The Ivim Women’s Hormone Health Program: What to Expect
The Ivim Health Women’s Hormone Health Program is a physician-led, individualized approach to hormone care for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. This article explains what the program is, what’sincluded, what medications are available, and what the process looks like from intake through ongoing care.
What the program is
The Women’s Hormone Health Program is an individualized medical program designed to address declining hormone levels during the perimenopause and menopause transition. The goal is to support well-being across six key areas: emotional balance, physical performance, intimacy, sleep, mental clarity, and long-term proactive health.
Hormone health at Ivim refers to the use of medications — primarily estrogen and progesterone — to restore hormonal balance in a way that may support mood, energy, metabolic health, bone health, and sexual wellness. Eligibility and the specific benefit-risk balance of hormone therapy are determined by your Ivim provider based on your individual health history and goals.
The program is available to members of Ivim Health. Membership includes unlimited provider access, a full-time clinical team, and telehealth visits across 49 states.
What’s prescribed
Ivim Health’s hormone program uses physician-prescribed medications delivered through two primary delivery methods: patches and tablets. All medications are prescribed and managed by your Ivim provider.
Estradiol (patch) delivers estrogen transdermally, bypassing the digestive system. The patch is changed on a schedule and may be preferable for women with certain cardiovascular risk factors, as transdermal delivery is associated with lower clotting risk than oral estrogen.
Estradiol (tablet) delivers estrogen orally and is a well-established option for managing systemic symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disruption.
Progesterone (tablet) balances estrogen therapy for women with a uterus, protecting the uterine lining. Oral progesterone also has a documented sleep-supporting effect and contributes to a calming influence on the nervous system. It is taken separately from estradiol.
Combination estradiol and progesterone (tablet) delivers both hormones in a single daily pill for women who prefer that approach.
DHEA is available as a vaginal cream as an optional sexual wellness add-on for women experiencing vaginal symptoms. PT-141 may also be available for women experiencing concerns related to sexual desire. These therapies are not part of the standard hormone health protocol but can be used as add-on treatments when clinically appropriate.
Compounded medications used through the program are prescribed by your Ivim provider and prepared by independent, licensed compounding pharmacies. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. These products carry risks and are not appropriate for everyone. Not available in all states. See full safety information for details.
The six outcome areas
The program is designed to support women across six areas of health and quality of life.
Emotional balance. Hormone therapy may help support more stable mood, reduced irritability, and greater emotional calm for women whose mood changes have a hormonal component.
Physical performance. Addressing hormonal decline during perimenopause and menopause may help preserve muscle mass and support physical performance through better hormonal alignment.
Intimacy. The program may help support vaginal health and libido, which are commonly affected by hormonal changes during this life stage.
Sleep. Progesterone’s sedative effect and estrogen’s role in temperature regulation mean that hormone therapy may help women sleep more soundly and reduce disruption from night sweats.
Clarity. Addressing the hormonal changes that can affect cognitive function may help reduce brain fog and support mental sharpness.
Proactive care. Hormone therapy initiated at the appropriate time has evidence supporting long-term bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. The program is designed for women who want to take an active role in their long-term health as well as manage immediate symptoms.
What the process looks like
The program begins with a comprehensive intake that covers your full health history, current symptoms, goals, relevant risk factors, and laboratory testing when clinically appropriate. Your Ivim provider uses this information to evaluate your overall health, determine whether you are a candidate for hormone therapy, and, if so, identify the protocol that best fits your individual needs and goals.
From there, your protocol is individualized. The medications, delivery methods, and dosing are selected based on your symptom profile and health history — not a standard template applied to everyone.
Ongoing access to your provider is included. As you respond to your protocol, your Ivim provider is available to adjust dosing, address side effects, or revisit your approach based on how things are going. Hormone therapy is not static — good care adjusts over time.
Common questions
Is hormone therapy right for me? Eligibility is determined by your provider based on your individual health history, risk factors, and symptoms. The best way to find out is to start with a comprehensive evaluation.
What are the possible side effects? Side effects may include breast tenderness, mood changes, nausea or bloating, acne or oily skin, and menstrual changes for women who are perimenopausal. Your provider will discuss what to watch for and how to respond.
How long does it take to notice a difference? Response varies by individual and by symptom. Some women notice changes within a few weeks; others take longer. Your provider will help you set realistic expectations based on your specific protocol.
What if it’s not working? Your provider can adjust your protocol based on your response. Hormone therapy involves titration — the starting dose is not necessarily the final dose, and adjustment is a normal part of the process.
Can I be on this program if I’m also on a GLP-1 medication? This is a conversation to have with your Ivim provider. Many women manage both metabolic and hormonal health concurrently through Ivim, and your provider can evaluate how the programs interact for your specific situation.
To find out if you’re a candidate
Start with a hormone assessment at https://www.ivimhealth.com/womens-hormone-health/. Your provider will review your health history and symptom picture and determine whether the program is appropriate for you.
Disclaimer:
Medical Advice: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding your health needs, diagnosis, and medication management.
