THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT HORMONES FOR THE BRAIN…Progesterone is produced by both the ovum released by the ovaries and the adrenal gland. And of course, in men the adrenals are the only source. Progesterone gets converted to a compound called allopregnanolone, which is a neurosteroid. The compound is incredibly protective to the brain, calming it and preventing depression and seizures and migraines. So, if we are stressed (wiping out our adrenals) or are prediabetic (which destroys the ovary’s ability to release a healthy egg) our progresterone levels will be low and we will not have the same ability to protect our brain. In this particular animal study, we see that low levels of allopregnanolone contribute to both sleep problems and cognitive decline, likely another consequence of our poor quality lifestyles. Read More…