Progress Your Health: Recent Episodes
Dr Robert Maki and Dr Valorie Davidson
Do you feel like a “hot hormonal mess”? You are not alone. Many of us are told we are healthy but don’t feel great. You feel tired, your sex drive has disappeared and you are frustrated with your weight, despite a healthy diet and exercise. At night you are exhausted, but your sleep quality is poor from waking up throughout the night.
Needless to say, you’re irritable and your patience is short, which makes you feel guilty for overreacting. It is not your fault! These are all signs of hormone-imbalances.
Our hormones can affect our mood, weight, energy, sleep, libido, memory, hair, skin and even promote disease if they are out of balance.
Dr. Robert Maki and Dr. Valorie Davidson are Naturopathic Physicians and graduates of Bastyr University. They specialize in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), Functional Medicine and are the co-hosts of The Progress Your Health Podcast.
This podcast is intended to educate listeners about hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroid, Hashimoto’s, adrenal fatigue, PMS, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause and low testosterone to name a few.
The Progress Your Health Podcast will focus on cutting edge information and therapies to help you lose weight, balance hormones and age gracefully. It is Dr. Maki and Dr. Davidson’s mission to motivate, educate and empower you to take your health to the next level.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question. Amanda is 50 years old and starting to have menopausal hot flashes and weight gain. However, she is most concerned about the heart palpitations she is having. Amanda has had a cardiovascular workout and does not have heart disease. Most people might not be aware, but feeling […]
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question about perimenopause. ‘Maggie’ is in her 40’s and experiencing severe insomnia with anxiety. She has tried supplements and different doses of progesterone with minimal results. She is having so many ups and downs with her insomnia, anxiety, and hormones. She is wondering how long this is going […]
In this episode, we talk about Mary’s hormone concerns after ovarian failure. She is only 34, and in the last 7 years since her ovarian failure has tried many hormone replacement options, all without the success she was looking for. Let’s Read Mary’s Question: When I was 27 years old I was diagnosed with iatrogenic […]
In this episode, we answer a listener’s question about her HRT dosing. ‘Donna’ is 63 years old and has been on some type of hormone replacement therapy for the last 13 years. Hormone therapy is not ‘one size fits all.’ There are so many types of menopause hormone therapies that each treatment needs to be […]
In this episode, we discuss a question from Janice, a podcast listener’s question regarding the benefits of estrogen therapy for heart health. There is much evidence to show that estrogen has cardiovascular protective benefits. We wanted to discuss how estrogen benefits heart health and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Janice’s Question: Are […]
In this episode, we talk about the benefits of estrogen on bones. A listener’s question (Alison) inspired this episode. Alison asked if taking vaginal biest has the same heart and bone effects that other estrogens and estrogen therapies have. So, we wanted to expand on estrogen’s role in helping keep bones strong and healthy. In […]
In this episode, we talk about hormone treatments for perimenopause and menopause. There is a vast distinction between perimenopause and menopause when it comes to treatment options. We often see women who are being treated for menopause when they are genuinely not in menopause. Meet Linda: Linda is a listener who sent us a question […]
Recently, Catherine posted a question on our website about Biest cream, and we knew this could interest our listeners. Biest is a combination of estriol and estradiol, one of the most common forms of estrogen therapy used in bio-identical hormone replacement. There are many doses, ratios, options, and methods of using Biest, so we thought […]
Welcome to the Progress Your Health Podcast! This is a podcast that helps you learn about balancing hormones, especially during perimenopause and menopause. We love hearing from our listeners. If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Let’s read Brigitte’s question! I have been listening and learning […]
In this episode, we talk about the difference between perimenopause and menopause. Both Dr. Maki and I (Dr. Davidson) have worked with women in perimenopause and menopause since 2004 and sometimes get a bit myopic and technical when it comes to explaining the differences. The other day, a patient of Dr Maki’s asked the question, […]
We recently got a great question from a listener and want to share it with you. This question is about a perimenopausal 51-year-old female. She is still menstruating and having confusion about her hormone testing and the hormone therapy that she is currently taking. She is experiencing some breast tenderness and irritability related to her […]
in this episode, we answered a listener’s question. We love questions from listeners. If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question. Here is the listener’s question: I have been perimenopause for at least 4 years now I am 47 and after completing a Dutch test with a […]
The dreaded, uncomfortable, annoying, burning, itchy, achy, irritating vaginal infection. Ladies, we have all been there. And for those unicorns that have never had a vaginal infection such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis, well, you are certainly one of the lucky ones. While a yeast infection or BV is not life-threatening, not fatal, and maybe […]
Can Progesterone Cause Anxiety? Often we get reader/listener questions about their own experience with hormones. We love that readers of our blogs and listeners of the podcast (TheProgressYourHealth Podcast) reach out for more information. If they have concerns and questions, that means many, many other people have the same concerns. A lot of questions we […]
When is it too Late to Start HRT? Recently we received a great question/comment from a listener of our podcast (The Progress Your Health Podcast). I’ll call her ‘Jenny’ (because I never reveal any personal information for the sake of privacy). Jenny was wondering if she is too far into menopause to be able to […]
Perimenopause is the time in a woman’s life prior to entering menopause. Most people are familiar with menopause, which is when the ovaries stop producing hormones and women stop their periods. There are many options to deal with menopause (which is an entirely different podcast and blog). But perimenopause is a completely different animal compared […]
Discover how estriol can address post-menopausal vaginal & urinary concerns. Learn about its benefits for atrophy, leakage, & infections in this episode of Progress Your Health podcast.
Download the diagram above, click here. Tracy’s Question: Episode 052 – What Biest Ratio is Best for Menopause? This is such helpful information. I have often wondered who 80:20 is good for and who 50:50 is good for. One thing I'm still confused by is the estrogen weight gain component. You said that estrogen […]The post Does Estrogen Cause Weight Gain? | PYHP 123 appeared first on .
