In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki break down exactly how Dr. Valorie runs her personal rhythmic dosing—including the day-by-day estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) schedule that recreates a 28-day ovarian cycle. If you’ve heard us talk about “In-Betweeners” (women transitioning from late perimenopause into early menopause) and wondered how rhythmic dosing actually works in real life, this walkthrough is for you. What you’ll learn ● The difference between static vs rhythmic HRT—and why some In-Betweeners thrive on a cyclical protocol ● How a day-12 estradiol surge (with a softer “landing” on day 13) can mimic physiology ● When and why progesterone starts on day 14 and peaks around day 21 ● Why a predictable, light, 3–4 day period is part of the safety of rhythmic dosing ● How we individualize doses (E initial / E± adjustments) for history, tolerance, and goals Dr. Valorie’s high-level rhythm (summary) ● Days 1–5: Estradiol twice daily (build the baseline) ● Days 6–11: Gradual E2 increases leading to a day-12 peak ● Day 13 → luteal: Step down E2; start progesterone day 14, titrate to a day-21 peak, then taper ● Cycle length: ~26–28 days, with a short, light withdrawal bleed 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.

Estrogen dips can trigger migraines—especially in perimenopause. Here’s how to spot it and what helps. Dr. Valerie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki explain why sudden drops in estradiol can spark headaches/migraines in cycling women, perimenopause, and menopause, plus what to do if HRT dosing (patch vs BiEst vs rhythmic) is making things worse. They also cover DIM (diindolylmethane)—when it helps vs when it can exacerbate low-estrogen symptoms, and supportive options like magnesium glycinate, B-complex, Vitamin D, and blood sugar balance. What you’ll learn ● How luteal-phase and ovulation-time estrogen drops trigger migraines ● Why perimenopause creates spike-and-crash estradiol patterns (and headaches) ● Menopause migraines from low estrogen—and how to adjust HRT ● When estradiol patches can worsen headaches (and alternatives) ● DIM: smart dosing, cycling, and when to avoid over-lowering estrogen ● Simple supports: magnesium glycinate, B vitamins, Vitamin D, glucose/insulin balance ● Local vs systemic hormones and why total estrogen load matters 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.

Should you use estradiol cream on your face? Dr. Valerie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki explain why estriol (E3) is a gentler, safer alternative for wrinkles, melasma, vaginal health, and hormone balance during perimenopause and menopause. They share the risks of estradiol absorption, why it can throw off your HRT program, and why estriol is often the better choice—for both skin care and vaginal tissues. You’ll also learn about systemic vs local hormone use, melasma risk, and the real-world challenge of getting access to estriol. 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.

If you’ve ever wondered which blood tests actually matter for women’s hormones and longevity, this episode is your roadmap. Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki walk through real labs—from CBC/CMP to cholesterol, estradiol/FSH/LH, DHEA, testosterone, insulin, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). You’ll learn how to spot insulin resistance (TG/HDL ratio), why ApoB beats total cholesterol for risk, how liver markers (AST/ALT/GGT) fit in, and how rhythmic dosing can mimic the natural ovarian cycle. We also cover hs-CRP vs ESR, vitamin D ranges, pregnenolone, and why individualized care wins over one-size-fits-all. What you’ll learn: ● How to read CBC/CMP for nutrition, liver, kidney & electrolytes ● Why triglycerides + HDL reveal insulin status (target TG/HDL 1.5) ● Estradiol, FSH & LH on static vs rhythmic dosing (and what labs should look like) ● DHEA & testosterone for women: energy, libido & longevity context ● ApoB vs LDL: the better predictor for atherosclerotic risk ● hs-CRP vs ESR (sed rate): what each inflammation marker tells you ● Vitamin D & pregnenolone: practical ranges and dosing notes ● Why individualized care and timing of blood draws matter (avoid false highs) If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Join the Progress Your Hormone Community Stay Connected Instagram: @drvalorie TikTok: @drvalorie 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.

