Winona: My Honest Review of Winona for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Fatigue, brain fog, night sweats, weight gain, irritability, joint pain, bloating, and insomnia became my “new normal.” Interestingly I still had my cycle (at 56!!) but the insomnia, brain fog and night sweats were getting to me, and I felt like I was slowly unraveling. For months, I felt like a stranger in my own body.
I did what most of us do, I went to my doctor. I explained my symptoms and asked about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Her response? “We don’t do that here.”
Thankfully, she did run a ton of lab tests so I could see where my hormone levels were actually at - I do suggest doing this.
So, if this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Navigating perimenopause and menopause is overwhelming, and unfortunately, many doctors either dismiss symptoms or are hesitant to prescribe HRT.
That’s what led me to Winona and this is my honest review of Winona and my experience so far.
First, What Is Winona?
Winona is an online telehealth platform that focuses specifically on helping women manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms using FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy.
Instead of scheduling an in-person visit, you fill out an online questionnaire, list your symptoms, and submit your health history. From there, licensed providers review your responses and create a personalized treatment plan. It was so incredibly easy!
Winona offers:
- Estradiol patches, creams, or pills
- Progesterone capsules or creams
- DHEA supplements (in some cases)
Why I Chose Winona Over Other Options
I looked at several online HRT services including Midi Health, Alloy & Evernow but I ultimately chose Winona for one simple reason:
I was able to chat with someone online before paying.
That gave me a chance to ask real questions, explain my symptoms, and feel confident about what I was signing up for before entering my payment information.
For me, that level of transparency and accessibility made all the difference.
Seriously, after months of frustration, sleepless nights, and feeling unheard by my doctor, I started researching online HRT options. I was skeptical and concerned at first because I’d always heard warnings about the dangers of HRT, but I quickly learned that many of those fears came from outdated studies. And, SO MANY women online were saying it was a lifesaver for them!
The more I researched, the more I realized two things:
- I didn’t want to suffer through perimenopause if I didn’t have to.
- I deserved to feel better.
So I went for it. I opened the Winona website, filled out their questionnaire, checked every symptom under the sun, and submitted my form.
Within a day or so, I had an approval for estradiol patches, DHEA and progesterone capsules.
A doctor (Dr. Muna Orra) contacted me with approval and more information and options. The next step was selecting and approving the products I wanted. After that my credit card was charged for the amount ( I chose a 3 month supply ) and then my prescription were on the way to me!
My Experience So Far
It’s been a few weeks since I started, and here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Better sleep – My insomnia isn’t gone, but it’s improving so much.
- Fewer mood swings – I feel more stable and less on edge.
- More energy – My brain fog has started to lift and I’ve been able to get more done, including exercise.
- Less bloating – I didn’t expect this one, but it’s been a nice bonus.
It’s not magic, and I know results can vary, but for me, it’s been a noticeable difference.
Is Winona Legit?
This was my biggest question going in, so I want to break it down:
- Licensed providers – Your treatment plan is reviewed by medical professionals. (Mine was Dr. Muna Orra)
- FDA-approved medications – Estradiol patches, progesterone capsules, and other prescriptions are sourced from trusted pharmacies.
- Secure and private – Everything is handled online, and prescriptions are shipped discreetly.
For me, the process felt safe, thorough, and professional.
How Much Does Winona Cost?
Prices vary based on what’s prescribed, but here’s a general idea:
- Estradiol patches: around $99/month
- Progesterone capsules: around $49/month
- Combination therapy: typically between $99–$149/month
Shipping is included, and there’s no separate consultation fee.
Does Winona Take Insurance?
Not directly. Winona doesn’t accept insurance as a form of payment. But you do have options:
- These treatments are HSA/FSA eligible, so if you use one of those accounts, it’ll feel more affordable.
- You can also pay out of pocket and submit your receipt to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement but whether they’ll cover it will depend on your specific plan and deductible.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting
- Start low, go slow – If you’re sensitive to hormones, you may want to discuss starting at the lowest dose – which is what I did but so far, so good!
- Give it time – Some improvements happen fast (like sleep), but others, like mood and weight stabilization, can take weeks or months.
- Stay informed – Read up on current HRT research so you can feel confident in your decision. (Winona has a community and tons of educational resources which is fun).
Alternatives to Winona
While Winona worked well for me, it’s not the only option out there. If you’re exploring online HRT services, here are three other reputable platforms worth considering:
1. Midi Health
- Best for: Women who want to use insurance for menopause care.
- How it works: Midi focuses exclusively on perimenopause and menopause care. You book a virtual appointment with a provider, discuss your symptoms, and receive a personalized treatment plan.
- Insurance: Accepts most major PPO insurance plans, which can make it more affordable if you’re covered.
- Pricing: If you’re paying out of pocket, initial visits start around $250 and follow-ups range from $150–$250.
- Why people choose it: It offers a more traditional, provider-led experience and integrates with your insurance if available.
2. Alloy
- Best for: Women who want simple, straightforward HRT without in-person visits.
- How it works: Alloy connects you with menopause-trained providers through online messaging. After reviewing your symptoms, they prescribe FDA-approved treatments that are shipped directly to your door.
- Insurance: Doesn’t accept insurance, but payments are HSA/FSA eligible.
- Pricing: Plans start around $39/month for certain prescriptions, making it one of the more budget-friendly options.
- Why people choose it: Alloy has a very streamlined, hands-off approach if you prefer a low-cost, less time-intensive option.
3. Evernow
- Best for: Women who want more ongoing support alongside their prescriptions.
- How it works: Evernow combines asynchronous messaging with providers, video visits, and customized treatment plans. They focus heavily on perimenopause and menopause care.
- Insurance: Accepts insurance for video visits but not for the membership model. Payments are HSA/FSA eligible.
- Pricing: Membership plans start around $129/month and include provider messaging, prescription management, and regular check-ins.
- Why people choose it: Evernow offers more frequent touchpoints and ongoing support if you want a higher level of interaction.
Final Thoughts: My Honest Winona Review
For months I felt dismissed, exhausted, and frustrated. Today, I finally feel like I’m getting control of my body back.
Winona has been a turning point for me. The process was simple, the providers were professional, and most importantlyI feel better.
That said, Winona might not be right for everyone. It’s important to do your own research, weigh the risks and benefits, and talk to a provider you trust.
But if you’ve been hitting walls with your doctor and want a convenient, safe, and legitimate way to explore HRT, Winona is absolutely worth considering.