‘Doc, I really don't feel like myself. I think it's my hormones. Could it be my hormones? Can you test my hormones?' How many times have I heard new clients tell me this story? They go to see their GP, Gyno, or Internist, asking to have their hormones tested. Only to be told that […] The post What Hormone Tests Should I Get? | PYHP 122 appeared first on .
Michelle’s Question: Hi, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us! In March 2022 at 42 years old, I had a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy because of stage 4 endometriosis, grapefruit-sized fibroids, ovarian cysts, and my left ovary adhered to my colon. I was immediately put on an estradiol patch. I was […] The post Is Surgical Menopause Worse Than Natural Menopause? | PYHP 121 appeared first on .
Laura’s Questions: I am on 25 mcg of Levothyroxine for 6 yrs with hypo symptoms, every one! My endocrinologist just took a panel, and the results are the following: TSH 2.36 uUI/mL Reference Range = 0.45 to 4.5 uUI/mL Free T4 1.1 ng/dL Reference Range = 0.82 to 1.77 […] The post Is Armour Thyroid Better Than Levothyroxine? | PYHP 120 appeared first on .
Patient Question: Why am I getting acne in my 40s? Short Answer: Women’s hormones are always changing. From puberty to middle age, to when the ovaries cease producing hormones in menopause. When we hit our 40s, our progesterone starts to decline. And our estrogen levels drop slightly as well. But the androgens, which are testosterone and […] The post Why Am I Getting Acne In My 40s? | PYHP 119 appeared first on .
Listener’s Question: Hello, recently my Nurse Practitioner recommended that I should start taking progesterone because she mentioned that I was estrogen dominant. I don’t have any real symptoms, so just want to make sure if I even need to take the progesterone. Thanks. Short Answer: If you don’t have any direct symptoms, then progesterone would […] The post When Should A Woman Take Progesterone? | PYHP 118 appeared first on .
Sarah's Question: Hi I was diagnosed with ovarian failure at the age of 36. Its been 4 years now, I have been to a few different clinics, trying to figure out what works best for myself. Right now I am using estrogen patches, which do seem […] The post Can Ovarian Failure Be Treated? | PYHP 117 appeared first on .
Megan’s Question: This was great information. I have been 130lbs until I turned 48. Now up to 157. Weight gain all in my stomach, legs, arms, boobs and butt. I have still been working out intensely with weights and cardio and no weight loss […] The post How Do I Stop Weight Gain During Perimenopause? | PYHP 116 appeared first on .
Question: I am forty-six years old and a 34A. Now, I’m a 34BC. My breasts hurt at least two weeks out of the month. Swollen, heavy, painful, have to take ibuprofen. It’s annoying as hell and it’s changed how I view my body. Not to mention, my midsection has changed too. I never wanted large […] The post Why Do Breasts Grow During Perimenopause? | PYHP 115 appeared first on .
Patient Question: A patient in her later 40’s, who is having a tough time with perimenopausal symptoms, recently asked me which is worse, perimenopause or menopause? Short Answer: After dealing with many patients over the years, it is clear that both Perimenopause and Menopause are difficult and the symptoms can have a significant impact on a […] The post Which is Worse, Perimenopause or Menopause? | PYHP 114 appeared first on .
Kathy’s Question: I tried progesterone 100 mg pill. I felt dizzy and felt like I could not stand upright. Does a cream have the same side effect? I was also prescribed an estrogen patch. Short Question: It is certainly possible that progesterone can cause someone to feel dizzy. It is often prescribed to help with sleep […] The post Can Progesterone Cause Dizziness? | PYHP 113 appeared first on .
Danielle’s Question: So, Thank you for this article. I’m having side effects from taking 200 milligrams of oral progesterone. I take forever to wake up and feel really, really groggy. I read where you said that take it early and when I take it early and out in an hour, I can barely keep my […] The post Can 200 mg Prometrium Make You Tired? | PYHP 112 appeared first on .
Amanda’s Question: I’m 41. I have regular periods every 35 days. I have some anxiety, tiredness, stress, but I do work a lot. I don’t have trouble sleeping, but my doctor checked my serum progesterone level, and at day 21, it was .5. She said it was low. She had prescribed me oral 200 milligrams […] The post Does Progesterone Help With Perimenopause? | PYHP 111 appeared first on .
Tammy’s Question: Hi. Recently, I read your article about estriol. I’m currently using a Biest Progesterone Vaginal Cream, but it’s compounded, and it’s expensive. I could use an estradiol patch and Prometrium and this therapy could be much more affordable. Would I expect a big change in that? Short Answer: First off, we don’t recommend using […] The post Biest vs Estradiol Patch for Vaginal Dryness | PYHP 110 appeared first on .
Kate’s Question: Hi, I’ve been doing extensive research and I came across your site. I don’t know if you’re still responding to email questions or not, but I thought I’d give it a try. I just completed my first year of no periods. Dryness, I have the beginning of atrophy, is really my only issue. […] The post Does Estradiol Work for Vaginal Dryness? | PYHP 109 appeared first on .
Anne’s Question: Since moving to the high desert, I have to use very large doses of Bio HRT or bioidentical hormone cream, and it is still not getting blood levels up to where my doctor would like. I tried switching to the patch and the level dropped to less than half. This is all giving […] The post What Should Estradiol Level Be On BHRT? | PYHP 108 appeared first on .
Carrie’s Question: I am currently taking, .25ml’s Biest which is 1.25mg, 70/30 ratio per gram. I apply it to the labia and vaginal area at night, every night. About how long do I have to wait for it to absorb before having intercourse? I am getting conflicting reports. My doctor says I do not have […] The post Does Estrogen Cream Affect Male Partner? | PYHP 107 appeared first on .
Joy’s Question: Is the Vivelle patch good to use? My gyno prescribed it for hot flashes, vaginal burning, vaginal itching, and mood issues during ovulation before my period. I have not tried it yet, though. Short Answer: Some women do fine with the Vivelle patch. However, in our experience, many women do not tolerate the patch […] The post Is an Estrogen Patch Good to Use? | PYHP 106 appeared first on .