Are you experiencing bleeding or spotting while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki from Progress Your Health dive deep into one of the most common — and frustrating — concerns women face on HRT: when and how to adjust estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Using a real-world patient example (shared with permission and anonymized), we break down: ● Why some women continue bleeding on HRT despite progesterone support ● The role of estradiol sensitivity and early heavy periods in predicting uterine response ● Static vs rhythmic dosing for estrogen — and how this impacts bone, brain, and heart health ● When to raise progesterone, lower estrogen, or adjust ratios like 50/50 vs 80/20 Bi-Est ● The importance of bone density (osteoporosis, T-score of -3) and how testosterone can help ● Why HRT is truly both an art and a science—no two women respond exactly the same If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or post menopause and wondering how to balance your hormones safely, this episode is for you. 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 use rhythmic-dosing HRT after a uterine (endometrial) ablation? In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki explain why—and how to do it safely. Can you do rhythmic dosing HRT after a uterine (endometrial) ablation? Short answer: yes—and in this episode Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki explains why. We unpack how rhythmic dosing works post-ablation, what to expect if you don’t bleed, how estrogen and progesterone balance drives symptoms, and why individualized monitoring (including occasional ultrasounds) can give peace of mind. If you’ve worried that higher physiologic estradiol might “recreate old problems,” we cover how thoughtful dosing and follow-up keep therapy both effective and safe. What you’ll learn ● When rhythmic dosing can be beneficial after ablation ● Why not having a period can still pair well with rhythmic dosing ● Estrogen–progesterone balance: why the relationship matters ● How individual responses vary—and what to adjust first ● Using periodic transvaginal ultrasound for reassurance ● Practical education to navigate HRT choices confidently   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.

Surgical menopause happens fast—especially if both ovaries are removed  (oophorectomy). In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki explain how surgical menopause differs from “natural” menopause, why symptoms can arrive abruptly, and how to think about HRT options (rhythmic vs static), bone density, brain health, and long-term prevention. If you’ve had your ovaries removed—or you’re facing that decision—this is for you. What you’ll learn: ● Surgical vs “natural” menopause: why timing and symptom intensity differ ● Oophorectomy, hysterectomy & endometriosis: when and why surgery happens ● Symptom timelines after ovary removal (often within weeks) and what that means for HRT ● Rhythmic vs static dosing: who might benefit from each approach ● Progesterone after hysterectomy: reasons some women still use it ● Long-term protection: DEXA for bone density, lipids/metabolic health, and lifestyle foundations 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.

Are you stuck in the in-between—not fully in perimenopause, but not quite in menopause either? In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki from Progress Your Health dive deep into the gray area of women’s health that often gets overlooked. We cover: ✅ The most common in-betweener symptoms (hot flashes, brain fog, low libido, weight gain, hair & skin changes, sleep problems). ✅ Why the in-between phase is often the most challenging and overlooked in women’s health. ✅ How HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and bioidentical hormones may help—and when to be cautious with estrogen. ✅ Lifestyle, supplementation, and lab testing strategies that can smooth the menopause transition. ✅ Why this stage is critical for long-term health, longevity, and quality of life. Whether you’re in your early 40s, late 40s, or early 50s, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in your body, how to talk with your practitioner, and how to feel your best through this major hormonal transition. 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 this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki from Progress Your Health respond to a powerful listener comment about estradiol levels and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many women feel dismissed when it comes to their hormone care—and this conversation gets right to the heart of it. We cover: ● Why some women feel terrible when their estradiol drops below 60—and why that number matters for hot flashes, sleep, energy, and exercise tolerance. ● The link between estrogen decline and rising cholesterol, cardiovascular risk, osteoporosis, dementia, and metabolic health. ● Static dosing vs. rhythmic dosing of estrogen—why it matters and which option may work best. ● The role of lifestyle: exercise, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol balance, and bone/brain/heart health. ● How to advocate for your own hormone health—and work with your doctor, not against them. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by doctors lowering your estrogen or dismissing your symptoms, this episode will help you understand the science, the risks, and the options you have to feel your best through menopause and beyond. 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.