In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki tackle a common yet surprisingly confusing question: When is the best time to test your blood levels if you're using hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? Lisa, a fellow Washingtonian, submitted a thoughtful Ask the Doctor question about testing estradiol and FSH levels when using a trochee or transdermal cream. Should it be 4 to 6 hours after application? Or 10 to 12? And what do the results actually mean? We’ll break do...
Jun 16, 2025•28 min
Is there really an age limit for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? What if you're in your 70s and still feel better on hormones—but your doctor says it's time to stop? In this episode, we answer a great question from Mary, a 76-year-old woman who's been on HRT for over 20 years. She's dealing with weight gain, breast tenderness, and pressure from her gynecologist to quit hormones altogether. We break it down: Why stopping HRT just because of age isn't always the answer What to consider when swi...
Jun 13, 2025•20 min
In this episode, we’re answering a thoughtful (and very relatable) listener question from Kari, who’s been struggling with unexpected body pain and inflammation after starting hormone therapy. She wonders if she might be hypersensitive to estrogen—something most doctors don’t talk about. Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki unpack why this happens and what to do if you suspect your body is reacting to estrogen differently than expected. In this episode, we discuss: Why some women experience ...
Jun 02, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki respond to a great listener question from April , who’s navigating hormone replacement therapy (HRT) while dealing with a history of endometriosis, polyps, and chronic cramps . April’s experience is all too familiar: spotting, cramping, hormone experimentation, and the frustrating search for symptom relief. So, can women with endometriosis safely use HRT—especially estrogen? The answer: Yes, but it has to be customized. �� In this episode...
May 21, 2025•22 min
In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki dive into a hot topic: Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) actually slow down aging? While the short answer may surprise you, the real conversation is about something even more valuable—your quality of life. Here’s what we cover: How HRT can support energy, strength, and resilience as we age The role of hormones in brain function, memory, and mental clarity Why estrogen and progesterone matter for muscle tone and bone density ❤️ The po...
May 20, 2025•39 min
You’ve probably heard “drink your milk for strong bones,” but there’s much more to bone health than just calcium—and definitely more than just dairy. In this episode, Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki breas down the key nutrients your body needs to build and maintain bone density as you age, especially during perimenopause and menopause. From calcium and magnesium to K2, boron, and collagen peptides, we’re covering the supplements and whole food sources that truly make a difference for your bones. You’ll...
May 19, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki break down how to interpret your DEXA scan results—and why it matters, especially for women in perimenopause and menopause. We explain what your T-score and Z-score actually mean, how estrogen and menopause affect your bones, and what you can do to prevent or slow bone loss naturally. Whether you’re already on HRT or just starting to explore options for protecting your bone health, this episode gives you clear, actionable insights to help...
May 09, 2025•44 min
In this episode of The Progress Your Health Podcast, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Maki take you behind the scenes and share their own hormone blood test results. Learn how these labs help guide treatment decisions, track progress, and support hormone balance during perimenopause and menopause. What You’ll Learn: Key labs such as estradiol, testosterone, DHEA-sulfate, pregnenolone, LH, FSH Additional panels like liver enzymes, cholesterol, and comprehensive metabolic profiles How hormone replacem...
May 08, 2025•50 min
In this episode, Dr. Maki and Dr. Davidson answer viewer comments from their YouTube channel, providing clarity and insight into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), uterine lining health, and vaginal estrogen options. They also touch on annual gynecological care and share a lighthearted moment with their furry companions. Topics Covered: How to identify uterine lining buildup while on static HRT. Differences between static HRT (no bleeding) and rhythmic HRT (cyclical bleeding). The importance of ...
May 08, 2025•47 min
In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, we dive deep into why hormonal changes, stress, and nutrient deficiencies contribute to hair loss during menopause and the best ways to support regrowth naturally. What you can do about it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Hair Growth Cycle & How Menopause Disrupts It The Role of Estrogen, Progesterone & Androgens in Hair Thinning How Thyroid Function & Insulin Resistance Impact Hair Loss Nutritional Deficiencies That Contrib...
May 07, 2025•49 min
One of our listeners: Can you take oral progesterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you already have an IUD? This topic doesn’t have much research or widespread discussion, but it’s a question we hear frequently. Tammy’s situation is common, and we’re here to provide clarity and guidance. Topics Covered: Why might someone take progesterone HRT while using an IUD? Understanding estrogen dominance and its effects The differences between an IUD and oral progesterone Can too much estradiol cau...
