I’m thrilled to have Dr. Felice Gersh join me for a two-part conversation focusing on menopause and HRT. She is a prolific voice in the integrative gynecology space, a true mentor, and someone I respect enormously. In the first part today, we dive into progesterone and its wide-ranging systemic effects. We unpack the differences between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, discuss the Women's Health Initiative, examine the role of progesterone in cardiovascular disease, and look at the importance of nitric oxide production. We explore ovarian senescence and how we accelerate our ovarian aging. Dr. Gersh explains how declining nitric oxide production relates to aging and shares ways to achieve optimal health during menopause. We also discuss how PCOS impacts fertility and longevity, how estradiol and progesterone modulate neurotransmitters, and how they impact brain health and cognition in perimenopause and menopause. This is truly a conversation you will not want to miss. Be sure to stay tuned for my second discussion with the insightful Dr. Felice Gersh. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The value of progesterone beyond simply protecting the uterine lining What progesterone does that synthetic progestins cannot do How the risks and side effects of synthetic progestins unfairly tarnished the reputation of progesterone How progesterone supports nitric oxide signaling and vascular health The essential role progesterone plays in stabilizing the nervous system The role of progesterone in supporting mitochondrial function, musculoskeletal health, and connective tissue repair Symptoms that could appear or worsen when progesterone levels are low Dr. Gersh reframes ovarian aging as a core marker of aging in women  Factors that could impair ovarian function and hormone production Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine Instagram All of Dr. Gersh’s books are available on Amazon.