What's Happening?

Launching soon: Progress Your Hormones Community

​

Hello,

​

Who’s with me? ‘Dorothy’ said yes, and I think you should too.

​

But only if you’re ready to step into a space where women finally get the clarity, respect, and support they deserve.

​

That is why we created the Progress Your Hormones Community.

A space led by real hormone experts (hi, me) where we cut through the confusion, the dismissal, and the outdated advice, and start telling the truth about perimenopause, menopause, HRT, metabolism, libido, and everything in between.

​

Because this is more than just another forum or support group.

Just like ‘Jerry’, this community is about relationships, human connection, and, in my words, about empowering women to take charge of their health and hormones.

​

As a founding member, you’ll help us create the most trusted resource for women’s health ever built.

​

I think your hormones just said, ‘you had me at Hello.’

​

Dr Valorie

​

​

I do not have AI write my articles.

It seems like it could be such an easy way to write–just tell AI to write something about such-in-such. And I am tempted, especially as I sit here just staring at the computer screen. But it’s such a thrill when my fingers are flying, so when they aren’t, I can be patient, it's a process. So I am going to sit here and stare at you.

- Xo DrValorie

​

Unexpected Early Menopause Signs: Let’s Take the Hush Outta Menopause

5 Unexpected Signs You Might Be Entering Menopause

(That Have Nothing to Do with Hot Flashes)

​

Menopause is not just about hot flashes and bye-bye periods.

There are unexpected issues in early menopause that no one discusses.

These are issues that get blown off as:

​

• It’s all in your head
• That is just part of aging
• You’re getting old
• Your overthinking
• Your no spring-chicken
• Maybe you should…eat better, exercise more, meditate, be more grateful, should, should, should
• You’re cra​

​

And you know what? A lot of women buy into this, thinking they've got a screw loose or just suck it up, buttercup. Let’s talk about what can happen to you when your hormones ride off into the sunset.

​

This article will discuss symptoms that you may not be aware of that can occur during menopause. Not everyone has all the symptoms. But you might be surprised and even recognize these symptoms in yourself.

​

1. Word Loss/recall: You find yourself dropping words and getting lost mid-sentence. Blanking on the name of a friend, city, author, or the university you attended. The information is in your brain; you just can’t get it out.
2. Noise sensitivity: Feeling easily overstimulated. Difficult to drown out background noise, and suddenly, your husband’s breathing sounds like a jackhammer.
3. Heart flip-flops: you feel like your heart is doing somersaults in your chest. Often happens when you are lying down or getting ready to rest.
4. Joint pain and Stiffness: Everywhere–wrists, shoulders, ankles, hips, back–achy everywhere.
5. Itchy Skin or Crawly Sensations On Your Skin: No matter how much lotion you put on. If you are experiencing any or a few of these symptoms, you are not alone. You are not making this up, and these symptoms of menopause are not all ‘in your head.’ There are ways to offset these ‘unmentionables’ in menopause, ranging from HRT to lifestyle to supplements.

​

If you want to delve deeper, check out the Progress Your Hormones Community, where we discuss topics openly that others may not.

​

Would you like to know why these symptoms are happening—and what you can do to feel better?

​

Unlock the full article with expert guidance on HRT, lifestyle, and supplements by upgrading to the paid version.

Simon Says:

Don’t use harsh mouthwash (you know those popular ones we grew up with). Antiseptic rinses can disrupt your oral microbiome by wiping out the good bacteria. This can affect your heart health and raise your blood pressure by reducing nitric oxide production.

​

Mommie Dearest: Thanks for the MTHFR

​

MTHFR, also known as Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, try saying that real fast five times. It has also been abbreviated as a motherf*er gene (do not say that out loud five times).

Currently, most people have a general understanding of MTHFR and whether they have the mutation. As it is estimated that approximately 50% of the US population has the MTHFR mutation.

Side note: For simplicity’s sake, I refer to these as normal and mutated versions of the gene. However, please note that these are not value judgments. But I will call them ‘normal’ and ‘mutated’ for clarity. I’m certainly not ‘normal’ myself, but that’s kinda the point.

Not to give you what you already know, but there may be some facts that maybe you didn’t know about MTHFR.

​
​

This article will talk about:

C677t and A1298c

Homozygous vs heterozygous

What MTHFR can affect

Folic acid and folate (folic acid bad, folate good)

Which folate supplements are safe

Medications that deplete you of folate (that you might be taking)

MTHFR and Drug Reactions (meds and procedures that you may commonly use)

Why taking too much methylated B vitamins or folate might not be the best idea for those with MTHFR

​
​

Thanks, Bio mom and dad:

MTHFR is a gene, and we inherit two copies, or alleles, from our parents—one MTHFR from mom and one from dad.

