Starting hormone therapy can feel overwhelming. The best first step is to get really clear on your symptoms—what you’re experiencing, and what you want to improve. Once you know that, you’ll be ready to find a provider who can help you.
Here’s a guide to the kinds of questions you’ll want to ask when choosing a hormone provider. Not every question will apply to every type of provider, but this list will give you a strong foundation.
Key Questions to Ask Your Hormone Provider
About Their Expertise
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Do you help optimize hormones beyond normal range, specifically for women in perimenopause?
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Do you have specialized education or training in hormones?
About Hormone Therapy Options
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What methods of hormone therapy do you recommend?
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What results have you seen in your patients?
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Do you prescribe testosterone?
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If yes, what methods do you recommend (pellets, creams, injections, patches, lozenges, troches)?
About Testosterone Levels
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At what level of testosterone do women typically start to feel better?
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Hint: the best answer is “when you feel good.”
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For context: The FDA lists a “normal” range of 15–70, but many women in our community report feeling better above 70.
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About Testing & Monitoring
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How do you test hormone levels? (Blood draw, Dutch Test/saliva, prick test) *Note that Testosterone can’t be accurately tested without a blood test.
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What do you test for?
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How often do you test my levels? (Best practice: before any addition or change in care.)
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Do you run labs through my insurance?
About Prescriptions & Supplements
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Can I take my prescription to a pharmacy of my choice?
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If you recommend supplements, do I have to buy yours, or can you provide a list so I can shop independently?
About Progesterone
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What is your approach with progesterone?
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Note: Some doctors don’t prescribe progesterone for women without a uterus. In our community, we strongly disagree with that view.
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About Expectations & Side Effects
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What should I expect in the first 30 days?
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What symptoms should concern me?
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What if I start gaining weight?
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What if my hair starts falling out?
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What if I start growing new chin hairs?
About Costs & Communication
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What is the cost and payment structure?
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(Pellet therapy often costs around $350 every 3–4 months. Some providers charge monthly or package fees.)
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Can I communicate with you without scheduling a full appointment?
Your Journey, Your Choice
Above all else—trust yourself. Trust your body, trust the journey, and know that you are worth the effort it takes to find the right care.
And remember: you’re not alone. Share your experience with the Wake Her Up community, compare notes, and learn from other women who are walking this path too.
✨ Find trusted providers in our FREE directory HERE