Mary’s Question: I am 58 years old and lost my thyroid to cancer eight years ago. I am finding it impossible to lose weight and have thinning hair near my hairline and no eyebrows. I started Bi-est cream, 50/50 ratio, 2.5 milligrams; progesterone, a 175 milligrams; and testosterone, 1 mg. About a year ago, it […] The post Can BHRT Cause Weight Gain? | PYHP 105 appeared first on .
Monica’s Question: Hi, I have been prescribed testosterone cream and I have been advised to apply it to my inner thigh. I was wondering, in doing so, will this reverse the results of my laser hair removal on my bikini line? As per you stated that someone had a similar experience to this. Should I […] The post Where Do I Apply Testosterone Cream As A Woman? | PYHP 104 appeared first on .
Mary’s Question: Hi. I just started estriol cream a couple of weeks ago. I am fifty-three years old and have been told I have PCOS for the past twenty years with a history of absent periods, heavy facial hair growth, and moodiness, and PMS. I have managed my PCOS through diet change, supplementation, and exercise. […] The post Can Estriol Cream Cause Constipation? | PYHP 103 appeared first on .
Allison’s Question: I have opened a hormone wellness practice and came across your blog. You mentioned the application of estrogen cream to the face, neck, and chest to improve skin health. From what I found, it appears that .3% Estriol and .01% Estradiol is typically used. Do you recommend a once-daily application? Can this same […] The post Can You Put Estriol Cream On Your Face? | PYHP 102 appeared first on .
Question: Hello. I am forty-five, perimenopausal diagnosed by blood work. I have my uterus and I am taking 200 milligrams of bioidentical progesterone each night orally by capsule. I do not take anything else for hormone balance other than evening primrose oil and some adrenal support. Neither of these is new to my regimen. What […] The post Can I Take Progesterone All Month? PYHP 101 appeared first on .
Alexis Question: Hi there, this forum is fabulous. Thank you. I am so confused with dosing. How much is one gram of Biet in mL – milliliters. So confusing. I use a one mL syringe. One mL is a lot of cream. It is an eighty-twenty ratio and I will split the dose. Reading that […] The post What is a Common Biest Starting Dose? | PYHP 100 appeared first on .
Question: What are symptoms of thyroid problems in females? Short Answer: There is a wide variety of thyroid symptoms in women. Some of the more common are fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin. Based on our experience, we have noticed many other hypothyroid related symptoms as well. These symptoms include heavy periods, infertility, anxiety, low […] The post What Are Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Females? | PYHP 099 appeared first on .
Question: What diet is best for Perimenopause? Short Answer: One of the most common complaints we get from women in perimenopause is unexplained weight gain. Their lifestyles have not changed in years, but all of a sudden, their weight keeps increasing. And if they try to lose the weight, their efforts fall short and often […] The post What Diet Is Best For Perimenopause? | PYHP 098 appeared first on .
Question: What supplements are good for Perimenopause? Short Answer: The conventional treatment options for Perimenopause are limited. Most often, women are offered birth control and other habit forming medications. None of those options are very effective in providing women relief of their symptoms. PYHP 097 Full Transcript: Download 097 Transcript Dr. Maki: Hello everybody. Thank you […] The post What Supplements Are Good For Perimenopause? | PYHP 097 appeared first on .
Question: Why Is Perimenopause so awful? Short Answer: We work with a good number of women in their 40’s and most of them do complain about how difficult Perimenopause is for them. As female hormones begin to decline, but stress levels are high it can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The most common perimenopausal […] The post Why Is Perimenopause So Awful? | PYHP 096 appeared first on .
Question: What is Oxytocin Used For? Short Answer: The hormone oxytocin is available by prescription from compounding pharmacies. The most common uses for oxytocin is to enhance female libido and mood. Also, research has shown that oxytocin may also be helpful in weight loss. More research is needed to better understand how oxytocin can be […] The post What Is Oxytocin Used For? | PYHP 095 appeared first on .
Question: What is LDN Used For? Short Answer: There are many possible uses for Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). The common use for LDN is autoimmune diseases but has also been used in many immune system-related conditions, including cancer. PYHP 094 Full Transcript: Download 094 Transcript Dr. Maki: Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us for […] The post What Is LDN Used For? | PYHP 094 appeared first on .
Linda’s Question: Hello, Dr. Maki. I hope you are well. I eat perfectly. I a small amount of organic food daily. No alcohol. No smoking. I bike forty miles a week. I am a 51-year-old postmenopausal woman at five foot eight. I am now 25 pounds overweight at 154 pounds. I cannot lose one pound. […] The post How to Lose Weight During Menopause? | PYHP 093 appeared first on .
Question: A question we get all the time from patients and podcast listeners is if they should take their thyroid medication before a blood test. Short Answer: There is not a simple answer to this question. It depends on the patient and their situation. For new patients, we typically want them to take their medication […] The post Should I Take Thyroid Medicine Before Blood Test? | PYHP 092 appeared first on .
Question: How to cycle bioidentical hormones? Short Answer: When it comes to BHRT dosing, the two main options is static dosing and rhythmic dosing. Static dosing is by far the most common, but depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, rhythmic dosing might be a better option. We like to use rhythmic dosing with testosterone […] The post How To Cycle Bioidentical Hormones? | PYHP 091 appeared first on .
Jennifer’s Question: Hi there! Thank you for this forum! My sister is using the Mirena. I would like to recommend she starts BHRT as she is 49 and has perimenopause symptoms. Is she able to take Prometrium and stay on the Mirena? Thank you in advance Short Answer: The Mirena IUD contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel, which is […] The post Can You Take Progesterone With An IUD? | PYHP 090 appeared first on .
Laura’s Question: Dear. Dr. Maki, I read your article about progesterone cream versus oral format. I have used the cream with some satisfaction but not one hundred percent happy. My sleep has been my main complaint for the last six to eight months. I’m 44 years old, still menstruating with a lot of menopausal symptoms. […] The post Does Progesterone Help You Sleep? | PYHP 089 appeared first on .
