Honest Answers About Menopause Care.
The questions most women ask before applying — grouped by what you’re probably most worried about. If something isn’t covered, the Apply form gives you a chance to ask directly.
Is Hormone Therapy Safe and Right for Me?
Is hormone therapy safe?+
For most healthy women within about ten years of menopause, current evidence supports hormone therapy as safe and often beneficial. Every situation is individual. Your physician will review your personal and family history in depth before any protocol is prescribed.
What about the WHI study?+
The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study created enormous (and largely inaccurate) fear around hormone therapy. Subsequent reanalysis (Manson et al., JAMA 2017) and current consensus from The Menopause Society (2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement) show the original concerns did not apply to the women most likely to benefit — those under 60 or within ten years of menopause. Citations available in our substantiation file on request.
Bioidentical vs. synthetic — does it matter?+
The default is an FDA-approved bioidentical hormone product. There are FDA-approved bioidentical estradiol products (oral, transdermal patch, vaginal cream/insert) and an FDA-approved bioidentical micronized progesterone. The affiliated physician selects the FDA-approved product appropriate for your situation. A compounded bioidentical formulation from a state-licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy may be prescribed only when the patient’s chart documents a specific clinical reason. Compounded medications are not themselves FDA-approved products.
What about testosterone for women?+
Testosterone is under-measured and under-prescribed in women despite clear evidence of benefit for midlife libido, energy, cognition, and muscle preservation in many patients. Orvi physicians consider it seriously when the labs and symptoms support it.
Whether Orvi Is a Fit for You.
Who qualifies?+
Orvi is designed for women 40–60 in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, located in the United States. Orvi operates through a network of independent, physician-owned medical practices licensed across all 50 states. We evaluate every application individually.
I’m in my late 30s with early perimenopause symptoms. Can I apply?+
Yes. Perimenopause can begin meaningfully earlier than 40 for some women. Apply and share your symptom history; a physician will review whether you’re a fit.
I’ve had breast cancer. Can I still apply?+
Some hormone-sensitive cancer histories make systemic hormone therapy inappropriate or higher-risk. Your physician will evaluate your specific situation carefully. Where systemic therapy isn’t right, non-hormonal options may still be on the table.
I had a hysterectomy. Does that change anything?+
Yes — women without a uterus typically don’t need progesterone alongside estrogen (progesterone’s primary role in HRT is endometrial protection). Your physician will explain exactly what your protocol would involve.
I’m already on HRT with another provider. Can I transfer?+
Yes. Many of our patients come from other providers. Your physician will review your current regimen and labs, then either continue what’s working or recommend adjustments. No judgment — most women transfer because they want more time and attention than their previous clinic was able to give.
The Money and the Process.
What exactly does the $297 cover?+
The one-time onboarding fee covers your 45-minute intake consult, lab coordination and ordering, the protocol consult once labs return, prescription setup with the pharmacy, and your structured 30-day physician follow-up. Everything required to get you started well.
What does the $147/month cover?+
From month two onward, the monthly fee covers prescription fulfillment, refills, and a physician check-in every quarter. Medication is shipped from an state-licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy.
Does insurance cover this?+
No. The program is cash-pay. We provide itemized receipts on request for HSA or FSA submission.
What if the labs show I don’t need treatment?+
The medication + lab portion of the $297 onboarding fee is refunded; consultation fees are earned at the time of service. Some women applying are earlier in the transition than systemic hormone therapy warrants — the affiliated physician will tell you honestly so you don’t enroll on something you don’t need.
Can I cancel anytime?+
Yes. No long-term contract. You’re charged monthly for the ongoing care; cancel before a charge and you stop paying. Mid-month cancellations don’t receive partial refunds on medication already shipped.
Do I need to come into an office?+
No. All consults happen via secure video. Labs are collected at a walk-in LabCorp or Quest near you. Medication ships directly to your door.
How Orvi Works Behind the Scenes.
How private is this?+
Fully HIPAA-protected. Shipping is unmarked. Billing statements are discreet. We don’t sell, share, or market based on your health data — ever.
What side effects should I expect?+
Hormone therapy, done correctly with lab-driven protocols and physician oversight, is generally well-tolerated. Common adjustable effects — like spotting, breast tenderness, or mood fluctuations as the dose is calibrated — are monitored and tuned by your physician. Risks are explained thoroughly during onboarding.
Who exactly are the physicians?+
Independent, board-certified physicians in our affiliated medical practice network, many of whom hold NAMS (North American Menopause Society) certification. Every physician is licensed in the state where she sees patients. Orvi Health, Inc. is a non-clinical platform; it does not practice medicine or make clinical decisions.
Can I stay on this long-term?+
Yes, when your physician agrees it’s appropriate. Current evidence supports long-term hormone therapy for many women when the decision is individualized to risk profile and goals. This is a conversation you have with your physician, not a pre-set cutoff.