Winona Menopause Overview
- Cost: Estrogen therapy is $49-$149/month, progesterone therapy is $39- $79/month, DHEA is $24/3 months
- Products offered: Estrogen therapy, progesterone therapy, DHEA capsules
- Symptoms targeted: Hot flashes, sleep disruptions, low libido, mood changes, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and more
- Notable side effects: Headaches, tender or painful breasts, nausea, vaginal spotting, mood changes, and more
Winona is a telehealth company that offers hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. The company provides FDA-approved bioidentical HRT treatments, which have been found to provide relief from menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and low libido.
Winona offers multiple forms of HRT with customized formulations, including estrogen therapy in cream, patch, or tablet form, progesterone therapy in cream or capsule form, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) capsules. It may work for some adults experiencing menopause symptoms due to low estrogen or progesterone levels. Side effects like nausea, vaginal spotting, headaches, and hair loss are possible, but may be alleviated with a different HRT dosage. However, in some cases, HRT may not be appropriate for some individuals, including those who have certain cancers or heart conditions.
In this Winona menopause review, we discuss an overview of their menopause treatments, including their benefits, who they may work best for, potential side effects, their cost, and more.
Winona offers prescription bioidentical products that are priced competitively. While some providers do offer similar medications at a slightly reduced cost, we like that Winona offers a free initial consultation, as well as unlimited, free follow-ups with a healthcare professional. In addition, they offer DHEA capsules, a type of hormone supplement, which is not offered by all other providers.
Winona Menopause Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers a range of menopause treatments, including pills, patches, and creams
- Customized formulations to suit your needs
- Free, unlimited doctor consultations, ensuring you receive high quality care
- Free, discreet delivery allowing easier access to your treatment
Cons
- Limited availability of non-hormonal treatments for individuals who prefer or require them
- Hormone therapy alone may not be sufficient to alleviate all menopause symptoms
What Is Winona Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Winona offers personalized, prescription-based FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy for menopause. The platform provides free access to a team of physicians with unlimited online doctor’s consultations. Your Winona physician will determine the best HRT form and dosage, if appropriate, given your medical history and symptoms.
All of Winona’s hormonal treatments are FDA-approved. Keep in mind that the FDA has approved some, but not all, forms of HRT.
Benefits: Does Winona HRT Work?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) involves replenishing the body’s hormone levels to alleviate symptoms of menopause and other hormone-related conditions. Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that your body naturally produces.
Clinical research has found that bioidentical hormone therapy with estrogen and/or progesterone is effective for alleviating menopause symptoms, such as:
- Mood changes
- Changes in sexual desire
- Trouble concentrating
- Headaches
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
Yes, Winona uses bioidentical, plant-based hormones for all of its treatments.
Related reading: Best Libido Gummies for Women
Winona Estrogen Therapy
Winona offers estrogen therapy in cream, patch, and tablet form.
Estrogen Body Cream
This daily prescription body cream contains two forms of bioidentical estrogen, including estradiol and estriol. The prescription is customized to suit your needs, and it can be applied to many areas of the skin, though the forearms are a common choice. It targets menopause symptoms associated with low estrogen, such as vaginal dryness, low mood, poor concentration, and disrupted sleep. It costs $79 per month.
Estrogen Body Cream With Progesterone
This prescription cream contains bioidentical estradiol, estriol, and progesterone. Like the estrogen body cream, the dosage is customized to suit each individual’s needs. This cream may work better than the estrogen-only cream for some individuals with menopause symptoms. Taking progesterone with estrogen can also help protect the health of the endometrial lining. It costs $79 per month.
Estrogen Patch
Winona’s prescription estrogen patch is small (about the size of a nickel) and clear with a customized dosage of estradiol. It delivers this form of estrogen through the skin and directly into the bloodstream to ease menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, low libido, sleep disruptions, and more.
Transdermal estrogen can also help prevent complications of low estrogen, like osteoporosis. Since it bypasses the liver, the patch reduces the risk of clotting when compared to other delivery methods. It costs $149 per month.
Estrogen Tablet
Winona’s estradiol tablets are considered a safe and effective treatment for symptoms of menopause and aging, including night sweats, skin changes, and fatigue, among others. These tablets are formulated to be taken once daily with or without food, and the formulation is customized according to your needs. It costs $49 per month.
Vaginal Estrogen Cream
Winona’s vaginal estrogen cream is a local, topical treatment for vaginal menopause symptoms including vaginal dryness, irritation, painful sex, low libido, and urinary urgency. It works by helping to keep the vaginal tissues naturally lubricated, and the vulva and urethra healthy. It costs $79 per month.
Winona Progesterone Therapy
Winona offers progesterone therapy in cream and capsule form.
Progesterone Body Cream
Winona’s progesterone cream can be paired with estrogen therapy to address menopause symptoms like disrupted sleep, anxiety, mood changes, skin changes, and low energy. If appropriate, one of Winona’s physicians will customize the dosage according to your needs, and it can be applied to various areas of the skin (most people apply it to the forearms). It costs $79 per month.