Donna’s Question: Hello. I’m 62 years old with a uterus. Recently my nurse practitioner switched me from 6% progesterone cream to Prometrium capsules. The amount of cream I was using was 1/4 teaspoon two weeks out of the month. She also added in the Intrarosa vaginal inserts instead of the estradiol cream for vaginal discomfort. […] The post Is Prometrium Safer Than Progesterone? | PYHP 088 appeared first on .
Lilly’s Question: Dear Dr. Davidson, I’m writing to say how illuminating your article on Estriol was for me. Especially your metaphorical descriptions of the actions of the 3 types of estrogens. I have a question, if I may. I am 49-years-old, I just entered menopause and started taking Botanical Phytoestrogens to help with the once […] The post How Much Estriol Cream Should I Use? | PYHP 087 appeared first on .
Nathalie’s Question: Hello Dr Maki, I am 45 full menopause and currently on biest 80:20 (0.5 mg) and progesterone 200 since July 2018. I was also given testosterone injection at the time and by Oct 2018 I was losing hair so we stopped that and no longer take it. I have been gaining weight steadily and […] The post What Biest Dosage is Best for Menopause? | PYHP 086 appeared first on .
Monica's Question: Hi, Thank you for providing such great information regarding BHRT, this has been a great resource and one of the best sites I have visited. My question is: I am currently going through peri-menopause; while back in July my hormones levels tanked and I started having terrible problems with hot flashes and night sweats, […] The post Can You Take BHRT During Perimenopause? | PYHP 085 appeared first on .
Marisa’s Question: Dr. Davidson and Dr. Maki, I truly appreciate what you are doing to share your information with the public!! You are helping many people learn more about their body!! I wasn’t sure the best place to ask this question or where you may answer it, but I found your podcast after […] The post Is Insomnia Related to Hormones? | PYHP 084 appeared first on .
Maria’s Question: Hello, I’ve been reading the articles on BHRT, and I have questions. Does the body or will the body develop tolerance to hormones? Whether progesterone, testosterone or estrogens, will I eventually have to increase my dose to get the same effect, progesterone for sleep, estrogen for hot flashes, testosterone for energy and libido… […] The post Do BHRT Dosage Amounts Change Overtime? | PYHP 083 appeared first on .
Staci’s Question: Hello, Dr. D, I was on Biest, 80:20 ratio. One mg/mL. I take one click, which is a quarter gram per day. I have been taking that for two and a half months to come about sleep disturbances, low libido, and hot flushes. I also take 100 mg of progesterone capsules at night. […] The post What Are The Side Effects of Biest? | PYHP 082 appeared first on .
Heidi’s Question: Hi, I’m a 48 year old female who has struggled with PCOS my whole life. I’ve taken 200 milligrams of oral progesterone for several years now. I also take 45 milligrams of Armour Thyroid, and my TSH is 3.87, and my free T3 is 3.22. I’ve had symptoms of: hair loss, dry eyes, […] The post What is a Usual Dose of Bioidentical Hormones? | PYHP 081 appeared first on .
Sarah’s Question: Thank you for writing your post weighing the differences between creams and oral capsules. What dosing would be typical for a premenopausal woman with PCOS and amenorrhea (1-2 menstrual cycles per year) who is seeking to regulate cycles? Short Answer: We often prescribe between 50 mg and 200 mg of bioidentical, sustained-release progesterone […] The post What is a Good Progesterone Dose for PCOS? | PYHP 080 appeared first on .
Elizabeth’s Question: I just got my lab results back and they are: TSH, Thyroid-stimulating hormone, is 1.33, Free T4 is 1.64, Free T3 is 2.9, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, that’s for the Hashimoto’s, is 16. My doctor said my Free T4 was a little high so she suggested cutting my levothyroxine, which is a T4 only […] The post What Should My T3 Free Level Be? | PYHP 079 appeared first on .
Lisa’s Question: I have a free T4 of 1.5, a TSH at 3.09 and I have a free T3 of 2.7. Do these seem like they are within parameters? My ENT says everything is fine with my numbers, and my vitamin D is 26.5. Short Answer: This is a good example of a high normal […] The post What TSH Level Indicates Hypothyroidism? | PYHP 078 appeared first on .
Danette’s Question: Can you determine if I should be considered for hypothyroidism? I have five of the listed symptoms, but my labs fall into “normal ranges” from my lab. Free T4 is 1.1, free T3 is 3.0. TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone, is .82. Short Answer: Many people could be considered to have Subclinical Hypothyroidism. This is […] The post Do I Have Hypothyroidism? | PYHP 077 appeared first on .
Angie’s Questions: Hi, I’m going to start Biest compounded at 80/20 ratio; 80% estriol, 20% estradiol, 2.5 milligrams once a day, and 100 milligrams compounded slow-release progesterone pill. My doctor and I decided on this amount because I read from a well-known hormone doctor that anything less will not help the heart, the brain, and […] The post What Does Biest Mean? | PYHP 076 appeared first on .
Lisa's Question: I have recently started taking 50mg of progesterone and bi est cream 50.50 it's been 3 weeks. Experiencing hot flash at night and seeing very little improvement in my sleep. Does it really matter where we apply the bi est cream, I was told inner highs, I feel I absorb it better in […] The post Where Do You Apply Biest Cream? | PYHP 075 appeared first on .
Carrie’s Question: I really liked this article about capsules versus creams. So, it was about progesterone, so bioidentical capsules or progesterone capsules versus progesterone cream. “I do have a question. I recently started 100 milligrams generic progesterone called Generic Prometrium and have had horrible side effects after almost three weeks of taking 100-milligram Prometrium pill […] The post Is Prometrium and Progesterone the Same Thing? | PYHP 074 appeared first on .
Michelle’s Questions: I am 52 years old going through menopause since 48. I had a hysterectomy at age of 36 and kept my ovaries for the hormones. My ovaries are nonfunctional now. I was on Premarin, but when I sought out a specialist for hormone therapy, I was prescribed: Estradiol 0.5 Estriol one milligram, which is technically […] The post What Is A Low Dose of Bioidentical Hormones? | PYHP 073 appeared first on .