May 07, 2025•21 min
In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, we answer another insightful question from one of our favorite listeners, Victoria. She’s curious about the effects of taking bioidentical progesterone continuously throughout the cycle during perimenopause. Specifically, Victoria wonders if taking progesterone all month long would disrupt estrogen production during the first half of the cycle. Join us as we explore the hormonal shifts in perimenopause and how continuous progesterone use might...
May 06, 2025•27 min
In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, we dive into an important listener question from Amanda, a 57-year-old who is navigating uterine bleeding while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Amanda is using a transdermal estrogen cream and a separate progesterone cream but is experiencing bleeding every three weeks. She’s concerned about the safety of her uterus, the risks of endometrial hyperproliferation, and how to balance her hormones without reducing the benefits of estrogen. We...
May 06, 2025•35 min
In this episode, we address a question from "Victoria" (name changed for privacy), who is experiencing prolonged bleeding while undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Victoria is in perimenopause and is taking compounded T4/T3 thyroid medication and progesterone. Despite normal test results, she often has bleeding that lasts up to 14 days, and her menstrual cycles are becoming shorter. These symptoms are quite common during perimenopause or when HRT is not properly balanced. Additionally,...
May 05, 2025•21 min
In this episode, we dive into the important topic of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) dosing. Our discussion is inspired by a question from Leah, a 56-year-old listener who is healthy, fit, and navigating menopause. Leah has been experiencing significant anxiety and wonders if her current estrogen dose might be too low. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The difference between static vs. rhythmic HRT dosing and how they impact symptoms. Various HRT applications , including estradiol patches, tra...
May 05, 2025•35 min
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question regarding her hormone replacement therapy, testosterone dosing, and vaginal dryness. In this podcast, we discuss: Vaginal dryness and menopause Testosterone for women Testosterone injections, pellets, and transdermal cream hormone therapy for women Estrogen, estradiol, estriol, and biest hormone treatments Hormone testing for menopause Question: "Hi! I am 52 currently on Cypionate 200mg/1ml 0.06 injection once a week, Progesterone 200mg orally, a...
May 02, 2025•32 min
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question about estrogen cream causing nausea. ‘Betty’ is a practitioner with a client that is having severe nausea as a reaction to her biest/estrogen cream. While her client has experienced much improvement with her hormone therapy, she is having a lot of issues with nausea and vomiting. In this podcast, we discuss: What types of hormone therapy can cause nausea Why is HRT causing you to feel sick Estrogen therapy for vaginal dryness Blood work for menop...
May 02, 2025•27 min
In this episode, we discuss Connie’s question about her hormone levels in menopause. Hormone therapy should be tailored to the individual and not just blood work levels. We discuss how labwork can be important in determining hormone dosing. But it is only one part of working with hormone replacement. It is not wise to just depend on blood work to treat a client. It is taking in the whole picture, including their health history, family history, health goals and intention with hormone replacement....
May 01, 2025•28 min
In this episode, we discuss progesterone capsules vs cream. We get many listener questions about what type of progesterone to use. Wondering should they take oral progesterone or topical cream progesterone when taking estrogen HRT. Not only is this important for symptom relief in menopause. It is also important as a healthy safety issue for women taking biest/estrogen/estradiol hormone therapy. This discussion will address: The difference between progesterone orally and cream. Different types of...
May 01, 2025•37 min
Our listener, Jackie, wants to know if she can take estrogen even though she is in her late 30’s and has not started menopause. She wants something to help with weight loss, hair regrowth after pregnancy, improving mood, and help with libido. In this episode, we talk about: Risks from taking estrogen before menopause When to start estrogen hormone replacement The difference between estradiol and estriol How to balance hormones in perimenopause Using testosterone therapy for women and libido DHEA...
May 01, 2025•27 min
In this episode, we discuss the best way to reduce triglycerides. Sasha, a podcast listener, asked us how to lower her triglycerides. We then go into depth about triglycerides, how to lower them, and why they could be high in the first place. How to read a lipid panel Supplements for lowering triglycerides Lifestyle changes for lowering triglycerides What do high triglycerides mean? Building blocks for triglycerides Improving metabolic health Can menopause increase triglycerides? High triglyceri...
