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 down:

Plus, Dr. Valorie shares insights from her own hormone journey, including rhythmic dosing tips and lab timing mishaps.

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

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Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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.

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:

Whether you're well into postmenopause or just starting HRT, this is a must-listen if you're wondering how long is too long to stay on hormones.

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

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Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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, 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:

✉️ Here’s Kari’s full question:
“I used Biest 80:20 for 3 years and suddenly stopped absorbing. I’m not sure why,
but I do know I didn’t always use it the same time every day. From the moment I
went on hormone therapy I’ve had body pain and thought I had fibromyalgia. When
my estrogen dropped due to the absorption issue I realized the body pain
completely went away. I then went on a patch because my doc said we should
change the method. Immediate body pain again and even worse. Terrible. I was on
0.025 and it was tolerable, but after raising it to 0.05 it got really bad. I think I may
ask to go on the compounded cream again—maybe change the site that I apply it
and be more consistent. I’m very frustrated because no one talks about a subset of
people that are very sensitive to estrogen. They only talk about it making joint pain
go away. Do you think I should use 90:10 instead? What would you recommend
that I do? I’m so sad and frustrated.” 

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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 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, we cover: 

✉️ Here’s April’s full question: 

“Hi—I am a 57-year-old woman in perimenopause. My question is: is it possible for women with endometriosis or adenomyosis to do HRT? 

I started oral progesterone 2 years ago, got as high as 300 mg, but didn’t get much symptom resolution. Switched to a progesterone troche—50 mg morning and night. About 3 months ago, I added testosterone (0.25 mg once daily, 5 days/week) and

Biest 80/20 (1 ml daily, can go up to 2 ml). 

Everything was good for a while, but now the cramping and spotting have returned. I’ve had heavy bleeding as long as I can remember. My main complaint is menstrual cramps throughout the month—not just during my period. I do not have fibroids, but I’ve had many cysts and polyps over the years and have had many ultrasounds and transvaginal ultrasounds because of this.” 

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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 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 powerful connection between hormones and cardiovascular health

Why HRT isn’t about extending your lifespan—but enhancing how you feel through the
years

Obviously aging is inevitable—but suffering doesn’t have to be. This episode is all about helping
you feel more like you again, even as your hormones shift.

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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.

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 learn
which forms of calcium are best absorbed, why magnesium matters for your arteries, how
vitamin D and K2 work together, and the underappreciated power of prunes, chia seeds,
sardines, and seaweed.

What You’ll Learn:

Whether you’re navigating menopause or just want to protect your bones for the long haul, this
episode offers actionable strategies backed by decades of clinical experience.

Don't miss this podcast to building stronger bones—naturally.

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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 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 you feel strong, confident, and informed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Perfect for you if:

You’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and wondering what your bone scan means—or how to keep your bones strong during the hormonal transition.

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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 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:

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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. 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:

Episode Highlights:

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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 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:

Key Takeaways:

Solutions We Discuss:

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

Want more insights like this? 

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for hormone Q&As, educational guides, and real-world strategies to help you feel like yourself again—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Progress Your Health Newsletter

Stay Connected

Instagram: @drvalorie

TikTok: @drvaloried

Join the Hormone Community: Click here to subscribe

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.