Verbatim response from Claude
Picking a Legitimate BHRT Clinic
Red Flags (Hormone Mills)
- Prescribes hormones after a brief online questionnaire only
- One-size-fits-all dosing without individual testing
- Heavy upselling of supplements and expensive panels
- No follow-up monitoring required
- Saliva testing as the only diagnostic tool
What Legitimate Clinics Do
- Comprehensive baseline bloodwork (serum testing through LabCorp or Quest)
- Individualized dosing adjusted over time
- Regular follow-up appointments and re-testing every 3-6 months
- Licensed physicians (not just NPs operating independently without oversight)
- Informed consent about risks, including breast cancer and cardiovascular considerations
Reputable Starting Points
- Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic - have menopause specialists and use evidence-based protocols
- The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS) - their website has a certified menopause practitioner finder at menopause.org - this is probably your best tool
- Midi Health - telehealth platform specifically for women's hormonal health, uses physician oversight
- Alloy - evidence-based menopause care online
Practical Tip
Ask any provider: "What guidelines do you follow?" Legitimate ones reference NAMS or Endocrine Society guidelines.
Would you like more detail on any specific aspect?