In this episode, we discuss the immune system and give you specifics to help you during the cold and flu season. Most of us are very busy and don’t really have time to get sick. Below are some simple ideas to help you boost immune function and hopefully protect you during the cold and flu […] The post What Supplements Support Immune System? | PYHP 072 appeared first on .
The holiday season is upon again, which is a great time of year to spend with family and friends. However, it can be a stressful time of year as well. Not to mention, it is also the cold and flu season. Most of us are too busy and don’t have time to get sick, but […] The post Can You Get Sick From Stress? | PYHP 071 appeared first on .
In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, we continue explaining the three main types of Adrenal Fatigue/Dysfunction that we see often. Here is a quick recap: Vampire (episode 68): High cortisol at night and low cortisol in the morning. Hard to fall asleep and very difficult to wake in the morning. Weight gain […] The post How Do Adrenals Get Exhausted? Zombie | PYHP 070 appeared first on .
In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, we continue talking about the main types of Adrenal Fatigue that we see. We are certainly not trying to minimize Adrenal Dysfunction but to make it more interesting and easy to understand, we call these main types: Vampire (episode: 68) Ghost (this episode 69) Zombie (episode […] The post How Do Adrenals Affect Sleep? Ghost | PYHP 069 appeared first on .
In our last episode, we talked about Adrenal Fatigue / Adrenal Dysfunction and how to test for it. In the next three episodes, we are going to focus on three main types of Adrenal Dysfunction that we see. Three main types of Adrenal Fatigue: The Vampire The Ghost The Zombie Adrenal Fatigue is quite real […] The post What Does Adrenal Fatigue Feel Like? – Vampire | PYHP 068 appeared first on .
In our last episode we talked about the differences between PCOS and Adrenal Dysfunction, which is often called Adrenal Fatigue. Adrenal Fatigue or Adrenal Dysfunction is not a ICD10 diagnosis. There is an actual ICD10 billable code called: unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency (E27.40). But there is controversy in using this code for patients. It is technically […] The post How to Test Adrenal Function? | PYHP 067 appeared first on .
In our last series of episodes, we talked about polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We have categorized PCOS into three types: Classic Common Concealed Classic has the majority of all the symptomatology that pertains to PCOS. Common has some but not all of the symptoms of PCOS. Concealed PCOS is often missed. What we have found […] The post Do I Have Adrenal Fatigue or PCOS? | PYHP 066 appeared first on .
In this episode, we are going to continue talking about the Types of PCOS that we have seen. As we have said, (repetitively) PCOS is not a one size fits all. There are some women that have most of the symptoms to just a few. We have three types that we have seen in treating […] The post What Type of PCOS Do I Have? Concealed | PYHP 065 appeared first on .
In this episode, we continue talking about PCOS. As mentioned in the previous episode, we have seen three main types of PCOS. PCOS is more of a spectrum of symptoms. Some women have most of the symptoms of PCOS and others just a few. The varying degree of hormonal imbalances will help mold the three […] The post What Type of PCOS Do I Have? Common | PYHP 064 appeared first on .
There are three main types of PCOS that we have seen treating patients since 2004. As you have heard from the past podcasts, PCOS is a spectrum of symptoms. It is a spectrum of symptoms coming from a set of hormonal imbalances. Every woman with PCOS might have some to all to a few of […] The post What Type of PCOS Do I Have? Classic | PYHP 063 appeared first on .
PCOS Testing and Diagnosis: In this episode, we talk about the testing and labs for a diagnosis for PCOS. These testing and labs are also a good way to monitor PCOS. Ultrasound: Checking for multiple cysts on or in the ovaries. It is still very common to have PCOS but have not cysts ("string of […] The post What Tests to Diagnose PCOS? | PYHP 062 appeared first on .
In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, we are going to talk about PCOS. I know our last podcast was, PCOS, Questions to Ask your Doctor. We are still going strong on our PCOS information. But we are going to do things a little different than we have. We are going to do […] The post What Does PCOS Look Like? | PYHP 061 appeared first on .
In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, we want to discuss questions you might want to ask your doctor when it comes to PCOS. PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The name can be misleading. Polycystic means, having multiple cysts on or in your ovaries. While this can be true, many women with […] The post Questions to Ask Your Doctor About PCOS | PYHP 060 appeared first on .
This is one of the top concerns of women in Perimenopause. Perimenopause usually occurs in women between the ages of the late '30s to late '40s. An important note here is, Perimenopause is not Menopause. And while both Perimenopause and Menopause may have some of the same symptoms. There are also many differences between the […] The post Perimenopause, Why Am I Gaining Weight? | PYHP 059 appeared first on .
Kavinace by Neuroscience is no longer available as a supplement. April 10th, 2019, the FDA issued a letter to several nutraceutical companies to discontinue supplements containing 4-amino-3phenylbutyric acid. The FDA has determined that 4-amino-3phenylbutyric acid, also commonly referred to as Phenibut is not a dietary supplement. We published a previous Kavinace article shortly after the […] The post What Happened to Kavinace? | PYHP 058 appeared first on .
It is common to mistake perimenopause for menopause and vice versa. Labs can be misleading. Doctors can be misleading in your concerns about whether you are in perimenopause vs. menopause. Even symptoms can be misleading. In this article, I am going to explain the differences between perimenopause and menopause. As well as information to […] The post Perimenopause vs Menopause | PYHP 057 appeared first on .
In this podcast, we talk about the difference between PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and perimenopause. We get this question all the time, 'Doc, I think I am going into menopause.' When really, they are nowhere near menopause, let alone perimenopause. What makes it so confusing is that there are so many similarities between PMS and perimenopause. […] The post Perimenopause or PMS? | PYHP 056 appeared first on .
In this episode, we answer a reader question about her low T3. Kelli’s case is a bit complicated, but it sheds light on how important it is to address low T3 levels. We get this question all the time about the thyroid hormone, T3. Many will say, ‘my free T3 levels are low, but my […] The post How to Increase T3 Conversion? | PYHP 055 appeared first on .
