FAQ About Winona

Q. Are your products vegan?
A. All of our products are vegan, with the exception of our progesterone and DHEA capsules - they do contain gelatin.

Q. Can I swim in the patches?
A. Yes, you can in fact swim with the patch! We recommend keeping the patch under your bathing suit to fully ensure that it stays on. You may find more benefits with our estrogen cream if that is your concern. Our creams fully absorb within 30 minutes, so you can swim without concern. The creams also tend to be more affordable than patches. Once you begin your consultation with one of our physicians, we encourage you to further discuss the benefits of creams vs patches.

Q. Can the doctor add testosterone to my prescription if I ask?
A. While we can't currently prescribe testosterone due to federal regulations about mailing testosterone, it is something we are hoping to offer soon. Until then, we have found a great product, DHEA, which is a safe and effective way to naturally increase your testosterone levels. If you are interested in increasing your testosterone levels, please speak with your Winona doctor and they can add DHEA to your order at your request.

Q. Does this medication cause body hair?
A. Winona prescribes estrogen and progesterone in various forms, at appropriate prescription levels. If hormones are taken in excess there can be side effects, like excess hair. So, we implore patients to only take hormones at the levels prescribed by their Winona physician.  We do offer DHEA which is a safe, natural, and effective way to increase testosterone levels, but we do not prescribe testosterone directly. DHEA is provided at clinically safe and appropriate levels which would not cause excess hair growth.  If a woman takes excessive levels of testosterone (which we don't prescribe) she may experience "hirsutism" or excessive growth of hair.  You should not experience hirsutism with estrogen, progesterone, or DHEA as prescribed by our Winona physicians.

Fun fact: Estrogen and progesterone can help improve the sometimes thinning, dry, and brittle hair on your scalp.

Q.  Does this medication cause mood swings?
A. One of the major symptoms of menopause is mood swings due to decreased hormones. As you add back your natural hormone levels your mood, anxiety, and possibly depression should improve. The hormones that Winona provides are derived from yams, patches and tablets are FDA approved and incredibly effective at helping reduce mood disorders. Winona prescribes its treatments specifically to help treat mood swings, anxiety, and moderate depression.

Q. How long do hot flashes last?
A. A single hot flash can last anywhere between 1 minute to 15 minutes! The frequency within a day can be one to as many as several per hour. There is a wide range of ‘normal.’ The same is true for how long you can look forward to dealing with them. The average length of time is 10 years, but many women experience them for decades. 

Fun fact: hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is scientifically proven to be the single most effective way to decrease the severity of and prevent hot flashes.

Q. How much estrogen is in the cream?
A. Each dose is personalized based on an individual’s unique situation and the prescribed dosage. Your Winona doctor will be able to provide additional information inside the secure patient portal once your medical questions are completed.

Q. I am mainly interested in testosterone therapy, can Winona assist me?
A. Testosterone is a controlled substance and has federal restrictions around how it can be prescribed. While we don't offer testosterone, we do provide DHEA, a testosterone therapy, which is a natural, safe, and very effective alternative with similar effects. 

Fun Fact: DHEA is a pro- testosterone hormone which means it can be converted into testosterone by your body for your benefit.

Q. Are these products for me?
A. We certainly hope so! However, the only way to find out for certain is to complete a free visit with a Winona doctor. During the intake, you'll be asked a series of questions that will help your assigned doctor determine the best treatment options for you. 

Fun Fact: While some companies will try to sell you expensive tests to measure your blood or saliva hormone levels, Winona knows better.  Your hormones fluctuate from day to day and hour to hour. The best indicator of whether you need hormone replacement, and at what levels, are your symptoms. The expensive tests do not more accurately identify hormone levels. Your symptoms, and their severity, tell the doctors what they need to know. 

Q. I eat yams. Will that help my hot flashes?
A. Unfortunately, eating yams won’t convert into increasing blood hormone levels. Our hormones are made from yams, FDA certified, safe, and effective ingredients.

