# HRT Watchdog

> Independent comparison of online menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) programs: monthly prices, what's included, FDA-approved vs compounded hormones, and who prescribes.

HRT Watchdog is independent. Some programs pay us a commission when a reader signs up; that never changes a score (price 30%, transparency 25%, care 20%, access 15%, reputation 10%). Every price links to the provider page it was read from. Prices last checked October 26, 2026.

## Key facts

- Top-scored: Winona: score 9.2/10, from $39/month (auto-refill, 30 or 90-day supply), FDA-approved + compounded medication, medication in price: included
- Second: Found: score 8.9/10, from $40/month ($119 per 3-month supply), Compounded medication, medication in price: included
- Third: Musely: score 8.9/10, from $20/month (auto-refill, 2-month supply), FDA-approved + compounded medication, medication in price: included
- Lowest all-in monthly price we found: $20 at Musely (The Progesterone Pill, auto-refill, 2-month supply)
- Programs compared: 10
- FDA-approved vs compounded hormones: FDA-approved estradiol and progesterone are tested for dose and purity. Compounded bioidentical hormones are mixed by a pharmacy and are not FDA-approved as finished products. In November 2025 the FDA began removing the broad boxed warnings from approved menopause hormone therapy, keeping the endometrial cancer warning for estrogen-alone products.
- Is the medication in the price?: Many programs charge a monthly membership and bill hormones on top (Hone, LifeMD, Ivim, Sesame). Others price each product with the doctor included (Winona, Musely, Gala). Compare the total, not the membership.
- FDA-approved or compounded?: FDA-approved estradiol and progesterone are tested for dose and purity. Compounded bioidentical creams are not FDA-approved, and the FDA-commissioned National Academies review found a lack of rigorous evidence for them. Every card here says which you get.
- Will insurance pay for any of it?: Generic estradiol and progesterone are often covered at your own pharmacy. Telehealth memberships usually are not. A few programs bill insurance for the visit itself (Found, PlushCare, some LifeMD plans).
- Labs: included, extra or skipped?: Most menopause programs don't require blood tests to start. Some include monitoring (Hone runs quarterly labs), others order them only when needed and don't say what they cost.
- Read the cancellation terms: Refill orders are often final sale, some programs need notice days before billing, and a few charge the membership in months you don't order medication.
- Check your state first: Not every program prescribes everywhere: Winona serves 37 states, Hone 33. Programs that don't publish a list tell you at sign-up.

## Core pages

- [Best menopause programs](https://hrtwatchdog.com/best): every program ranked on our published score
- [Prices](https://hrtwatchdog.com/cost): lowest all-in monthly price per program and per treatment, with sources
- [Find my match](https://hrtwatchdog.com/quiz): a short quiz that returns three programs
- [Compare](https://hrtwatchdog.com/compare): every program side by side in pairs
- [How we score](https://hrtwatchdog.com/methodology): the exact scoring rules
- [Price Index](https://hrtwatchdog.com/price-index): cheapest and median monthly price over time ([JSON](https://hrtwatchdog.com/price-index.json))
- [Full data](https://hrtwatchdog.com/llms-full.txt) · [JSON](https://hrtwatchdog.com/providers.json) · [CSV](https://hrtwatchdog.com/providers.csv)

## Reviews

- [Winona review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/winona): Women who want to see every price up front and pay only for the medication.
- [Found review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/found): Insured women who want hormone therapy without a monthly membership.
- [Musely review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/musely): Women who know what they need and want the lowest monthly price.
- [Gala Health review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/gala-health): Women who want FDA-approved hormones at one simple, low monthly price.
- [Hone Health review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/hone-health): Women who want lab-guided care and ongoing doctor access, and are willing to pay for it.
- [Ivim Health review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/ivim-health): Women already set on compounded hormones who want many delivery forms.
- [Sesame review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/sesame): Women with good pharmacy coverage who only need the prescribing visit.
- [Inner Balance review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/inner-balance): Women set on a single compounded cream who are comfortable with the commitment.
- [LifeMD Women's Health review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/lifemd): Women in states other programs don't serve who want regular consultations.
- [PlushCare review](https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/plushcare): Insured women who want their usual pharmacy and a covered doctor visit.

## Guides

- [Compounded bioidentical hormones vs FDA-approved HRT](https://hrtwatchdog.com/guides/compounded-vs-fda-hrt): What compounded bioidentical hormones are, how they differ from FDA-approved HRT, what the FDA and NASEM found, the 2025-2026 label changes and what to ask.
- [How much does menopause HRT cost online? What you will really pay](https://hrtwatchdog.com/guides/hrt-cost): Online menopause HRT pricing explained: all-in vs membership plans, who bills the medication, what insurance covers, compounded vs FDA prices and refill traps.

