Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes your concierge menopause care different from standard treatments?

A: My concierge menopause care offers a highly personalized approach where you work directly with me, receiving dedicated time, attention, and support. Unlike standard treatments, which may feel rushed or generalized, I work closely with each patient to create a tailored treatment plan, monitor progress, and adjust as needed. This one-on-one relationship ensures that your unique needs are met with expert menopause care that goes beyond the limitations of traditional healthcare.

Q: Why is hormone balance important beyond just symptom relief?
A: Balanced hormones do more than alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings; they play a critical role in reducing risks of chronic conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Key hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—are essential for bone health, heart health, and mental clarity. Supporting hormone balance not only relieves symptoms but also promotes long-term health and wellness.

Q: How is dosing and testing individualized for each woman?
A: In my clinic, I use a titration process to find the optimal dose for each woman, beginning with a low dose and gradually adjusting until symptoms are relieved. For menopausal women, I conduct a 24-hour urine test to ensure adequate levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone are protecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and bones. This test provides a comprehensive view of how your body metabolizes hormones throughout the day. For perimenopausal women, who have fluctuating hormone levels, I rely on close symptom monitoring and tailored adjustments for the best results.

Q: What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
A: Menopause is defined as the time after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle, signaling the end of natural ovarian hormone production. During menopause, the ovaries largely cease producing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase typically occurring 10 years before menopause. During perimenopause, the ovaries are still active but produce lower and fluctuating levels of hormones, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, vaginal dryness, joint pain, dry skin, dry eyes, and tinnitus. These symptoms reflect the body’s response to changing hormone levels. In total, there are over 150 recognized symptoms associated with hormone fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause.

Q: What are the benefits of using a topical delivery method for BHRT with organic oil as the carrier?
A: Topical Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) allows hormones to be absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver and avoiding "first pass" metabolism. This increases effectiveness and enables lower doses, minimizing side effects associated with synthetic hormone therapies. I use organic oil as a natural carrier for bioidentical hormones, free from harsh additives. Unlike creams and patches with synthetic solvents, organic oils promote clean, safe absorption that’s gentle on the endocrine system.

Q: Are there any side effects of using topical BHRT in organic oil?
A: Side effects from BHRT are usually a sign of hormone levels being too low or too high. Through careful titration and ongoing monitoring, I aim to achieve the correct balance for each individual, minimizing side effects and optimizing results.

Q: How long does it take to see results from topical BHRT?
A: Results vary, but most women notice significant symptom relief within 6-8 weeks of starting my BHRT method.

Q: Is testosterone included in BHRT for women?
A: Yes, I often include testosterone as part of BHRT for women, as it supports sexual health, bone density, and muscle mass.

Q: Do you accept health insurance?
A: My concierge menopause clinic does not accept insurance, but FSA and HSA funds are welcome. Some tests, like blood work and mammograms, may still be covered by your insurance. If you’d like, I can provide the necessary documentation for reimbursement.

Q: Where do you meet with your patients?
A: All consultations are conducted online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video portal for convenient access from your home.

Q: What if I live out of state?
A: I offer consultations to patients out of state. While I can’t prescribe medication outside of my licensed states, I can provide recommendations and work with your local physician to support your treatment plan. Book a consultation to discuss how I can assist with managing your hormone health and provide guidance to your healthcare team.