Q. I was prescribed estrogen with progesterone cream. Can you tell me why?
A. Our physicians know that when prescribing estrogen, progesterone needs to be included as well. As estrogen levels drop with menopause so do progesterone levels. Progesterone’s job is to make sure the uterus stays healthy. If you have a uterus, and are taking estrogen, progesterone must be added to keep the uterus healthy. If you do not have a uterus, you can take just estrogen. 

Q. I’m afraid of hormone replacement therapy. Does it cause cancer?
A. Many people have fears related to HRT due to inaccurate, dated information that was released from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). The researchers of the WHI have tried to correct the misinformation about the study, but sadly the misinformation is still out there on the internet. To be clear, the WHI study started 30 years ago, and used hormones that were derived from horse urine! While some people still prescribe this hormone (Premarin), Winona does not. Winona prescribes bioidentical, natural hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is FDA approved, effective, and derived from yams. As far as HRT causing cancer, studies have shown that women receiving bioidentical HRT can actually decrease the risk of some cancers, stroke, heart disease, bone loss, and diabetes.

Q.  Is this covered by insurance? 
A. You can use your HSA (Health Saving Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to pay for Winona prescriptions at checkout. Or you can pay for your prescription yourself and submit your receipts to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. 

Please note: Some private, or employer-related insurance providers may pay for Winona, but it depends on your insurance plan and deductible. At Winona, we do everything we can to provide you with the most convenient, safe, value-based healthcare products and services. We provide FREE: 

• physician consultations, 

• messaging, and 

• shipments.

All of this, for FREE, with your affordable subscription without any hidden fees. That’s pretty amazing!

Q. Why don’t you take returns?
A. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns of prescription products for reuse or resale, and all sales are final. Like any other prescription, our pharmacy can not take back medications. However, if you feel we have made an error in the filling of your prescription, please contact us at help@bywinona.com.

Q. What is the cost?
A. The cost of our prescription products is dependent upon the treatment chosen. The creams and pills are more affordable than the patches. Because of the free physician visits, and shipping you will likely be saving a lot of money working with Winona.

Q. What is this?
A. Our mission is to empower women to make the second half of their life better than the first! Our team of doctors can prescribe treatments that can offer relief for your menopause symptoms. By dealing with your menopause symptoms, not only are you improving your life today, but you can also prevent long-term health problems like osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. No more waiting for a doctor visit, traveling far, paying co-pays, and standing in lines at the pharmacy. Free visits 24/7, free shipping, all delivered right to your door.

Q. Why is it so expensive?
A. While it may feel expensive, our prices are very similar, if not cheaper than other options. At Winona, we are providing an individualized treatment opportunity without having to carve out time from your schedule for multiple doctor visits and then wait in a pharmacy line. Winona offers a full-service menopause clinic online, and our products are delivered directly to your door for free. Compared to what you would pay for other products,  we are a fraction of the cost while being highly efficient, effective and FDA approved.

Q. Will this help with my urinary issues?
A. A lot of people don't recognize that incontinence and bladder leaks are symptoms related to menopause, but urinary issues (UTIs, leaks, incontinence, painful urination) are common menopause symptoms. Women have found great success by using HRT to reduce leaks and urinary tract infections.

Q. I am interested in taking the best vitamins for menopause.
A. We have a great blog article discussing some of the best vitamins for menopause and will be releasing our menopause-focused multivitamin.

https://bywinona.com/journal/vitamins-for-menopause-important

Q. Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
A. Absolutely! You aren't locked into any long-term commitment with Winona. 

Q. When would you normally see a difference?
A. Your doctor can answer more specifically for you (as symptoms and intensity vary), but most women feel relief with treatment within the first few weeks. For some of our treatments, vaginal estrogen cream, relief can be immediate. Within 3 months 80% of women feel complete relief from their symptoms.