For this episode, we wanted to answer another reader question. We love answering reader and listener questions. Also, we understand that you might not be getting answers from your docs and feel frustrated. Honestly, we really try to go into depth on answering these reader/listener questions as we want to be as thorough as possible […] The post Can PCOS Occur With Regular Periods? | PYHP 054 appeared first on .
This episode we respond to a reader question. Jayme had sent us a question earlier in the year based on an article we wrote. Now she has additional questions about taking progesterone as part of her BHRT. Jayme has had a hysterectomy and wasn't sure what dose of progesterone is best for her. Or for […] The post Is Progesterone Needed After Hysterectomy? | PYHP 053 appeared first on .
In this episode, we respond to Karen. Karen read an article of ours on BHRT and sent these concerns about her menopause and hormone dosages. We love Karen's question because it shows how technical BHRT can be. As you will see from Karen's question, there are multiple aspects to consider when treating a woman with […] The post What Biest Ratio is Best for Menopause? | PYHP 052 appeared first on .
In this episode, we answer a reader question. This question is from Jen, responding to one of our articles. Jen's question is important because hormone treatment can often come as a prescription. And it is important to understand our prescriptions and if they are actually going to be beneficial. Jen's question relates to her current […] The post Can Biest Cause Headaches? | PYHP 051 appeared first on .
When we started this podcast and writing articles, we were very naive about who would want to read this "stuff." Honestly, I didn't think anyone would want to listen to a husband/wife couple-docs that only dealt with hormone balancing. Being an introvert, I am really pushing myself outside of my comfort zone with these articles […] The post What is Estriol Made From? | PYHP 050 appeared first on .
Question: Hello, I am an almost 41 yr old female and I just read an article about cortisol levels (vampire, ghost, and zombie) that you wrote, and I'm curious to know more. I think that I'm like the vampire the most, but not exactly. I had a saliva test done recently and the results said […] The post What are the Symptoms of Low Cortisol? | PYHP 049 appeared first on .
We have have been getting a lot of questions regarding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. We thought a good way to respond to these questions would be to answer them on the podcast. In this episode, we discuss a woman’s situation regarding her experience with testosterone pellets. Below is her exact email. Listener Question: Nina Hello […] The post Testosterone Pellets vs Cream for Women | PYHP 048 appeared first on .
In this episode, we talk about how to lose belly fat. Belly fat is one of the most common complaints we hear from our patients and listeners. Weight loss, especially in the stomach is very common and more of a consequence of hormones rather than food. This episode is an extension from our article, […] The post Why is Belly Fat Hard to Lose? | PYHP 047 appeared first on .
This episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast is a continuation to a recent blog post: 7 Tips on How to Cope with PMS. Most women have some PMS symptoms, but there is certainly a spectrum of symptom severity. For one woman, it might just be mild bloating, but for another woman, her cramps are […] The post How to Reduce PMS Symptoms Naturally? | PYHP 046 appeared first on .
When it comes to hair loss, the first question women ask is, “can thyroid problems cause hair to fall out?” The answer to this question is an obvious yes. The next question women will ask is, “can hair loss from thyroid problems be reversed? Again, the answer is yes, your hair will grow back, but the […] The post Can Thyroid Problems Cause Hair to Fall Out? | PYHP 045 appeared first on .
Uterine Fibroids are benign growths inside the uterus. Some people do not know they even have fibroids and others have significant symptoms that can impact their quality of life. For more information, you can read our blog post about Uterine Fibroids. This podcast discusses: What are uterine fibroids? Typical physical and mental symptoms of fibroids. […] The post Why do Uterine Fibroids Grow? | PYHP 044 appeared first on .
Endometriosis can be very painful. It can have a significant effect on a woman's quality of life. Below are few of the common symptoms of Endometriosis. Painful periods Pain with intercourse Heavy period Mid Cycle spotting Endometriosis occurs when the uterine tissue gets seeded outside the uterus. Removing the uterus can help tremendously with the following […] The post Will Endometriosis Return After Surgery? | PYHP 043 appeared first on .
Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women. It is estimated that about 10% of females ages 15 to 49 are affected. I think this percentage of women with endometriosis is much higher than 10%. That is because the only sure way to be diagnosed with endometriosis is to have laparoscopic surgery. There are many […] The post What Does Endometriosis Feel Like? | PYHP 042 appeared first on .
What Are Liver Enzymes? Liver Enzymes are made by cells throughout the body but are found in highest concentrations in liver cells. These enzymes are found inside liver cells, so when the concentration is elevated in the blood, usually indicates liver cells (hepatocytes) are inflamed, damaged for dying. Below is a list of the four […] The post What Does Slightly Elevated Liver Enzymes Mean? PYHP 041 appeared first on .
Does progesterone make you tired? It is a lot more complicated than a yes or no answer. In this episode, we are going to explain this question in full detail. We are going to talk about: Types of progesterone replacement: creams, capsules, sublingual, troche Why progesterone is used to balance hormones When you usually take […] The post Does Progesterone Make You Tired? | PYHP 040 appeared first on .
It may not always be obvious, but hormones have a significant influence on how we feel and our behavior on a daily basis. It is not something that is given enough thought to in medicine; however, it is something we pay a great deal of attention to because we understand the connections. Hormones dictate […] The post How Do Hormones Influence Behavior? | PYHP 039 appeared first on .
Triiodothyronine also is known as T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone. T4 also known as thyroxine is made in the thyroid gland. T4 is then sent peripherally through the system, and mainly the liver will convert T4 to T3. You can have all the T4 in your body, but if your T3 is […] The post Do You Have a Low Free T3 Level? | PYHP 038 appeared first on .
Here is a typical scenario: I don't know what to do... I have all the symptoms of low thyroid. My hair is falling out. I am exhausted, no energy whatsoever. I have gained weight, even though I try to eat well and exercise. But honestly, I am too tired to exercise. Sorry for the TMI, […] The post What is Subclinical Hypothyroidism? | PYHP 037 appeared first on .
