In this episode of The Rare Wellness Podcast, Dr. Jamie Lewis is joined by Performance Medicine Nurse Jeralee Kidd to explore one of the most overlooked—but foundational—hormones in the body: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).

Often referred to as a “precursor hormone,” DHEA plays a critical role in supporting testosterone and estrogen production in both men and women. Yet as we age, DHEA levels steadily decline—often beginning as early as our 30s—contributing to fatigue, low mood, reduced resilience to stress, loss of lean muscle mass, brain fog, inflammation, and decreased libido.

Dr. Lewis and Jeralee break down:

• What DHEA is and how it functions in the body
• Why both men and women should have their levels evaluated
• The connection between DHEA, adrenal health, and chronic stress
• How low DHEA can impact metabolism, muscle mass, immune function, and longevity
• When replacement may be appropriate—and why proper testing and medical supervision matter

They also explain how DHEA differs from testosterone therapy, why it’s commonly missed in routine labs, and how optimizing foundational hormones can dramatically improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—and feeling more tired, inflamed, or less resilient than you used to—this episode may connect some important dots.

To learn more or schedule a comprehensive hormone evaluation, visit www.spokanehrt.com.

Progesterone: Why Optimization and Replacement Matters During Your 30s, 40s and Beyond

With Becca Pabona & Jeralee Kidd, Performance Medicine Nurses

In this episode of The Rare Wellness Podcast, Performance Medicine Nurses Becca Pabona and Jeralee Kidd explore an often-overlooked but critically important hormone in women’s health: progesterone.

While estrogen typically gets the spotlight in midlife conversations—especially around hot flashes and night sweats—this discussion highlights how progesterone is often the first hormone to decline during perimenopause, sometimes years before menopause begins.

Becca and Jeralee break down:

• Why progesterone plays a key role in sleep quality, anxiety regulation, mood stability, and brain health
• How declining progesterone can lead to symptoms like insomnia (especially waking at 2–3 AM), “wired but tired” anxiety, mood swings, heavier periods, migraines, and worsening PMS
• The science behind progesterone’s calming effect on the brain through the GABA-A receptor pathway
• Why micronized (bioidentical) progesterone differs significantly from synthetic progestins used in earlier hormone studies
• The importance of symptom-guided optimization, not just lab-based decision-making
• Why progesterone therapy, when used appropriately, can be one of the safest and most impactful interventionsfor perimenopausal women

Jeralee also shares her personal experience with progesterone and how addressing this hormone transformed her sleep and anxiety—insights she now sees reflected in many patients at the Center for Regenerative and Performance Medicine.

If you’re in your late 30s, 40s, or early 50s and feel like “something is off,” this episode may help you understand why it may not be stress or aging alone—it could be progesterone.

For more information, visit www.spokaneht.com.

1. Bhasin S, et al.

Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial (TRAVERSE).

JAMA Network Open. 2023;6(12):e2342583.

1. Araujo AB, et al.

Clinical review: Endogenous testosterone and mortality in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;96(10):3007–3019.

1. Corona G, et al.

Testosterone and metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis study.

Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2011;8(1):272–283.

1. Davis SR, et al.

Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women.

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2019;104(10):4660–4666.

1. Finkelstein JS, et al.

Gonadal steroids and body composition, strength, and sexual function in men.

New England Journal of Medicine. 2013;369:1011–1022.

1. Rosner W, et al.

Utility, limitations, and pitfalls in measuring testosterone: an Endocrine Society position statement.

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007;92(2):405–413.