Apr 30, 2025•31 min
In this episode, we discuss a podcast listener’s question. ‘Alesha’ is concerned that she should not take estrogen replacement therapy because she has fibroids. This is a common concern. The idea that estrogen can cause or propagate fibroids has left many menopausal women without support for their symptoms. Just because women have or have had a history of fibroids does not mean they are not a candidate for estrogen therapy. In fact, women with fibroid can take estrogen hormone replacement therap...
Sep 11, 2024•35 min
In this episode, we talk about POI (primary/premature ovarian insufficiency) and early menopause. Samantha sent in a question about whether she is in menopause or has POI at the age of 36. We break Samantha’s question into: – What is POI (Premature/Primary ovarian insufficiency)? – Taking estradiol during perimenopause – Difference between perimenopause and menopause – What is an FSH? – Insulin resistance and perimenopause Samantha’s Question: I am 36 and have been slowly noticing perimenopause/...
Sep 09, 2024•32 min
Can you be in both in perimenopause and menopause? Can you be menopausal and perimenopausal at the same time? The difference between perimenopause and menopause is not a line in the sand. It is not like crossing through the Peace Arch from Blaine Washington to the country of Canada. And at times, there is nothing peaceful about perimenopause or menopause. There is a gray area where you are just moving out of perimenopause and into menopause, where you are not quite in perimenopause but are not c...
Sep 06, 2024•47 min
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question about how to apply estriol to your face. ‘Connie’ is confused about whether she can use her Biest cream on her face. And she wanted to know the difference between estriol and Biest when it comes to treating menopausal symptoms. We analyze Connie’s question into: Applying estriol to the face What is biest? What is estriol? What is the difference between estriol and biest? Applying estriol vaginally It is not a good idea to apply biest to vaginal t...
Sep 04, 2024•21 min
In this episode we talk about where to apply hormone creams. Sadie, our listener wants to know if she needs to rotate the application sites of her hormone cream. In this episode we discuss: Where to apply biest cream What to apply testosterone cream for females Places you should not apply your testosterone cream Best absorption sites for hormone creams Sadie’s Question: “I have been using hormones for a little over a year. I swear by them!! I have not rotated sites at all. I use testosterone/DHE...
Sep 02, 2024•15 min
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question. ‘Hannah’ has been dealing with vaginal atrophy, frequent UTIs, low libido, and reduced elasticity in her skin. She has been to her doctor for treatment that has not helped. We breakdown Hannah’s question into: – Can vaginal atrophy be reversed? – Menopause and libido – Vaginal microbiome – Menopause and UTI – Estriol vs conventional treatment for vaginal atrophy – Genitourinary syndrome of menopause Hannah’s Question: Hi Dr. Maki and Dr. Davidso...
Aug 30, 2024•27 min
In this episode, we return to a listener’s question regarding thyroid dosing in perimenopause. In our previous episode, we answered Tracy’s question about taking estrogen in perimenopause. Tracy also asked us an additional question about her thyroid doses. Tracy does not have a thyroid gland and has been noticing her dose is continually increasing as she progresses from perimenopause into menopause. Does the hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause cause increasing thyroid hormone dose? T...
Jun 27, 2024•59 min
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question regarding perimenopause and estrogen hormone replacement. Tracy is concerned because she is still having a period but also has symptoms of low estrogen. She is not sure if she is a candidate for estrogen therapy since she is still cycling. Tracy’s Question: Hi- you’ve discussed in past podcasts that you shouldn’t supplement with estrogen hormone replacement therapy if you are still cycling. I will be 50 in a few months and still cycling, albeit i...
Jun 27, 2024•34 min
In this episode we discuss Jenell’s question she submitted on our website (Ask the Dr). Jennell has been having terrible anxiety since entering menopause and it is really affecting her quality of life. Jenell’s Question: Since starting menopause, I’ve had debilitating anxiety, especially bad in the morning. By evening, It practically goes away. I’m 54 and have been on BHRT 50/50 Bi-est and 175 mg progesterone for 3 months. My hot flashes reduced but the anxiety remained. Now hot flashes are retu...
Jun 27, 2024•45 min