Our bodies make three different forms estrogens: Estrone (E1) Estradiol (E2) Estriol (E3) Estrone is usually considered an "unhealthy" estrogen. It is still bioidentical, but you do not want loads of estrone around when you are balancing the hormones. Estrone is common in young girls when they first get their periods and after menopause. Estrone […] The post What is the Difference Between Estriol and Estradiol? | PYHP 036 appeared first on .
What is pregnenolone? It is a steroid hormone but is not a reproductive hormone like estrogen or testosterone. Pregnenolone is also made from cholesterol, which makes it a steroid hormone. It is also considered to be a 'pro-hormone,’ because it can convert into other hormones depending on the needs of the body. Recently, it has been […] The post What is Pregnenolone Used For? | PYHP 035 appeared first on .
Painful intercourse is a very common complaint I get from patients going through or have gone through menopause. They do feel awkward speaking of vaginal dryness, especially with their male gynecologists. This is one of the most common symptoms of menopause, second to hot flashes and night sweats. Menopause is an inevitable course of life […] The post Do You Have a Dry Vagina During Sex? | PYHP 034 appeared first on .
As discussed before, fatigue is a broad topic with many multifaceted causes. I wish there were a magic pill that would help fatigue and was free from side effects or dependency, but there is not. Fatigue is commonplace, but a complicated symptom to address due to the many contributing factors. In our practice, the […] The post What Are the Best Supplements for Fatigue? | PYHP 033 appeared first on .
Fatigue and feeling tired is such a big topic. This episode is the second part of our podcast of ‘Why Am I so Tired All The Time.’ As we discussed, there are many reasons causing fatigue ranging from medication to having too much caffeine. Below is a list that with many (not all) of the […] The post Why Do I Feel So Tired All the Time? Pt 2 | PYHP 032 appeared first on .
One of the most common complaints we hear from patients is fatigue or feeling tired all the time. Unfortunately, fatigue is common, but a complicated symptom to treat. There are many possible reasons someone can be fatigued. Conventionally, when you go to your doctor, fatigue is all the same. There is no differentiation made; […] The post Why Do I Feel So Tired All the Time? | PYHP 031 appeared first on .
In our practice, one of the most common complaints we hear is about sugar cravings. Carb cravings are not only common but an obvious obstacle to our weight loss goals. How many of you have woken up in the morning and said, 'today is the day that I am going to eat healthy.' You […] The post How to Resist Sugar Cravings? | PYHP 030 appeared first on .
The new year is here! And I am sure everyone has their "new year's resolutions." The most common, eating better and losing weight. With the holiday season (speaking for myself), there has been way too much sugar, treats, alcohol and just too much food in general. It has also been wonderful to spend quality […] The post What is Best Way to Lose Weight? | PYHP 029 appeared first on .
Welcome to the new year, 2018! It is going to be a great year. With the start of any new year, everyone is ready to eat better and lose weight. Since when did my 'fat jeans' become my regular jeans lol! With the holiday festivities behind us, it is time to get back on track […] The post Does the Ketogenic Diet Work? | PYHP 028 appeared first on .
Getting rid of stubborn belly fat is one of the main complaints I hear from patients. In particular, the female patients. More specifically, the female patients over 40 years old. Why is it you can eat a cheeseburger, fries and shake when you are 20, but forget it at 40? Why does it seem that […] The post How Do I Get Rid of Belly Fat? | PYHP 027 appeared first on .
Two common questions we get all the time is: how much does BHRT cost? And will my insurance cover it? If I had a dollar for every time, I have been asked this question I might have a pair of those fancy Christian Louboutin heels. It’s okay because I can't stand heels anyway, but the […] The post How Much Do Bioidentical Hormones Cost? | PYHP 026 appeared first on .
Traditionally when one thinks of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), they immediately think of menopause. That hormone therapy is used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. But in the last 10-15 years, hormone replacement has become more than a fix for hot flashes. But did you know that you can […] The post Who is a Candidate for BHRT? | PYHP 025 appeared first on .
As I have always stated before, us ladies are a symphony of hormones. If one hormone is out of tune, it is quite apparent. However, sometimes it is hard to hear what instrument (hormone) is out of tune because when one hormone is out of balance, others seem to follow suit. So remember, it is […] The post Do I Have Estrogen Dominance? | PYHP 024 appeared first on .
You know you have heavy periods when.... When you have tampons everywhere. In every single purse, the glove box of your car. In the glove box of your friend's and spouse's car. In the kitchen drawers, all bathrooms, in your jacket pockets, even your grocery bags. You never wear white. You don't own white underwear because […] The post What Causes Heavy Periods? | PYHP 023 appeared first on .
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? My Doctor Won’t Order Thyroid Function Test, What Should I Do? We see […] The post How Much Do Blood Tests Cost? | PYHP 022 appeared first on .
Which thyroid medication is best? This is a question we get from patients quite often. Conventionally for hypothyroidism, there is one medication prescribed. Regardless of your gender, family/personal history, symptoms, goals. If you need thyroid replacement, you will get Synthroid. If you have had your thyroid gland radiated, now it is hypothyroid. If you have […] The post Which Thyroid Medication is Best? | PYHP 021 appeared first on .
Hashimoto Thyroiditis is an autoimmune process where your immune system will attack your thyroid gland. This attack will eventually cause the thyroid function to drop. Inevitably, Hashimoto's disease causes hypothyroid. There are two primary blood antibodies to test for Hashimoto's disease. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) Thyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb). If you have one or both of these […] The post How Do I Know If I Have Hashimoto Thyroiditis? | PYHP 020 appeared first on .
The most common test for thyroid is the TSH, which stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Unfortunately, this is also the only test most conventional doctors use to screen for thyroid disease. If the TSH is elevated (above 4.5 mIU/L), you are hypothyroid, and if the number is low (below 0.45 ng/dL), you are hyperthyroid. […] The post What Are The Best Blood Tests for Thyroid Function? | PYHP 019 appeared first on .