Progesterone Capsule
Winona’s progesterone capsule can be coupled with estrogen therapy to treat a variety of menopause symptoms, including disrupted sleep, vaginal irritation, and low mood, among others. It contains a customized dosage and should be taken once daily at bedtime. Progesterone is an important hormone in HRT for menopause because it protects the endometrial lining from hyperplasia, or abnormal cell growth. It costs $39 per month.
Winona DHEA Supplements
DHEA is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. The body turns it into male and female sex hormones, including testosterone. Testosterone levels drop after menopause, and replenishing them with DHEA supplementation may help with muscle strength, bone mass, metabolism, and vaginal tissue strength.
Winona’s DHEA supplement features a non-GMO formula and costs $24 for a three-month supply.
How Does Winona HRT Work?
The first step in receiving HRT through Winona is completing a quick online questionnaire, during which you’ll answer questions about your medical history and what you’re looking for. Rest assured, Winona prioritizes privacy and security with an encrypted, secure platform.
Next, you’ll be connected to a physician in your state through a free online chat. They’ll ask more detailed questions about your needs to determine if you’re a good candidate for HRT and, if so, which form and dosage to prescribe. The convenient chat format means that you can message your doctor at any time – no need to schedule a video or phone call.
If your doctor determines that you’re an HRT candidate, your prescription will be sent directly to your doorstep with free shipping and discreet packaging. Your doctor will check in periodically about your progress and make adjustments as needed. You can also message your doctor with questions or concerns at any point.
Is Winona HRT covered by insurance?
You can pay for Winona HRT with an HSA or FSA, or submit the receipts to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
Why We Recommend Winona
As a telehealth company that focuses exclusively on de-mystifying menopause treatment and prioritizes safety, we recommend Winona to anyone seeking a convenient, safe solution for menopause symptoms. With FDA-approved treatments and customized dosages, Winona is a dependable option for HRT.
Unlimited Follow-Ups and Ongoing Support
Finding the best HRT dosage and formulation can take some trial and error. We love that Winona offers unlimited follow-ups and ongoing physician support through a convenient chatroom. They make it easy to adjust your medication to suit your ongoing needs.
Personalized Course of Treatments
Everyone’s body is unique and may react to HRT in different ways. Winona accounts for these differences with customizable prescription medications. Personalized medications are more likely to successfully address your menopause symptoms.
Various Treatment Types and Forms
HRT comes in a variety of forms, including creams, pills, and patches. Deciding which form works for you is a personal decision and may depend on your lifestyle. In offering a broad range of HRT forms, Winona allows you to find an option that aligns with your preferences.
Winona HRT Side Effects and Safety
HRT can cause side effects in some individuals. Sometimes, these side effects go away within a few weeks, once your body has adjusted to the treatment.
Estrogen HRT side effects:
- Headaches
- Tender or painful breasts
- Nausea
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Leg cramps
- Mood changes
- Diarrhea
- Mild skin rash
- Hair loss
Progesterone HRT side effects:
- Headaches
- Tender or painful breasts
- Nausea
- Changes to your period (i.e. spotting between periods)
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Mood changes
- Diarrhea
- Mild skin rash
- Acne
DHEA side effects:
- Hair loss
- Voice deepening
- Facial hair growth
- Weight gain
- Acne
- High blood pressure
- Lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
Is Winona HRT Safe?
HRT involving estradiol can pose a few safety risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and dementia. So, tell your doctor if you have a history of any of these conditions before starting HRT for menopause. Taking progestin with estradiol can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
If you experience severe side effects or side effects that don’t go away after a few weeks, contact your doctor immediately. Additionally, if you experience the following symptoms while taking HRT, seek emergency medical care:
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Yellowing eyes or skin
- Severe rashes, hives, or blisters
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the stomach
Winona vs. Alternatives
We compared Winona to other telehealth brands offering menopause treatment, including Alloy, Science & Humans, and Evernow to help you choose the right HRT company for your needs.
Winona vs. Alloy vs. Science & Humans vs. Evernow | Winona | Alloy | Science & Humans | Evernow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | bHRT | Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments | bHRT and non-bHRT treatments | Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments |
| Types of treatments | Estrogen therapy Progesterone therapy DHEA | Estrogen therapy Paroxetine Sildenafil Birth control pill | Estrogen therapy Progesterone therapy Testosterone therapy Venlafaxine | Estrogen therapy Progesterone therapy Paroxetine Norethindrone (birth control) Oral minoxidil Finasteride & minoxidil solution |
| Treatment forms | Cream Tablet Capsules Patch | Cream Tablet Patch | Cream Tablet Capsules Patch Ring | Cream Tablet Patch |
| Dual active ingredients? | ✅ Cream with estrogen and progesterone | ❌ | ✅ Cream with estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone | ❌ |
| Price |
Estrogen therapy: $49 to $149/month Progesterone therapy: $39 to $79/month DHEA: $24 for 3 months |
Estradiol: $39.99 or $74.99/month M4: ($49.99/month) Birth Control Pill: ($39.99/month) Paroxetine: ($34.99/month) O-Mazing (sildenafil): ($29.67/month) | $50 for blood work $200 for follow-ups every 3 months Medication cost is additional | Prices vary according to your preferred pharmacy, but range from $20-$60 per month, per medication Membership prices: $49 for 1 month $129 for 3 months $348 for 12 months |
| Blood work required? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Personalized course of treatments? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Compounded treatments? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free unlimited follow-up care with clinicians? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free doctor consultation? | ✅ | ❌ Consultation costs $35 | ❌ Consultation costs $25-$300 | ✅ |
| Free shipping? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ Depends on preferred pharmacy | ✅ |
| Website |
Winona vs. Alloy
While Winona and Alloy are both leading telehealth platforms for menopause, Alloy doesn’t offer formulations with dual active ingredients, like Winona’s estrogen and progesterone cream. Additionally, while Winona offers free doctor’s consultations, the consultation through Alloy costs $35. However, unlike Winona, Alloy offers non-hormonal treatments that may help with menopause symptoms, like paroxetine and sildenafil.
