Progress Your Health Podcast

Are your menopause symptoms still bothering you—even on HRT? In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki of Progress Your Health answer a listener’s question about why her estradiol patch and progesterone aren’t helping enough—and explore how rhythmic hormone dosing (aka cyclical HRT) may work better for brain fog, poor sleep, joint pain, vaginal dryness, and more. Key Takeaways: ● W...

Are you navigating perimenopause or menopause and feeling confused, alone, or unsupported? You’re not the only one—and we’re doing something about it. In this episode, Dr. Valorie Davidson and Dr. Robert Maki share an exciting announcement: the launch of the Progress Your Hormones Community, a safe, expert-led online space for women 45+ to get real support, science-backed education, and connect wi...

Are you gaining weight around your midsection during perimenopause or menopause—despite eating the same and trying everything? You’re not alone, and it’s not just about willpower: In this episode, Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki dive deep into what’s really going on with that frustrating menopause belly. From insulin resistance to estrogen and cortisol changes, they break down the complex hormonal shifts...

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 b...

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 b...

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 rea...

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...

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...

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’...

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 expl...

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 Additi...

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. D...

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 Thinnin...

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 domin...

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....

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 endometri...

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. Thes...

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. rhythmi...

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:...

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...

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,...

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. Th...

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 e...

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 block...

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 block...