“My doctor will only test my TSH level for my thyroid. He/She says my thyroid is normal based on my TSH level, but I feel I have a thyroid problem!" I hear this all the time with my new patients. They have been to their internist, their primary care, and even endocrinologists, but they get […] The post My Doctor Will Only Test TSH for My Thyroid | PYHP 018 appeared first on .
First off, who gets hot flashes and night sweats? There are medical conditions, medications that can cause hot flashes and night sweats. But commonly, hot flashes and night sweats are a "female thing." I know… us ladies are so complicated. But so worth it! Why do women get hot flashes and men do not? Why […] The post Why Do I Get Hot Flashes? | PYHP 017 appeared first on .
Do you have trouble falling asleep? There are many reasons that people have trouble falling asleep. Reasons for poor sleep quality vary from medications, menopause, chronic pain to travel. For this episode, we want to talk about stress and its effect on your sleep. Stress can come in many forms from physical to mental. Stress […] The post Do You Have Trouble Sleeping? | PYHP 016 appeared first on .
As I mentioned, we recently moved to Washington state. It was a quick move to find a place to live, get an office and deal with some family drama. As well, we had to maintain our Las Vegas and California offices in the meantime. For me, it has been pretty stressful. I am certainly not […] The post What Are the Effects of Stress on the Body? | PYHP 015 appeared first on .
First, an apology is necessary because we have been away for so long. Even though we have been away for some time, we are glad to be back. The Progress Your Health Podcast and all our listeners are very important to us. We enjoy providing you with hormone related information. As our loyal followers, […] The post We Are Back | PYHP 014 appeared first on .
What is Leptin Resistance? The body has an elaborate hormonal mechanism to regulate appetite and hunger. One of the major hormones is leptin, which is a satiety hormone produced by our fat cells in response to a meal. Once released, leptin signals an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. This signaling turns […] The post What is Leptin Resistance? | PYHP 013 appeared first on .
Generally speaking, hormones control how the body either loses or gains weight. Stress has a major effect on hormones, which also contributes to weight gain. Thus, cortisol, which is often referred to as the ‘stress hormone,’ plays a major role in this process. Cortisol is a "glucocorticoid,’ because its effect on blood glucose. For example, […] The post What Does Cortisol Do? | PYHP 012 appeared first on .
The body spends a great deal of energy to balance blood sugar with a very specific hormonal mechanism. The two main hormones are insulin and glucagon. Insulin an incredibly important hormone in our bodies. It is released in response to glucose in the body and allows the glucose to enter the cell to supply energy. […] The post How Does the Body Balance Blood Sugar? | PYHP 011 appeared first on .
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, which is abbreviated to FAP, is a genetic condition resulting in a mutation to the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene. The APC is a tumor suppressor gene located on the 5th chromosome. Mutations to this gene result in an increased risk of developing colon and other types of cancers […] The post Familial Adenomatous Polyposis – A Genetic Miracle Case Study | PYHP 010 appeared first on .
For women, testosterone is not a reproductive hormone. Obviously, estrogen and progesterone are the main reproductive hormones. Testosterone is an androgen produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands and peripheral tissues. However, testosterone acts as more of an adrenal hormone, similar to DHEA, so the symptoms of low testosterone in women can mimic that of adrenal […] The post Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Women | PYHP 009 appeared first on .
Over the past few years, testosterone has become very popular. There have been countless ads for prescriptions, herbal products and clinics all over TV and the internet. This begs the question, does testosterone really live up to all the hype? Is testosterone the panacea as it has been claimed? The answer to this question is […] The post Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men | PYHP 008 appeared first on .
One of the big challenges when trying to lose weight is our brain. We may experience an exaggerated appetite or cravings, which can sabotage any weight loss goal. Most weight loss programs are focused on caloric restriction and providing medications, one being phentermine for appetite suppression. A safer, more effective alternative is Amino Acid Therapy […] The post Appetite Control Using Amino Acid Therapy | PYHP 007 appeared first on .
Up until fairly recently, a popular dietary approach for weight loss was to consume several small frequent meals throughout the day. The rationale behind this strategy is that eating every 2-3 hours would increase metabolism and the pounds would drop off. A popular new dietary strategy called Intermittent Fasting is questioning this previous approach. We […] The post What is Intermittent Fasting? | PYHP 006 appeared first on .
Why do we have so much trouble losing weight and keeping the weight off over time? This is an important question that millions of people are struggling with everyday. For decades, doctors, fitness professionals and even the government have promoted the idea that weight loss is simply a calorie problem. To have success, all […] The post Weight Loss is a Hormone Problem | PYHP 005 appeared first on .
A very common and obvious indication of a hormone imbalance is Premenstrual Syndrome. PMS is not actually a disease, but instead a collection of several physical and emotional type of symptoms that a woman can experience prior to the start of her period. For many women, the symptoms of PMS can begin 7 to 14 […] The post Why Do I Have PMS? | PYHP 004 appeared first on .
Adrenal Fatigue is also known as Adrenal Insufficiency or Adrenal Dysfunction. There are many hormones released from the adrenals and it would take hours to go over all of them. In this episode we are going to give a overview about what Adrenal Fatigue is, where it comes from and options to work on this […] The post Functional Approach to Adrenal Dysfunction | PYHP 003 appeared first on .
Over the last few years, there has been an increased awareness of thyroid conditions, specifically hypothyroidism. The proper thyroid evaluation has become somewhat controversial as well. For decades, a simple TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test has been the conventional test of choice in screening most thyroid related issues. However, an ideal thyroid evaluation is […] The post Functional Approach to Hypothyroid Issues | PYHP 002 appeared first on .
Welcome to the first official episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast (PYHP). Previously, we published another podcast called The Dr. Rob Show, which is still on iTunes. The co-hosts of the PYHP is a husband and wife team of Dr. Robert Maki and Dr. Valorie Davidson, who are both Naturopathic Physicians and graduates of […] The post Welcome to The Progress Your Health Podcast | PYHP 001 appeared first on .