Episode 361: Hormones 101: Progesterone, Estrogen, Histamine, and Your Cycle with Andrea Jones

Did you know that spotting for days before your period, pain around ovulation, or anxiety that shows up at the same point every month can all be clues about what your hormones need? Host Erin Kerry sits down with registered nurse, functional hormone coach, and author Andrea Jones to go back to the basics of the menstrual cycle, the conversation most of us never got growing up. Together, they discuss what a healthy cycle and period actually look like, what spotting can signal, how the brain, gut, and ovaries communicate, the roles of estrogen and progesterone across the month, why histamine can drive ovulation pain, bloating, reflux, and mood shifts, blood work vs. DUTCH testing, and what hormonal birth control does to the brain-ovary connection. You’ll also learn why progesterone acts as a calming buffer for your nervous system, why “common” symptoms aren’t the same as optimal function, and the simple daily foundations that support hormone detox, including water, fiber, minerals, and daily bowel movements. LInks Mentioned: * Andrea’s website: abundantwellnesswithandrea.com * Andrea on Instagram: @abundantwellnesswithandrea * Andrea’s podcast: From Surviving to Thriving: The Abundant Wellness Podcast * DUTCH Complete hormone test * Mira at-home hormone monitor * Preorder Erin’s new book, Kitchen Therapy: erinbkerry.com/kitchen-therapy *Erin's courses: https://erinbkerry.com * Join Erin’s email list: https://erinbkerry.mykajabi.com/email-list