Winona

Winona: Telehealth Specialized in Menopause and Perimenopause

Winona is a telehealth company that cares for women throughout the entire menopause process. Its approach focuses on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), prescribed by board-certified doctors and customized for each patient. Treatment is shipped directly to the patient's home, and the company states that no blood or saliva tests are required for prescription.

The company reports that more than 100,000 patients have used its services and that hormone therapy is considered safe and effective for most women without existing risk factors. According to published information, when treatment is started before age 60 or within 10 years of the last menstrual period, the benefits generally outweigh the potential risks.

Treatments and Symptoms Addressed

Winona offers bioidentical hormone therapy in several forms: body, vaginal, oral, and patch. The catalog includes both prescription treatments and non-prescription menopause supplements. The company states that its products are eligible for flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA).

Among the symptoms the company treats are hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood swings, sleep problems, bloating, body odor, weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss. The website mentions more than 100 symptoms associated with menopause and offers resources to identify them.

Care Process and Follow-Up

Access to services begins with an online intake process that determines eligibility for a treatment plan. After creating an account and submitting medical information, the patient is directed to a portal where she can connect with her assigned doctor. The company states that no lab work is needed and that prescriptions are adjusted according to symptom severity.

Winona offers free shipping, free unlimited follow-ups with a healthcare professional, and the ability to pause or cancel the service at any time. At 10 weeks, the doctor conducts a review to assess progress and, if necessary, adjust the dose or method of treatment. According to the company, many women begin to notice improvements in hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes within the first few weeks, and 80% experience significant or complete relief within three months.

Coverage and Payment Model

Winona does not work directly with insurance companies or bill insurance providers on behalf of patients. However, the company notes that receipts can be submitted for reimbursement through HSA/FSA. The company operates in the United States and provides services in several states, according to information on its website.

Medical Team and Company Philosophy

Treatments are prescribed by board-certified doctors and reviewed by menopause specialists. Winona presents itself as a company that seeks to empower, educate, and treat women throughout the entire menopause journey. The company's name comes from the Sioux Dakota word Winúŋna, meaning "first-born daughter," a term the company associates with the essence of womanhood and the collective journey of women.

The company offers educational resources such as a newsletter on women's health topics, live Q&A sessions with its experts, and a library of articles on menopause, perimenopause, and hormone treatment options.