Q. I am perimenopausal. I still get my period every month but since turning 40 I have put
A. on weight and exercise daily and watch what I eat. Hopefully, this treatment will help?
Starting HRT in perimenopause is highly recommended. The sooner you start your HRT treatments, the better. By starting early you can prevent weight gain and other menopause symptoms. HRT treatments are making a tremendous impact in treating the symptoms associated with perimenopause and preventing long-term health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. 

Q. How does this work for a woman who has gone through surgical menopause?
A. We'll need to know if you have had an oophorectomy or hysterectomy. Regardless, you could be a candidate for HRT. During our intake process, we ask you those questions, along with several others, to help our physicians provide proper care. Also, your assigned doctor would be able to answer any questions you have prior to prescribing any treatment. You can get started with a free visit here: https://app.bywinona.com/eligibility.

Q. Can you help me with weight gain?
A. We completely understand your concerns with weight gain and a lot of it is hormonal. Our scientists are experts in this field and we encourage you to check out their blog articles. We have great information that will provide context on what you're experiencing. HRT can balance your hormones so you can see the results you’re looking for in your body. The best way to determine if treatment is right for you is to speak with one of our Winona physicians. You can begin a free visit with a doctor by completing our intake process here: https://app.bywinona.com/eligibility. Your Winona doctor will review your medical history, address any questions or concerns you have, and request more information (if necessary) to prescribe the best treatment and dosage for you.

Q. I live in California but want my Rx. shipped to my other house in a different state such as Nevada?
A. At the moment we are unable to ship to Nevada. We hope to be in Nevada very soon. In the meantime, we can ship anywhere in California or Florida if you have a local address.

Q. How soon can my products get to my home?
A. We offer free priority shipping on our products.

Q. I can't do HRT because of pulmonary embolism.
A. Unfortunately, none of our products would be safe for someone with a history of Pulmonary embolism. We do offer some blogs that discuss natural remedies to menopause, which I hope will offer you some relief.  https://bywinona.com/journal/natural-remedies-for-menopause-symptoms

Q. Are these considered bio-identical hormones?
A. Our HRT are natural bioidentical hormones derived from yams.

Q. How do you apply estrogen cream?
A. The application is typically in your forearms (where there is no hair) but some women apply it to their inner thighs. Absorption is very fast. You don’t need to delay getting dressed etc. But we ask that you wait 30 minutes before swimming or bathing after you apply the cream. If using the estrogen cream for vaginal use only you are provided with an applicator for use.

Q. How do you determine each person's hormonal needs? I keep reading that excess estrogen is the problem, then lack of estrogen, then it’s a balance of estrogen and progesterone… and where does testosterone come in?
A. Every woman has their own physiology and biochemistry. Our doctors will work with each patient individually to determine the best treatment method for you. With free consultations, our doctors provide the ability to adjust each treatment for optimal, individualized results. If you would like to start the process and access your free consultation please click the link below. https://app.bywinona.com/eligibility

Q.  I need help with weight loss. Can this help?
A. We completely understand your concerns with weight gain and a lot of it is hormonal. We have some great blogs in our Journal if you would like to give them a read! We have a ton of great information that will provide context on what you're experiencing.  As far as treatments go, HRT balances your hormones so you can see the results you’re looking for in your body. The best way to determine if treatment is right for you is to speak with one of our Winona physicians. You can begin a free visit with a doctor by completing our intake process here: https://app.bywinona.com/eligibility. Your Winona doctor will review your medical history, address any questions or concerns you have, and request more information (if necessary) to prescribe the best treatment and dosage for you.

Q. Where can I find reviews and success statistics? What’s on the Internet about Winona?
A. We're relatively new which is why we're working on increasing our web presence. However, we do have some resources you can reference:

• Telehealth required verification: https://www.legitscript.com/

• Our medical journal: https://bywinona.com/journal

• And we're very active on social media, you can view our Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/winonalife/

• And here's our CEO Nancy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancylbelcher/

• Even though Winona is new, many of our doctors have been practicing medicine for over 20 years and our pharmacy partner has been around for even longer.

