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

1. Wright, J. V. (2001). Natural Hormone Replacement for Women Over 45. Smart Publications.

2. Holtorf, K. (2009). “The Bioidentical Hormone Debate.” Postgraduate Medicine, 121(1), 73–85.

3. Davison, S. L., Davis, S. R. (2003). “Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Review of the Literature.”

Maturitas, 46(2), 97–116.

4. Institute for Functional Medicine. Hormone Balance and BHRT Resources.