Verbatim response from Claude
Picking a Legitimate BHRT Clinic vs. Hormone Mills
Red Flags to Avoid ("Hormone Mills")
- Prescribe hormones without bloodwork or minimal testing
- One-size-fits-all dosing without individualization
- Heavy pressure sales tactics or expensive packages upfront
- No follow-up testing scheduled
- Primarily sell their own compounded products at high markups
- Telehealth-only with no physical exam option
What Legitimate Clinics Do
- Comprehensive baseline labs (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA, cortisol)
- Follow-up testing at 3-6 months to adjust dosing
- Board-certified physicians overseeing care (endocrinology, OB/GYN, or internal medicine background)
- Discuss risks honestly, not just benefits
- Work with accredited compounding pharmacies (PCAB-accredited)
Reputable Starting Points
- BodyLogicMD - network of board-certified physicians with standardized protocols
- Defy Medical - strong on lab-driven protocols, good transparency
- Your existing OB/GYN or internist - often the best option if willing
- Midi Health (telehealth) - specifically for women's midlife care, medically rigorous
Best Approach
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or look for physicians certified through AMMG (Age Management Medicine Group) or AARM.
Would you like guidance on specific questions to ask during a consultation?