Q. Can I return my prescription?
A. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns of prescription products for reuse or resale, and all sales are final. However, if you feel we have made an error in the filling of your prescription, or if you have received a damaged product, please contact the customer service team at Winona. You can directly message us directly through our home page chat feature, or email us at help@bywinona.com. 

Q. How do we know this would be the right thing for me without testing?
A. Blood hormone levels can vary greatly day to day so blood tests and saliva are not an accurate reflection of what is needed. HRT is prescribed based on symptoms and medical history.

Your Winona physician determines the proper treatment and dosage after you complete the intake process. Your assigned doctor is also here to answer any questions that you have. You can begin that process here: http://app.bywinona.com/eligibility

Q.  Can you prescribe me testosterone?
A. While we don’t offer testosterone treatments yet, we do offer DHEA which is a safer and effective treatment option.

Q. Do you prescribe oral micronized progesterone?
A. Yes, our progesterone is the micronized progesterone that is bioidentical and made from yams.

Q. Is this product plant-based?
A. Our products are plant-based (from yams) and vegan. Except for the capsules which contain gelatin.

Q. Please give me more information on your product and hormone therapy. I need help dealing with my menopause symptoms.
A. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has benefited many women. As we age, our hormone levels decrease leaving us experiencing symptoms such as trouble sleeping, mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, and more. By beginning HRT, you can offer your body relief from those symptoms. Our HRT is offered as cream, pills, and patches. Your Winona physician will recommend the best treatment option at the proper dosage. They will also answer any specific medical questions or concerns you have. If you would like to read more about HRT we have articles that discuss the topic, click here: https://bywinona.com/journal/category/hormone-replacement-therapy

Q. What does a free visit entail?
A. The free visit starts our secure intake process where we gather your information. Based on your medical history, you'll be recommended some potential treatments as options to discuss with your Winona doctor. Your Winona doctor will review your medical history and any questions that you have. From there, they will either request additional information or prescribe the appropriate treatment. You are not obligated to purchase, however, we do collect a form of payment at the end of the intake process. That payment method will only be charged if treatment is prescribed.

Q.  I already take progesterone birth control pills. Do I get an additional progesterone medication from you to take the estrogen prescription?
A. The progestins in birth control pills are very different from the progesterone used in Winona's HRT. Some women do find improvement in their symptoms with additional bio-identical progesterone.

Q. Is there somewhere I can view the dosage of these medications?
A. The dosage is determined by your Winona physician and is made completely custom for you. Feel free to message your doctor in the portal or leave a note during the onboarding and let them know that you’d like to know the dosage before being prescribed treatment.

Q. May I get a list of what products are made of?
A. All products are plant-based and the hormones are derived from yams. Treatments are vegan except for the capsules which are made from gelatin.

Q. How soon after hysterectomy do you suggest treatment to start?
A. HRT is safe to start at any time after a hysterectomy. Oftentimes doctors prescribe HRT right after the surgery.

Q. If you start with HRT is it a lifetime commitment? Temporary? How long would I have to be on HRT?
A. HRT can be stopped at any time with no adverse consequences, but symptoms can return.. Most women feel better on HRT so they stay on for several years, which is safe. Other women will take HRT at low levels for most of their lives, it depends on their medical history and doctor recommendations. But if you decide it isn't for you, stopping the medication is perfectly safe. Your Winona physician will be able to add more information specific to you after reviewing your medical history.

Q. Can you give me an idea of the cost? 
A. Our cost varies depending on the treatment method that is recommended to you. But the pills are most affordable at $49, while our body creams (the most popular) are $79. We also carry a patch option which is $149. We do offer free visits, with your physician throughout the process, and free shipping. With free physician visits, you are always able to have any questions answered.