Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered a safe and effective treatment for most women with no existing risk factors. The clinical consensus is that when hormone therapy is started before the age of 60 or within 10 years of your final menstrual period, the benefits of treatment generally outweigh the potential risks. Learn more about HRT safety.

Yes. You don’t have to wait until you’ve reached menopause to start HRT. Many of our patients are in the perimenopause stage, which lasts approximately seven to 10 years. Symptoms begin to develop during this time, and HRT is the most effective treatment for managing these symptoms to promote a smoother journey through the menopause transition.

No. In accordance with The Menopause Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), Winona does not require any type of bloodwork or hormone testing to be prescribed an HRT treatment plan.

Hormone levels fluctuate day to day, and even hour to hour, so testing is not the most reliable way to determine if a patient could benefit from HRT. At Winona, our physicians prescribe and adjust HRT treatment based on the severity of your symptoms. Want to learn more? Read about why hormone testing for perimenopause and menopause isn’t necessary.

No. We do not currently work directly with insurance companies and are unable to bill your insurance provider on your behalf. However, you may be able to submit your HSA/FSA receipts for reimbursement. Visit our Help Center to learn more.

Many women begin to feel improvements in hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes within the first few weeks after starting treatment. Within three months, 80% of women feel significant or complete symptom relief.

Treatment progress is different for every patient and can vary depending on treatment compliance, hormone metabolism, and symptom severity. After 10 weeks, your Winona physician will check in and see how you're doing. At that time, if you're not experiencing the benefits you desire, your doctor may adjust the medication dose or method of treatment. Click here to learn more about how hormone replacement therapy works.

You will first need to complete our onboarding process to determine your eligibility for a treatment plan. The process involves creating an online account and submitting your medical intake information, along with any questions you may have for our doctors.

You'll then be directed to the Patient Portal, where you can connect with your assigned Winona physician. Visit our Help Center for easy, step-by-step instructions on how to get started with Winona.