Within the MTHFR gene, there are two illustrious SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms). Those SNPs are C677t and A1298c. Because we have two copies of the MTHFR gene, we have two genetic positions at C677T and two at A1298C (one from each bio parent). Each of these positions may be normal or mutated.

​
​

To Mutate or Not to Mutate:

C677T:

The normal gene has a C (cystosine) at position 677. But in the mutated version, the C is changed to T (thymine).

A1298C:

The normal gene has A (adenine) at position 1298. But in the mutated version, the A is mutated to C (cytosine)

If you have a genetic report, this is what it would look like:

C677T MTHFR:

C/C = no mutation

C/T = one normal and one mutated. This is called heterozygous.

TT = both gene copies are mutated. This is called homozygous.

A1298C MTHFR:

A/A = no mutation

A/C = one normal and one mutated. Heterozygous.

CC = both gene copies are mutated. Homozygous.

What is Compound Heterozygous?

Compound Heterozygous is where you have one mutated copy at each SNP.

C/T and a A/C

​
​

What can having mutations on the MTHFR cause?

Those familiar with MTHFR are aware that it can lead to numerous symptoms and risks. For some people, it may have no effect. That is because there are other genetics and influences at play.

But for a short summary of MTHFR issues:

• Increased cardiovascular risk (those with the mutated C677T)
• Homocysteine levels (C677T)
• Fatigue or brain fog
• Mood issues
• Fertility and miscarriages (I see more A1298C)
• Detox issues
• Cannot tolerate folic acid
• Allergies
• Histamine intolerance
• All MTHFR seem to be more sensitive to toxins, meds, supplements, foods, chemicals

​

​

Want to know how MTHFR affects your hormones, detox, mood, and what to actually do about it?

​

I break down which supplements are safe (and which can backfire), the meds that mess with folate, and how to protect yourself from hidden risks—like nitrous oxide.

​

→ Subscribe to the full version of the newsletter to read the rest.​

My Menopause: I’ve been thinking about community. Especially, the community I want us to grow, Progress Your Hormones Community.

​

I miss my mom.

​

I moved back to Washington state to be closer to her (and dad, too).

​

But I miss my mom.

​

It was her birthday, July 19th, and she was sick. She didn’t want me to help or see her because it was just a slight cold. But I know her, she would clean the house and buy a bunch of food, and I didn’t want her to go to that much effort when she was under the weather.

​

Before that, she was out of town (in Columbia, yes, the country) visiting my sister.

​

Then, my sister decided she was moving back for a while, so with all the hustle and bustle, I didn’t see her the following weekend.

​

And now it's been like 8 weeks, and I really miss her.

​

Now my mom is a force. She is not as intense or pushy as she used to be when she was younger. Well, she is still pretty pushy.

​

But it got me thinking about feeling lonely.

​

Remember the 2023 Surgeon General’s report (Dr. Murthy's) 'Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.' Loneliness and social isolation are the next epidemic affecting our country, if not the world. It said that those lacking social connection is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day! That is unbelievable. Cigarettes!!

​

Blue zones like Okinawa (my mom grew up there, hence the pushy Asian mom), Sardinia, Nicoya, Ikaraia, and Loma Linda are places where people tend to live longer lives. Part of the longevity is due to the tight-knit social networks, daily gatherings, and supportive friendships. Why? Bc strong social ties are as critical for longevity as diet or exercise.

​

• Ikigai: Iki (to live), gai (worth). Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy for the value of living. It is a calling, a purpose, a connection. Loneliness and disconnection keep you in bed, while ikigai is a reason to have connection with others and life.
• Moai: Deeply rooted in Okinawan culture, it is a lifelong group of friends who support each other emotionally and socially. These tight-knit social circles check in regularly, share meals, and support one another.

​

Now I have been to Okinawa many times. I have even brought my husband, Dr Maki (Rob). They loved the big white guy who would eat anything, like seagrapes and slimy mozuku. My grandmother had so many friends in her village. Maybe that is why she lived on her own in a traditional Okinawan home till 96.

​

I think as we get older and our bodies are changing, our hormones are changing, geez, everything is changing, it’s nice to have someone to talk to. Okay, my husband is a hormone doctor, but sometimes it’s hard to even speak to him about my hormones and HRT. He just keeps saying that I need more estrogen. Like, more estrogen is going to fix everything, well maybe…

​

But connection with others can increase oxytocin, reduce cortisol, support serotonin and dopamine, reduce sympathetic (fight or flight), and increase parasympathetic (rest, reset, digestion).

​

This is why finally my dream of a community of women can come together in a space that isn’t cheesy, salesy. Just a place where we can grow together, like Moai. It’s good for our health.

​

Side note: Tomi Oshiro, my grandmother, I guess she was also the village loan shark and if you didn’t pay up, she would shame you to the whole village (original moai-mean-girl).

​

DrValorie

Disclaimer

All content found in this newsletter, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website and blog is to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not intended to be 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 in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concern regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.