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!
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#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

In an age of endless diet trends and wellness noise, how do midlife women truly nourish themselves—not just for weight management, but for hormone balance, gut health, and longevity?

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff and Dr. Ade Akindipe, take a clear-eyed look at popular dietary trends through the lens of midlife wellness. From plant-forward and Mediterranean styles to the paleo and anti-inflammatory approaches, they examine the science, benefits, and limitations of each—along with practical strategies for applying them in everyday life.

Beyond nutrition labels and food fads, Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade emphasizes individualized, sustainable choices that support hormonal health, metabolic balance, and overall well-being. They also highlight the importance of cultural context, individualized nutrition, and mindset when building a sustainable and nourishing way of eating.

Whether you're navigating hormone changes, managing chronic inflammation, or simply trying to eat well in a busy life, this episode is for you!

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend, colleague, or family member who’s navigating similar changes. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and connect with us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com to let us know what topics you’d like to hear next.

Together, we’re redefining what it means to thrive in midlife—one nourishing conversation at a time.

Highlights:

• A breakdown of the Mediterranean, plant-forward, paleo, and anti-inflammatory diets
• How gut health influences hormone balance—and why midlife women should care
• Pros and cons of protein powders, frozen produce, and common food eliminations
• The cultural lens of food: navigating traditions, expectations, and nutrition
• Practical approaches to personalizing your diet for hormone and metabolic health
• Why mindset is foundational to sustainable wellness
• The link between inflammation, aging, and hormone fluctuations
• Nutritional strategies to support energy, brain health, and longevity

Get to know the doctors behind the insights of The Modern Midlife Collective Podcast:

Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, hormone and obesity specialist, and expert in metabolic and longevity medicine. She is the founder and Medical Director of Rejuvenate Health and Wellness, where she has empowered hundreds of women to reclaim their health, overcome stubborn weight challenges, and unlock vibrant energy through science-based, personalized care.

With a deep commitment to transforming the landscape of midlife health, she blends cutting-edge medical innovation with a functional, root-cause approach to wellness. She is recognized as a trusted authority in women's health and passionate about service and health equity. Dr. Akindipe also serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, advocating for greater access to preventive care and wellness initiatives in underrepresented communities.

Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP, is a board-certified gynecologist, surgeon, and nationally certified menopause provider specializing in general and cosmetic gynecologic surgery. As Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin, she specializes in hormone therapy, sexual medicine, and aesthetic treatments to help women thrive.

She is the host of “Line One” on Alaska Public Media, an NPR-affiliated medical affairs radio show, and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, dedicated to women’s health education and access.

As the co-host of The Modern Midlife Collective, she brings expertise in hormones, sexual health, aesthetics, and holistic practices, teaching women to advocate for their health and well-being in midlife with confidence.

Passionate about global health, lifestyle medicine, and education, she enjoys traveling, humanitarian work, studying languages, and family life while empowering women to take charge of their health.