Where to get menopause hormone therapy (MHT): is virtual or in-person better for you?

Are hot flashes keeping you planted in front of a fan? Is brain fog sabotaging your work day? If menopause and perimenopause symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you have more options for getting help than ever before. You can now choose between in-person appointments and online care to explore treatments like menopause hormone therapy (MHT) that can make your symptoms more manageable. 

MHT is safe and effective for many women, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Your provider will review your medical and family history to help determine if MHT is right for you. If you think MHT might be right for you, our menopause and hormone therapy membership program gives you ongoing support from doctors who truly understand women’s health for $79 per month. 

This guide breaks down the difference between in-person and online menopause care, including the benefits of each, the services they offer, and which option best fits your needs. 

Online menopause care vs. in-person menopause care

Choosing between online and in-person menopause care comes down to what matters most to you. Either way, you’ll work with a doctor who can diagnose your symptoms, prescribe treatments like MHT if appropriate, conduct follow-ups, and manage any medication adjustments. 

Here’s how these two options differ:

• Online menopause care means you can have virtual visits with a doctor wherever you’re most comfortable. Many women appreciate not having to shuffle around their schedule to take off work, coordinate childcare for an appointment, or sit in the waiting room. However, if you need a breast exam, pelvic exam, or bloodwork done, you’ll need to arrange that separately.
• In-person care gives you the traditional office visit where your provider can do physical exams or other testing on the spot. The downsides to in-person appointments are scheduling delays and the time commitment. Between travel time, waiting rooms, and any delays, a 20-minute appointment can end up eating half your day.

Benefits of virtual menopause hormone therapy treatment 

If it’s right for you, virtual menopause hormone therapy care makes it easy to get evaluated, start treatment, and manage your symptoms without the hassle of scheduling regular in-office visits. 

Here’s what makes online appointments work for so many women:

• No travel time, parking headaches, or waiting rooms.
• Faster access to doctors who specialize in menopause care and prescribing MHT.
• Access to expert care, without geographic constraints. 
• Easier to schedule around work, childcare, and other priorities.
• More comfortable discussing sensitive symptoms from your own space.
• Convenient for adjusting your MHT dose, keeping an eye on side effects, and staying on track with treatment.
• Helpful if you live in an area without local menopause specialists.

Benefits of in-person menopause hormone therapy

In-person appointments offer face-to-face care that some women prefer when managing MHT. Some women find that being in the same room as their provider helps them feel more comfortable or understood.

Here’s what women appreciate about in-person care:

• Your provider can do physical exams and perform tests on the spot.
• Easier for your provider to assess how you’re responding to MHT through non-verbal cues.
• A dedicated space away from home distractions where you can focus on your menopause care.

How does online menopause hormone therapy work?

Getting started with virtual menopause care works just like scheduling any doctor’s appointment. The only difference is that you meet with your doctor from wherever you’re comfortable. It’s a safe and convenient way to get evaluated for MHT, start treatment, and manage your ongoing care. Here’s the process for booking your first appointment:

• Find a menopause care provider: Look for a healthcare provider that specializes in menopause care and can prescribe MHT. Check to see if they are available in your state. 
• Book a visit online: Book your visit through your provider’s website with a time that works for your schedule
• Complete a brief intake form: Fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history, and health background
• Prepare for your visit: Write down any symptoms, questions, or concerns you want to cover during your visit
• Meet with your doctor: They’ll review your symptoms and health history, then talk through whether MHT is right for you. If it is, they’ll send your prescription and schedule your follow-up

What to expect during a telemedicine menopause appointment

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, review your medical and family history, and discuss whether MHT is right for you. They’ll walk through treatment options, explain the benefits and any risks, and map out what your care plan would involve. If something needs closer evaluation, they may recommend lab work or further evaluation. Here’s how to prepare:

• Track your symptoms and patterns: Take note of your cycles and symptoms in an app or journal so you can share trends with your doctor.
• Have your health history handy: Be ready to talk about any chronic conditions, past surgeries, or family history of breast cancer, blood clots, or heart disease.
• List your current medications and supplements: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Prepare your tech setup: Set up in a private area with good lighting, make sure your device is charged, check your Internet connection, and download any required app beforehand.
• Have a list of questions about MHT ready: A few common questions women ask include:
  • Will MHT help with my symptoms?
  • Are there any common side effects? How long do they last?
  • How long until I see results?
  • Is MHT safe for me and my health history?

Ready to start? Book a visit today.

If menopause symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life, you don’t have to just deal with it until it goes away. MHT can help with the hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues, and everything else menopause throws at you.

Here at QuickMD, our team of providers includes doctors who understand menopause care and can prescribe MHT if it’s right for you. Book a visit to talk through your symptoms and options. Getting help is easier than you think.