What Is the W-R-I-G-H-T Cycling of Hormones—And Is It Right for You?
When it comes to hormone therapy, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—especially in the nuanced world of perimenopause and menopause. That’s where the W-R-I-G-H-T cycling method comes in. Developed by Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, a pioneer in bioidentical hormone therapy and integrative medicine, this protocol is all about mimicking your body’s natural hormonal rhythm—not flattening it.
What Is Hormone Cycling?
Hormone cycling is a way of administering bioidentical hormones—most often estrogen and progesterone—in a pattern that mimics the body’s natural monthly rhythm. Rather than giving the same dose of hormones every day (known as static dosing), cycling aims to replicate the peaks and valleys that happen naturally during the menstrual cycle.
The W-R-I-G-H-T Protocol at a Glance
Dr. Wright’s protocol typically includes:
Estrogen (often estradiol and/or estriol): Days 5–25 of a 28–30-day cycle
Progesterone (bioidentical): Days 15–25 to mimic the luteal phase
Optional additions: Testosterone, DHEA, and pregnenolone may be included based on lab results and symptoms
This rhythm mirrors what a woman’s body would naturally produce in her reproductive years—before peri or postmenopause altered the landscape.
Who Is It For?
W-R-I-G-H-T cycling is often used for:
Women in perimenopause who are still having irregular cycles
Women in early menopause looking to support natural rhythms
Clients who feel “off” on static dosing
Women working with functional or integrative medicine practitioners who prioritize personalized BHRT
Postmenopausal women can still benefit from cycling, although it may not be necessary or beneficial for everyone. Some do better with consistent daily hormone levels.
Potential Benefits of Cycling
According to Dr. Wright and other integrative physicians, the benefits may include:
Improved mood and mental clarity
Better libido and vaginal tissue health
Enhanced sleep quality
More natural support for bone, brain, and cardiovascular health
For some women: return of a light, predictable period (optional)
The Theory Behind It
Dr. Wright believed that the body "remembers" its hormonal rhythm—and that reintroducing that rhythm with bioidentical hormones could support optimal function.
He was also one of the earliest advocates for:
Salivary or urine testing to assess hormone metabolites
Compounded, personalized dosing (often transdermal or sublingual)
Avoiding synthetic hormones like medroxyprogesterone or conjugated estrogens
A Few Words of Caution
While many women report improvements with this method, it’s important to know:
It’s not standard in conventional medicine.
Evidence is mostly anecdotal or observational.
Not every woman needs a cycle.
This is best done under supervision of a certified menopause practitioner.
Bottom Line
The W-R-I-G-H-T hormone cycling method is a bioidentical, rhythm-based approach that may offer benefits for women in perimenopause or early menopause looking to restore balance. It’s not the only way to do hormone therapy—but for the right woman, at the right time, under the right care—it may just feel like getting your groove back.
References
Wright, J. V. (2001). Natural Hormone Replacement for Women Over 45. Smart Publications.
Holtorf, K. (2009). “The Bioidentical Hormone Debate.” Postgraduate Medicine, 121(1), 73–85.
Davison, S. L., Davis, S. R. (2003). “Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Review of the Literature.” Maturitas, 46(2), 97–116.
Institute for Functional Medicine. Hormone Balance and BHRT Resources.