Regain control of
your
hormones — and your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is bioidentical HRT?

  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replenishes the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that decline and fluctuate with age to combat the symptoms of menopause and prevent the development of long-term diseases that can result from hormone deficiencies. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants and functionally identical to those produced naturally in the body. The goal of HRT is to help your body maintain healthy, balanced hormone levels for holistic wellness.

• How safe is HRT? What are the risks?

  At Winona, patient safety comes first. For this reason, there are certain conditions that have too high a risk to justify the benefits of HRT. As long as you fill out our questionnaire accurately, our Winona physicians will be able to determine whether or not HRT is a safe option for you.
  
  That being said, Winona’s physicians believe, based on scientific evidence, that HRT is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms. For patients who have been appropriately screened and deemed good candidates, the risks are minimal. Your Winona physician can outline the risks and benefits based on your personal medical history and symptoms.
  
  

• Do I need blood or saliva hormone testing?

  Hormone levels vary greatly from day-to-day and even hour-to-hour, so testing is not the most accurate way to determine if a patient could benefit from HRT. At Winona, our physicians prescribe and adjust HRT based on the severity of your symptoms.
  
  Our doctors are experts in assessing individual needs and prescribing what they determine will be the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
  
  

• Will Winona work for me in perimenopause?

  Yes. Perimenopause, the first stage in the menopause transition, starts 7–10 years before menopause itself. Symptoms often begin at this time, and hormone replacement therapy is the best option for managing these symptoms and ensuring a smoother journey through menopause.

• How soon will I see improvements after starting my treatment?

  Many women start to notice relief from some symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep issues tend to ease early on and continue to improve with time.


  
  Other symptoms like weight loss and muscle gain can take up to 3-months to shift. Studies show that this is also the point at which 80% of women experience full relief. These are general patterns, and everyone’s body responds uniquely to any given treatment.

• Will HRT help me manage menopausal weight gain?

  Yes, HRT can help manage weight gain related to hormonal shifts during the menopause transition. Once hormone levels are optimal and the metabolic effects of declining hormone levels are reversed, weight loss is then possible. However, it's important to note that HRT is not a weight loss drug. And lifestyle factors, age, genetics, and diet and exercise habits will also play a role in how quickly hormonal weight gain in menopause can be addressed.
  
  

• How does Winona compare to an in-person visit?

  Once you complete your onboarding with Winona, you’ll have access to a Patient Portal, where you can connect with your doctor at any time. Rather than having to wait for an in-person visit, you can be prescribed, receive your medication, and communicate with your doctor all from the comfort of your home.
  
  

• Does Winona accept insurance?

  Some private or employer-designated insurance providers may pay for Winona, but this depends on your specific insurance plan and deductible. You can also opt to pay for your prescription out-of-pocket and submit your receipts to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.


  
  You can use your HSA (Health Saving Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to pay for Winona prescriptions at checkout.

• How do I order?

  Once you complete your medical questionnaire, you’ll receive a treatment recommendation and be prompted to add your payment method to your Patient Portal. Once your payment method has been added, a doctor will review the prescription and answer any questions you noted during the onboarding process.


  
  You can watch our onboarding video to learn more.