With all of the recent changes in health insurance, blood testing is more expensive than ever. Below are few questions and situations we get from our patients and thought it would be good to discuss. Do any of the following sound familiar?
We see this often. Patients complain that they have been to many doctors, internists, endocrinologists and all that gets tested is a TSH for thyroid function. With the internet and dissatisfaction in healthcare, people are becoming their own health advocates. People are researching and keeping a keen eye on their health. People know that they want more than a TSH test for thyroid function. But they run into a wall’ with their conventional doctor. Their primary care, internist, or endocrinologist will not run a free T4 or a free T3.
Often thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s Disease can run in the family. I have a patient that swear their sister, mother or brother have a thyroid problem too. But either the family member is reluctant to approach their doctor about it. Or their doctor will not order the thyroid functional testing or Hashimoto’s antibodies. Read on so I can show you how to find out if your family member has a thyroid issue.
Unfortunately, health insurance can be costly. My monthly health insurance premiums cost more than my first car. Granted, my first car was not very nice, but I had a whole lot more fun with it than my health insurance. People know they need to get regular screenings, annual and routine blood work done; however, some are terrified that without insurance it will cost a fortune. Honestly, blood work out of pocket can be pretty much the equivalent of a mortgage payment. But read on, I have some tips to help you get blood work without having to promise your first born.
My deductible is $5000+. I hope that I never meet that 5000$ deductible because if I do, that means something unfortunate happened to me. I might get negotiated rates for blood work, but I will still have to pay out of pocket for my blood work. This could be quite costly.
Time is money. Time is not a renewable resource, meaning it is going to run out someday. And I don’t want to waste my precious time waiting in a waiting room full of sick people so I can see the doctor. The doctor will then spend 3 minutes with me and give me an order for blood work. Then I have to come back to go over those results. Let’s save some time and avoid all that nonsense. Read on to find out how.
I have heard this a lot recently, which is what prompted me to write this. I have patients that have insurance and still have to pay over a $1000 to pay for their blood work. Whether it is a high deductible or limited coverage, they end up with a bill several weeks later that can be well over a 1000$. I know it seems silly that you are paying for healthcare coverage and you get a large ‘out of pocket’ bill for blood work. This a pretty common theme in the last few years.
We all know you cannot walk into a lab like Quest or LabCorp without a requisition from a doctor. And everyone is under the assumption that if insurance is not paying for the test, then it is too expensive. Yes, paying Quest and LabCorp out of pocket directly for lab testing is very expensive, sometimes over 1000$.
We have physician-only accounts with Quest and LabCorp to get you reasonable out of pocket pricing. Recently, I have had three patients tell me that they were billed over a 1000$ for their blood work because of deductibles and limited insurance coverage. That is ridiculous because out of pocket those tests would have only cost them about $150 to $300 at the most! So if you want a specific lab test just let me know what tests you want, and I will put them together for you with pricing.
I have been getting a lot of patients that want to test their family member’s thyroid function lately. Recently I had a patient with Hashimoto’s hypothyroid tell me that she knows’ her sister has a thyroid problem, but her sister will not go to the doctor to get tested for Hashimoto’s or even for hypothyroid.
I felt terrible because I can’t legally order a test through their insurance without establishing them as a patient. We talked about how we can get her sister a test so she can see the data on paper and realize that she too has a thyroid issue. However, we can order the tests cash-pay without establishing them as a patient. They just buy the test, get it done and get the results emailed to them. It turned out, my patient purchased the test for her sister.
Just go to our online store to check out our lab panels and pricing. Like I said if there are tests you do not see that you like. Just email us, and we will get the test ordered for you.
As an end of the year special, we have put together a thyroid-function panel discounted. Click here and buy it for someone and they have six months to get the test done.
Thyroid Lab Testing Specials – get 25% off thyroid testing through the end of January 2018. Use the code THYROID to get the discount.
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Discover the common and unfamiliar symptoms that you might be experiencing. Get access to cases of real women with hormonal conditions.