Related reading: Alloy Menopause Review- Is It Legit for Women’s Health?
Winona vs. Science & Humans
Unlike Winona, Science & Humans offers non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms, including venlafaxine. It also offers bHRT in ring form, which Winona lacks. However, consultations through Science & Humans can cost between $25 and $300, and free shipping for medication isn’t guaranteed. Winona offers both free consultations and free shipping for every order.
Winona vs. Evernow
Winona and Evernow both offer free doctor’s consultations and follow-up care. While Winona only offers bHRT for menopause, Evernow offers both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, such as paroxetine, minoxidil, and finasteride with minoxidil. However, Evernow lacks a formulation with dual active ingredients, like Winona’s estrogen and progesterone cream.
Related reading: Evernow Menopause Review 2023- Is It Worth It?
Our Experience With Winona Menopause
In our experience with Winona, we found that the interface was simple to navigate. The platform offers detailed information about every treatment option, helping us to make an informed decision about our health. We love that Winona focuses on safety and educating people about menopause care.
Plus, with a streamlined chat room for doctor consultations, Winona is a time-saving solution if you can’t fit doctor’s appointments into your busy schedule.
Winona HRT Reviews From Their Customers
We scoured the web for Winona menopause reviews from real customers. Overall, customers rave about the simple sign-up process and the effectiveness of Winona’s bHRT offerings. However, a few customers wished their insurance would cover the cost of their treatment.
The Verdict: Is Winona Hormone Therapy Legit?
Winona is a safe, reliable option for individuals seeking accessible HRT for menopause symptoms.
Winona’s FDA-approved, bioidentical hormone treatments are available in multiple forms to suit a range of needs and preferences. Additionally, with free, unlimited doctor’s consultations and the ability to message a doctor at any time, Winona HRT can be easily adjusted according to your needs.
While Winona lacks non-hormonal menopause treatments, it’s a trusted option for bioidentical menopause hormone treatment that may work well for some individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you lose weight on hormone therapy?
Some people lose weight on hormone therapy, according to research. However, weight gain is a possible side effect of HRT.
What is the safest hormone replacement therapy?
FDA-approved, doctor-prescribed hormone replacement therapy is the safest option for individuals who qualify.
Is it better to go through menopause without HRT?
It may be better to go through menopause without HRT if you have a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and other underlying health conditions. But, HRT can help certain individuals go through menopause more comfortably.
How long does it take for menopause cream to work?
While some people experience relief within two weeks, it usually takes three months to feel the full effect of menopause cream.
How much does Winona HRT cost?
The cost of Winona HRT varies depending on the treatment:
- Estrogen therapy: $49 to $149/month
- Progesterone therapy: $39 to $79/month
- DHEA: $24 for 3 months
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Methodology
We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and customer support of Winona, which also included examining other telehealth platforms offering HRT for menopause. To determine overall value, we evaluated cost, usability, treatment options, and subscription benefits.
Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the best telehealth platform for HRT included convenience, access to physicians, health insurance, and any free resources offered. For the best, most effective option overall, Winona stood out for its wide range of treatment options, ongoing physician care, and more affordable pricing for individuals experiencing menopause symptoms.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
Related Reading
Science & Humans Review for Women – Is Their HRT Legit for Women of All Ages?
Brand Overview Treatments: Estrogen therapy, progesterone therapy, testosterone therapy, non-hormonal treatment Forms: Cream, pill, patch, vaginal ring Works best for: Individuals experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause Cost: $50 for blood work, $200 for video consultation, medication cost is additional Go to Site Science
Alloy Menopause Review: Is It Legit for Women’s Health?
Alloy is making menopause treatments more accessible with personalized telehealth services. With ongoing remote care from a team of board-certified doctors that specialize in menopause treatment, Alloy helps prevent complications and a diminished quality of life in individuals who are in this stage of life.
Evernow Menopause Review 2023 – Is It Worth It?
Evernow offers a range of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), also called hormone replacement therapy, and non-hormonal treatments that aim to relieve the symptoms associated with menopause, including insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, and more. It is currently available in 35
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