exist throughout your body, not just the uterus, and unopposed estrogen can cause anxiety, sleep problems, and weight gain. She recommends trying micronized progesterone at bedtime for hormonal balance.
Questions this episode answers
Dr. Barber advises that progesterone protects more than just the uterus because progesterone receptors exist throughout the body (breast, cardiovascular system, brain, bone, skin, etc.). Unopposed estrogen can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, weight fluctuation, and bloating. She suggests seeking a second opinion and, if appropriate, trying micronized progesterone capsules at bedtime to see if symptoms improve.
Chapters
Hey beautiful, it's Dr. Tabatha.
I want to share something with you that I believe God is doing right now in women's health.
We're in the middle of a massive movement and most people don't even know it. Every single day, 6,000 women in the U.S. enter menopause. That's over 2 million women a year, and by 2030, that's more than 1.2 billion women worldwide. So here's the thing, most of these women feel exhausted, bloated, anxious, disconnected from themselves, and the medical system is Doctors are handing out prescriptions and quick fixes, and no one is helping women heal from the root cause of their issues. That's where Fast to Faith coaches come in. As a certified coach, you'll be equipped to help midlife women balance their hormones, heal their gut, regain their energy, and reconnect their faith, the foundation that so many of us have been missing. And from a business standpoint, woo, this is one of the most lucrative untapped opportunities in the entire health coaching world. The global health coaching industry is expected to reach over $33 billion by 2023, and midlife women are the fastest-growing, highest-spending demographic in that space. Most importantly, these women stay with their coaches. They invest deeply because they are desperate for lasting transformation— body, mind, and spirit. So if you've been feeling that pull and that whisper that you're meant to do more, This is it. Now is the time to rise, to serve, and build a purpose-driven business that not only changes other women's lives but transforms your own in the process. Because when you help one woman heal, you help her family, her marriage, her faith, and her future. That's the ripple effect that we're creating with Fast to Faith. So join me, click the link to come watch this webinar. It might be the one thing that really moves the needle for you in this Next season.
I can't wait to see you in there.
Hi, I'm Dr. Tabatha, the Gutsy Gynecologist. I'm a triple board-certified OB-GYN and functional medicine physician. I've embraced the world of functional medicine and wellness through my own personal health journey, and I'm super excited to share my wisdom and unique perspective as it pertains to women's health. After caring for thousands of women, I've come to realize that your gut health determines your gyn health and your overall And it's a super gutsy thing for me to go against conventional gynecology practice to bring you the truth. No more Band-Aid medicine, ladies. We're talking root cause resolution on this show. So if you're struggling with hormone imbalance, weight gain, period issues, anxiety, insomnia, you name it, then you've come to the right place. And I want to be your gutsy gynecologist. So welcome.
I asked my doctor about getting progesterone and she said, no, I don't need it because I've had a hysterectomy, but I still have anxiety and feel terrible. What should I do? Okay, this is a question from Rachel in Arizona. Oh my goodness, Rachel, I think you need to find a new doctor, honestly. Here's the deal, you guys. Progesterone protects more than your uterus. Okay. As a conventional doctor, I was trained that progesterone is only needed to protect your uterus from unopposed estrogen. That is what we came to understand from studies that were done way back in the '50s, '60s, and '70s. So here's the problem. Since then, we have learned that there are not only progesterone receptors in the uterus, but all throughout our body. There are progesterone receptors in our breasts, in our cardiovascular system, in our brain, in our bones, in our skin, like everywhere. So If you have unopposed estrogen in other parts of your body, like your brain, it doesn't feel so hot. And you'll notice because you probably have more anxiety, you're probably not sleeping as well, your weight may fluctuate, and you're puffy or bloated and swollen. You probably should be on progesterone if you are on estrogen replacement. I have only had a few patients that are on estrogen alone tell me they feel good, and those are usually much older women, meaning they've been in menopause for quite a while. They've gone without the progesterone for many years and their body has adapted. But for the majority of women, they don't feel good on just estrogen replacement alone. So unfortunately, it sounds like your doctor is practicing some antiquated medicine. That is very common. That is still standard of care in this country. Unfortunately, that is still what is being taught through American College of OB-GYNs and the North American Menopause Society. I know this because I am certified through them, so I know what everyone recommends, but that doesn't mean it's right. Just because something is popular or common or is a standard doesn't mean it's best practice. It doesn't mean it's up to date on the latest research. So it turns out we have estrogen receptors in our whole body and we feel better when estrogen and progesterone are balanced together. And testosterone as well. So I would encourage you to consider getting a second opinion or getting some resources, giving it to her or him, and having a further discussion. Hey, do you mind if maybe I try some micronized progesterone capsules at bedtime and see if I just feel a little bit better. And maybe they'll be on board with that and maybe not. So I hope that answers your question.
