Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: No, I do not accept insurance. This is intentional. Insurance companies restrict not only the treatments I can use, but also how often I can see patients and the methodologies I can choose. These restrictions create rushed, one-size-fits-all care that does not serve women well during perimenopause and menopause. By remaining independent, I provide the highest level of personalized care with the freedom to use the most effective approaches, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in organic formulations. I can adjust your therapy and follow up with you as often as needed, which is why my patients tend to feel significant improvements quickly. You may use HSA or FSA funds when eligible, and I provide superbills for possible reimbursement of certain labs or imaging.

Q: What makes your concierge menopause care different from standard treatments?
A: My concierge menopause care is highly personalized and never rushed. I work one-on-one with you to create a customized hormone plan, monitor your progress closely, and make adjustments as needed. Unlike standard care that is often dictated by insurance, my approach is designed around your unique needs and health goals.

Q: Why is hormone balance important beyond just symptom relief?
A: Balanced hormones not only reduce hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings, they also protect long-term health. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are essential for bone strength, heart health, brain function, and overall vitality. Supporting hormone balance lowers the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and breast cancer while improving energy, sleep, and quality of life.

Q: What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
A: Perimenopause is the transitional stage, often beginning in your 40s, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and mood changes appear. Menopause is reached when you have gone 12 months without a period and the ovaries have largely stopped producing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Both stages can cause more than 150 recognized symptoms, which is why tailored care is so important.

Q: How do you determine the right hormone dosing for each woman?
A: I individualize dosing based on symptoms first and foremost. How you feel tells me far more than any lab test, because hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and across the month. By carefully tracking symptoms, I can titrate your hormones to the level that brings relief and restores balance. Once a woman is in menopause, I also order a 24-hour urine test once a year to confirm that she is receiving enough hormones and that we are providing full protection for the brain, heart, and bones.

Q: Why do you use BIEST instead of estradiol patches?
A: Most clinics prescribe estradiol-only therapy, often in patch form, but estradiol strongly activates ER-alpha, the receptor that promotes cell proliferation. I use BIEST, a combination of two estrogens, estradiol and estriol,  that provides a safer and more balanced activation of receptors. BIEST supports the protective estrogen receptor (ER-beta), which helps reduce abnormal growth and promotes brain, bone, and cardiovascular health. This balance makes BIEST a more effective and protective choice. Learn more in my blog: Your Body’s Internal Command Center: How Hormone Receptors Orchestrate Your Health.

Q: Do women without a uterus still need progesterone?
A: Yes. Conventional guidelines limit progesterone to women with a uterus, but research shows it protects far more than the endometrium. Progesterone supports the brain, breasts, bones, and cardiovascular system, while also improving mood, sleep, and balancing estrogen’s proliferative effects. Every woman benefits from progesterone as part of a safe, optimized hormone plan.

Q: What role does testosterone play in women’s health?
A: Testosterone is essential for women. It improves energy, mood, sexual health, lean muscle mass, and bone density. It also provides cancer protection: its metabolites activate ER-beta, the protective estrogen receptor, while testosterone itself activates the androgen receptor, reducing breast cell proliferation. Clinical studies show testosterone therapy can reduce breast cancer risk by up to 40%.

Q: What are the benefits of using topical BHRT with organic oil as the carrier?
A: Topical BHRT delivers hormones through the skin directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver and improving absorption. Using organic oil ensures a clean, natural delivery method without synthetic additives or harsh solvents. This approach is safe, gentle, and effective.

Q: Are there any side effects with topical BHRT?
A: When hormones are properly balanced, side effects are rare. If they do occur, they usually resolve with dosage adjustments. I monitor your symptoms closely and adjust your therapy as needed to keep you safe and feeling your best.

Q: How long does it take to feel results?
A: Most women begin to feel improvements within 6 to 8 weeks, including better sleep, energy, mood, and relief from hot flashes. Fine-tuning may take longer, as treatment is always individualized.

Q: Where do you meet with patients?
A: All consultations are conducted online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant telemedicine platform, making it easy to access expert hormone care from the comfort of your home.

Q: What if I live outside of your licensed states?
A: I am licensed to prescribe in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Arizona. If you live in another state, I can still provide consultations, education, and guidance, and I am happy to collaborate with your local physician to support your hormone health.