Estrogen and Progesterone

Progesterone is said to upregulate GABA, increase BDNF, enhance microglial activation, and improve sleep-dependent memory consolidation. The article presents estrogen and progesterone as active neurotransmitters, not merely reproductive hormones. The female brain is said to contain dense receptor clusters for estrogen and progesterone in regions involved in emotion, discernment, decisions, and emotional regulation. Progesterone is described as inhibitory and restorative in contrast to estrogen's excitatory profile. Rising estrogen is described as increasing metabolic fuel access through gluconeogenesis and glycolysis.