## All programs

| Program | Score /10 | From /month | Treatments | Drugs | Medication in price | Insurance | States | FDA warning letter | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winona | 9.2 | $39 | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Compounded bioidentical (BHRT), Vaginal estrogen | FDA-approved + compounded | Included | No | 37 states plus Puerto Rico | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/winona |
| Found | 8.9 | $40 | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Vaginal estrogen | Compounded | Included | Yes, in-network for visits | Not all states; list not published | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/found |
| Musely | 8.9 | $20 | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Compounded bioidentical (BHRT) | FDA-approved + compounded | Included | No | All US states and DC | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/musely |
| Gala Health | 8.5 | $69 | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Vaginal estrogen, Non-hormonal options | FDA-approved | Included | No (cash pay) | Not published | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/gala-health |
| Hone Health | 7.1 | $213 | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Compounded bioidentical (BHRT), Vaginal estrogen | FDA-approved + compounded | Included | No (HSA/FSA accepted) | 33 states | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/hone-health |
| Ivim Health | 7.0 | $104 | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Compounded bioidentical (BHRT) | Compounded | Included | No | Not every state; list not published | Yes | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/ivim-health |
| Sesame | 6.6 | n/a | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Compounded bioidentical (BHRT) | FDA-approved + compounded | Extra | No (superbills for HSA/FSA) | Nationwide (provider availability varies) | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/sesame |
| Inner Balance | 6.5 | $199 | Compounded bioidentical (BHRT), Vaginal estrogen | Compounded | Included | Unclear | Claims all 50 states | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/inner-balance |
| LifeMD Women's Health | 6.4 | n/a | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Compounded bioidentical (BHRT), Vaginal estrogen | FDA-approved + compounded | Extra | Some insurers accepted for visits | All 50 states (treatments vary) | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/lifemd |
| PlushCare | 6.1 | n/a | Estrogen (patch, gel or pill), Progesterone, Vaginal estrogen, Non-hormonal options | FDA-approved | Extra | Yes (Aetna, Cigna, Humana and others) | All 50 states and DC | None found | https://hrtwatchdog.com/reviews/plushcare |

## Every published plan

### Winona
- Progesterone capsules: $39/month, auto-refill, 30 or 90-day supply; Visit, follow-ups, messaging and shipping. Source: https://bywinona.com/product (checked 2026-10-26)
- Estrogen tablets (estradiol): $54/month, auto-refill, 30 or 90-day supply; FDA-approved; visit and shipping included. Source: https://bywinona.com/product (checked 2026-10-26)
- Estrogen body cream with progesterone: $89/month, auto-refill; Compounded in Winona's own pharmacy. Source: https://bywinona.com/product (checked 2026-10-26)
- Vaginal estrogen cream: $89/month, refilled on request; Compounded. Source: https://bywinona.com/product (checked 2026-10-26)
- Estrogen patch: $149/month, auto-refill; FDA-approved. Source: https://bywinona.com/product (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Every product priced on the site, doctor included; No membership fee; FDA-approved and compounded options
- Cons: Not available in 13 states or DC; No video visits; replies take 24 to 48 hours; Combining products stacks the price

### Found
- Estrogen or progesterone alone, without insurance: $89/month, monthly; Visits, medication and shipping. Source: https://joinfound.com/dr/hormone-care (checked 2026-10-26)
- Estrogen + progesterone, without insurance: $119/month, monthly, no membership; Everything included. Source: https://joinfound.com/dr/hormone-care (checked 2026-10-26)
- Estrogen + progesterone, with insurance: $79/month (plus required add-ons), monthly; Medication; visits billed to your insurance (copays may apply). Source: https://joinfound.com/dr/hormone-care (checked 2026-10-26)
- Vaginal estrogen cream alone, without insurance: $40/month, $119 per 3-month supply. Source: https://joinfound.com/dr/hormone-care (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: No membership fee; Insurance can cover the visits; Clear with- and without-insurance prices
- Cons: Products may be compounded; the page doesn't say which; Small menu: cream, oral progesterone, vaginal estrogen; HRT is new at Found; parts of the page are unfinished

