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Does chronic stress actually lower progesterone in perimenopause?

If you’re in your 40s and noticing worsening PMS, anxiety, sleep disruption, or feeling “more fragile” under stress — you may be wondering whether cortisol and chronic stress are playing a role in your hormone symptoms.

In this video, I explain:
how chronic stress affects the HPA axis
why progesterone is often the first hormone to feel depleted in early perimenopause
what people mean by the term “cortisol steal” — and where that concept is often misunderstood
how stress can functionally shift hormone balance, even when labs look “normal”

This is a nuanced, physiology-based conversation — not fear-based, not oversimplified — designed to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body so you can make informed decisions about next steps.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Why stress + hormones come up together in perimenopause
00:35 – The “cortisol steal” concept: what it gets right (and wrong)
01:20 – How chronic stress affects progesterone signaling
02:14 – Why progesterone symptoms often show up first
02:55 – What this means clinically (and what it doesn’t)
03:45 - Summary and wrap up

🧠 Key Takeaway
Stress doesn’t literally “steal” progesterone — but chronic HPA-axis activation can shift how your body prioritizes hormone production and signaling, especially in early perimenopause. Understanding that distinction matters.

🌿 Supplements & Support (Optional)
Some women exploring early perimenopause choose to work with targeted nutritional or botanical support as part of a broader plan.

If you’d like access to professional-grade supplements, you can explore options through my Fullscript dispensary here:

👉 https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/int...

(Always discuss supplements with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your full health history.)

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace personalized medical care. Hormone therapy and supplement decisions should always be made in partnership with your personal healthcare provider.

💬 Join the Conversation
Have you noticed stress affecting your cycle, sleep, or mood during perimenopause?

I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

I’m Dr. Kate — thanks for being here, and I’ll see you in the next video.