Protecting your `heart health` is crucial, especially during `menopause`, when risks can increase. In this `women’s health` episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki share essential `health tips` and insights into how `hormones` impact cardiovascular well-being. Learn about important lab tests and supplements to safeguard your heart. You’ll learn: ● Why heart disease in women is often a “silent” problem until it’s serious ● The difference between general “heart disease” and atherosclerosis ● Coronary calcium scores: what they are, what the numbers mean, and when to consider one ● Why total cholesterol alone is useless (and often scary for no reason) ● The key markers that matter more: ○ Triglycerides ○ HDL ○ Triglyceride HDL ratio (and why 1.5 is a powerful insulin-resistance clue) ○ ApoB ○ Lp(a) ○ hs-CRP (cardio CRP) ○ Blood pressure & insulin resistance ● How estrogen decline in perimenopause & menopause affects cholesterol, visceral fat, inflammation, and heart risk ● How rhythmic dosing and thoughtfully prescribed HRT can support metabolic and cardiovascular health ● Visceral fat vs “roly poly” fat: why where you store fat matters more than the scale ● Foundational supplements for heart protection (education only, not personal medical advice): ○ Omega3s (EPA/DHA) ○ Vitamin D 2 ○ CoQ10 ○ Curcumin/turmeric ○ Magnesium Red yeast rice, bergamot, berberine & more metabolic support ○ Nitric oxide support (beet root, citrulline, etc.) If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Join the Progress Your Hormones Community Stay Connected Instagram: @drvalorie TikTok: @drvaloried Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Can You Do Rhythmic Dosing After a Hysterectomy? Short answer: Yes, but there are some other factors to take into consideration to make sure someone is a good candidate. In this episode, Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki explain how rhythmic dosing works without a uterus, why it can be an excellent option after total hysterectomy (with oophorectomy) or surgical menopause, and when a simpler static approach might be better. We cover candidates, myths (like “no uterus = no progesterone”), brain and bone benefits, and how to personalize dosing for real-life outcomes—sleep, mood, cognition, libido, and long-term bone strength. What you’ll learn ● Rhythmic dosing 101 (mimicking a 26–28-day cycle) ● Hysterectomy types: uterus-only vs. total (with ovary removal) ● Why rhythmic dosing can still help—even without a period ● Customizing estrogen + progesterone to symptoms and goals ● Brain fog & sleep: why declining estradiol hits cognition ● Bone density protection in the first 5–7 years post-menopause ● Endometriosis & fibroids: nuance, not one-size-fits-all ● When rhythmic dosing may not be ideal (e.g., 60 and off HRT for many years) If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Join the Progress Your Hormones Community Stay Connected Instagram: @drvalorie TikTok: @drvaloried Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Confused by your DEXA scan results? Not sure if your T-score is “normal,” “osteopenia,” or “osteoporosis”or what to actually do about it? In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki walk through three real viewer examples to show You exactly how to interpret bone density scores in your 50s and beyond. You’ll learn: ● How to read your DEXA scan: T-score vs Z-score in plain English ● The cutoffs: ○ 0 to -0.9 → normal bone density ○ -1.0 to -2.4 → osteopenia ○ ≤ -2.5 → osteoporosis ● Why two women in their early 50s can have completely different bone density ● What a T-score of -3.7 or -3.8 really means—and whether it’s reversible ● How surgical menopause, long-term steroids, vitamin D deficiency, RA, and genetics impact bone health ● Why your 50s are really about protecting your 70s (fracture risk, independence, and longevity) ● How weight loss, GLP-1 meds, and low muscle mass affect bones ● Practical foundations to protect and improve bone density: ○ Smart movement: walking, weighted vests, strength & resistance training ○ Protein targets & why bone = “calcified protein” ○ Stress, cortisol & steroid impact on bone loss ○ Vitamin D + K2, food-based calcium & targeted bone support formulas ○ Where HRT—and rhythmic dosing—fit into a long-term bone strategy If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Join the Progress Your Hormones Community Stay Connected Instagram: @drvalorie TikTok: @drvaloried Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Many women confuse cycling static HRT with rhythmic dosing, but they’re not the same thing. In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki from Progress Your Health break down the difference between the two, why it matters for your safety, and how to do hormone therapy the right way. In this video, you’ll learn: ● What “rhythmic dosing” actually means ● Why cycling your static HRT is not rhythmic dosing ● How improper dosing can impact mood, energy, and breast tenderness ● The risks of trying to adjust hormones on your own ● Why rhythmic dosing must follow the body’s natural ovarian rhythm ● How men and women can use synchronized rhythmic dosing safely If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Join the Progress Your Hormones Community Stay Connected Instagram: @drvalorie TikTok: @drvaloried Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In Part 2, we go symptom-by-symptom so you can sleep through the night again. Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki cover night sweats, frequent urination, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, headaches, itchy skin, vivid dreams, and when to suspect sleep apnea (under-recognized in women). You’ll hear practical tactics—electrolytes, targeted magnesium types, phosphatidylserine timing, glycine, L-theanine, and smart melatonin use—plus when HRT helps and how to pair data (CGM, wearables) with your sleep plan. You’ll also discover practical, science-backed fixes like: 💧 Smart electrolyte balance & targeted magnesium types 🧠 Phosphatidylserine timing for cortisol control 😴 Glycine, L-theanine, and optimal melatonin use 💊 When HRT makes sense—and how to pair it with CGM or wearable sleep data What you’ll learn ● What nighttime urination signals (estrogen & ADH, electrolytes, cortisol) ● Palpitations in midlife: estrogen link, when to see cardiology, calming strategies ● Cramps/headaches/itchy skin—common causes & quick fixes ● How/when to test for sleep apnea at home (and why it’s missed in women) ● Fine-tuning supplements & dosing; when HRT is the lever Still not sure what’s really causing your sleepless nights? Find out if you’re in the In-Between stage of perimenopause and menopause. If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Join the Progress Your Hormones Community Stay Connected Instagram: @drvalorie TikTok: @drvaloried Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Why midlife wrecks your sleep—and how to fix it naturally. In Part 1, Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki unpack the hormone triad behind women’s insomnia: shifting estrogen/progesterone, cortisol dysregulation, and blood sugar/insulin resistance. You’ll learn the difference between trouble falling vs. staying asleep, how low progesterone affects GABA (hello 2–3 a.m. wake-ups), and the daily habits that reset your circadian rhythm. What you’ll learn ● The hormone triad driving midlife sleep loss ● “Vampire / Zombie / Ghoul” sleep patterns—what they mean ● Why blood sugar swings trigger nighttime cortisol spikes ● Morning fixes that help nights: protein breakfast, light exposure, movement, temperature ● Starter supplements & how to think about them: magnesium (glycinate, L-threonate), L-theanine, glycine, phosphatidylserine, melatonin If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Join the Progress Your Hormones Community Stay Connected Instagram: @drvalorie TikTok: @drvaloried Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
