Verbatim response from Claude
Picking a Legitimate BHRT Clinic
Great question — this space has real quality variation. Here's what separates good clinics from "hormone mills":
Green Flags to Look For
Physician credentials
- Board-certified in endocrinology, OB/GYN, or internal medicine
- The Menopause Society (NAMS) certified practitioners are a strong signal — find them at menopause.org
Diagnostic approach
- Comprehensive bloodwork before prescribing (not just a symptom quiz)
- Follow-up testing to adjust dosing
- Full health history review
Specific reputable options:
- Midi Health — telehealth, menopause-specialized MDs, evidence-based protocols
- Gennev — menopause-focused physicians, good for women 40+
- Winona — transparent about FDA-approved options alongside compounded
- Defy Medical — well-regarded for both men and women, thorough lab work
Red Flags (Hormone Mills)
- Prescribing based on symptoms alone, no labs
- Pushing expensive compounded pellets immediately
- No follow-up monitoring
- Saliva testing as the primary diagnostic tool (not validated)
- High-pressure upselling
Important Note
Compounded bioidentical hormones aren't inherently bad, but FDA-approved bioidentical options (like Bijuva, Prometrium, Estradiol patches) exist and should be discussed first.
Would you like help evaluating a specific clinic you're considering?