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What Is Hormone Cycling?

Hormone cycling aims to mimic the natural hormonal rhythms of a premenopausal woman by adjusting estradiol and progesterone levels throughout the month. This approach contrasts with static dosing, where you take the same hormone dose daily without fluctuations.

The idea behind cycling is that our bodies are designed to experience peaks and dips in hormone levels, not a flatline. Some believe that replicating this rhythm can lead to improved well-being and symptom relief.

Potential Benefits of Hormone Cycling

Cycling your hormones may offer several advantages, including:

• Brain Health: Estrogen fluctuations promote neuron growth and cognitive function.

• Heart Health: Cycling may improve vascular function and reduce cardiovascular risk.

• Bone Strength: Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density.

• Metabolism & Inflammation: Cycling can help regulate inflammatory responses and metabolic function.

Sounds great, right? But before jumping on the cycling train, let’s talk about the protocols and the potential downsides.

The Wiley Protocol vs. Physiological Restoration

When it comes to hormone cycling, two names often come up: The Wiley Protocol and Physiological Restoration. Let’s break them down.

The Wiley Protocol

Created by T.S. Wiley, this bioidentical hormone therapy follows a 28-day cycle designed to replicate the hormonal patterns of a young woman. Doses of estradiol and progesterone are adjusted every few days to simulate the body’s natural fluctuations.

Some women rave about its benefits—improved sleep, sharper cognition, and a rekindled libido. But the protocol isn’t without controversy. Critics argue that:

• It uses high hormone levels, which may increase health risks.

• There’s limited empirical evidence to support its effectiveness.

• It can cause unpleasant side effects, including period-like bleeding.

Physiological Restoration

This method also follows a cycling approach but with a gentler and more tailored application. Instead of rigid daily dose adjustments, Physiological Restoration aims to restore balance while keeping things manageable. Many women find it easier to follow than the Wiley Protocol, yet still effective for symptom relief.

Cycling vs. Static Dosing: What’s the Best Choice?

Static dosing remains the go-to method for HRT—it’s simple, predictable, and effective at reducing menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. But it may not offer the same long-term health benefits as a more dynamic approach.

Why Some Women Prefer Cycling:

• Mimics natural hormonal rhythms for better symptom relief.

• Allows for higher peaks of estradiol and progesterone when needed.

• May boost libido, sleep quality, and overall vitality.

Challenges of Cycling:

• Requires frequent adjustments and monitoring.

• Can be more expensive and time-consuming.

• Not ideal for women sensitive to higher hormone doses or those who don’t want to deal with monthly bleeding.

Is Cycling Right for You?

The best HRT approach depends on your unique needs, symptoms, and lifestyle. Here’s what to consider:

• Persistent Symptoms? If you’re struggling with brain fog, fatigue, or low libido despite static dosing, cycling might be worth a shot.

• Lifestyle Considerations? Cycling requires commitment. If you prefer simplicity, static dosing may be the better option.

• Health Goals? If optimizing long-term bone health, cognition, and metabolism is a priority, cycling may offer additional benefits.

What we offer at Hormone Solutions:

At Hormone Solutions, we offer a modified cycling protocol designed to be more user-friendly while still delivering effective results. While the Wiley Protocol and Physiological Restoration require working with a practitioner specifically trained in those methods, our team is not trained in these protocols.

Instead, we follow the Advanced Rhythmic Protocol, a simplified and more practical approach that many women find easier to implement. This method involves fewer dosage adjustments while still focusing on key peak days for estradiol and progesterone, as well as properly cycling progesterone.

We’ve seen exceptional results with this approach in thousands of women, helping to achieve hormone levels that support heart, brain, and bone health—all while making the process more manageable and sustainable.

The Bottom Line: Personalization is Key

HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for your best friend or a celebrity influencer may not be the best fit for your body. This is why working with a knowledgeable practitioner who understands bioidentical hormone therapy is essential.

Whether you choose cycling or static dosing, the key is education, personalization, and ongoing adjustments to support your health goals.

If you’re considering switching up your HRT approach, make sure you’re working with a provider who understands these nuances—not just someone handing out hormones like candy.

Want to learn more about cycling HRT? Listen to the episode we did called "To Cycle or Not to Cycle HRT: Find Out What Every Woman Needs to Know!"

Citations

1. "To Cycle or Not to Cycle HRT: Find Out What Every Woman Needs to Know!" YouTube Podcast (2025).

2. "HRT Patches: Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use Them," Medical News Today (2024).

3. "Cyclic HRT: Benefits of Cycling Estradiol & Progesterone," YouTube Video by Felice Gersh, MD (2025).

4. "Wiley Protocol," Wikipedia (2007).

5. "A New Hormone Replacement Paradigm: Physiologic Restoration Study," ClinicalTrials.gov (2020).