### Musely
- The Progesterone Pill: $20/month, auto-refill, 2-month supply; Compounded; $20 doctor visit fee on first order. Source: https://musely.com/progesteronepill (checked 2026-10-26)
- The Estrogen Pill (estradiol): $35/month, auto-refill, 2-month supply; FDA-approved estradiol; $20 doctor visit fee on first order. Source: https://musely.com/estrogenpill (checked 2026-10-26)
- The Estrogen Cream: $46/month, auto-refill, 2-month supply; Compounded estradiol and estriol. Source: https://musely.com/estrogencream (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Lowest published estrogen price we found; No membership; Available nationwide
- Cons: Cream and progesterone are compounded; No lab testing mentioned; Estrogen patch was out of stock when we checked

### Gala Health
- Menopause program: $69/month, monthly subscription; Clinician review, medication and shipping in one price. Source: https://galaglp1.com/hormone-health (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Medication, review and shipping included in one price; FDA-approved estradiol and progesterone; Non-hormonal options too
- Cons: No refund once you cancel; Needs 72 hours' notice before the billing date; Per-medication prices not broken out; $69 is a 'from' price

### Hone Health
- Women's Premium + estradiol gel: $213/month, monthly, month to month; $155 membership (labs, consults) plus $58 estradiol gel; $65 first lab test. Source: https://honehealth.com/womens/menopause-treatment/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- Women's Premium membership: $155/month (plus required add-ons), monthly; Quarterly labs and physician consults; medication extra. Source: https://honehealth.com/womens/menopause-treatment/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Quarterly lab testing included; Live video consults; Widest menu, including testosterone cream for women
- Cons: Hone estimates the total at $177 to $229 a month; Membership is charged even in months without medication; Only 33 states

### Ivim Health
- Membership + estradiol tablet: $104/month, monthly; $74.99 membership plus estradiol from $29. Source: https://www.ivimhealth.com/membership/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- Estradiol tablet: $29/month (plus required add-ons), monthly, starting price; Requires the $74.99/month membership. Source: https://www.ivimhealth.com/womens-hormone-health/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Large number of positive reviews; Several hormone forms, including a spray and patch; Provider visits included in the membership
- Cons: Hormones come from compounding pharmacies; Required $75 membership on top of medication; Medication non-refundable; restocking fees if you cancel mid-program
- Public record: FDA sent Ivim a warning letter on February 20, 2026 about how it marketed compounded weight-loss drugs (not hormones). https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/ivim-services-llc-dba-ivim-721816-02202026

### Sesame
- Menopause subscription: $59/month (plus required add-ons), monthly; Video visits and messaging; medication paid at the pharmacy. Source: https://sesamecare.com/service/menopause-treatment (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Low monthly subscription; Video visits; Mostly FDA-approved prescriptions
- Cons: Medication is extra; Doesn't bill insurance; Provider availability varies by area

### Inner Balance
- Oestra, first 6 months: $199/month, 90-day supply every 90 days; Doctor visits and follow-up. Source: https://www.innerbalance.com/product-page (checked 2026-10-26)
- Oestra, after 6 months: $99.50/month (plus required add-ons), 90-day supply; Only after the first 6 months at $199. Source: https://www.innerbalance.com/product-page (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Doctor visits and follow-up included; Price halves after six months; Money-back guarantee (with conditions)
- Cons: Highest entry price we found: $199 a month for six months; Only one product, and it is compounded; Low Trustpilot score with billing complaints

### LifeMD Women's Health
- Women's Health Program: $79/month (plus required add-ons), monthly, auto-renews; Monthly consultations and messaging; medication billed separately. Source: https://lifemd.com/womens-health (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: All 50 states; Patch, gel, ring and inserts available; Monthly provider consultations
- Cons: No medication prices published; Estradiol cream option is compounded; Reviewers report billing after cancelling

### PlushCare
- Membership + insured visit: $19.99/month (plus required add-ons), monthly membership; Plus your insurance copay per visit and pharmacy cost. Source: https://plushcare.com/get-menopause-treatment-online (checked 2026-10-26)
- Membership + self-pay visit: $19.99/month (plus required add-ons), monthly membership; Plus $129 per first visit and pharmacy cost. Source: https://plushcare.com/get-menopause-treatment-online (checked 2026-10-26)
- Pros: Takes insurance for visits; All 50 states; FDA-approved prescriptions filled at your pharmacy
- Cons: Medication and labs cost extra; Primary care doctors may refer complex cases out; $75 late-cancel or no-show fee

## Sources for the rules above

- FDA: National Academies study on compounded bioidentical hormones: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/national-academies-science-engineering-and-medicine-nasem-study-clinical-utility-treating-patients
- HHS/FDA: removing boxed warnings from HRT (Nov 10, 2025): https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy