Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
At Kiaora, our mission is to ignite a profound revolution in hormone therapy by transforming lives… one woman at a time. By addressing the unique needs of each woman with customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we can empower them to flourish, thus reinforcing marriages and families, which lay the foundation of a healthy society. Our commitment goes beyond treatment; it’s about normalizing hormone therapy and ensuring that as many women as possible experience the benefits of greater health and well-being. Together with dedicated practitioners, we are not just changing lives—we are building a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive!
How do I get started and place an order with Kiaora?
To begin, please complete our intake questionnaire to initiate a prescription order with Kiaora. Upon submission, you will receive a recommended personalized treatment plan based on your medical history and needs. During your scheduled video appointment, the doctor will review this plan with you. Once approved, the prescription will be sent to the pharmacy and shipped directly to your home.
The time to feel optimized varies from person to person. Many women begin to notice symptom relief within the first month, but it can take several months or even years for full benefits to be realized. Checking in with your practitioner at renewal is important so that they can customize any necessary therapy adjustments to your specific needs.
Kiaora dos not work directly with insurance companies however, many of our treatments may b eligible for reimbursement through insurance or FSA/HSA plans. We provide detailed billing documentation and, when applicable, letters of medical necessity to help make submitting claims as easy as possible.
The cost of your program depends on the type of treatment your clinician prescribes and whether therapies are bundled. In some cases, bundling treatments can offer cost savings. Kiaora works closely with trusted lab and pharmacy partners to provide treatments and medications at competitive, transparent pricing.
Yes, you can cancel your prescription products at any time. However, you will receive 12-weeks worth of medication in your initial shipment. If you chose to make monthly payments,you must make all three payments, even if you decide not to renew your prescription.
You will receive your Kiaora order within
Like any other prescription, our pharmacy can not take back medications. However, if you feel there was an error in the filling of your prescription, please contact us at support@kiaora.com.
Yes, all of our products are vegan-friendly and all of our hormones are sourced from yams.
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Bioidentical refers to the structure of hormones; bioidentical hormones have exactly the same molecular structures as the hormones in your body. Our therapies utilize bioidentical hormones that are derived from a natural source (yams) and offer a holistic approach to hormone therapy.
BHRT enables much smoother sailing through perimenopause and menopause. By optimizing your hormone levels, you can bid farewell to hot flashes, flat mood, rapidly aging skin, dry vagina, along with many other unwelcome symptoms of menopause.BHRT isn't just about controlling symptoms, though. It defends your body against the three most significant threats to your healthy future: the loss of brain, heart, and bone protection. Women who embrace skillful hormone replacement therapy protect themselves against the decline in these areas, and they often experience remarkable improvements in vitality, cognitive clarity, libido, muscular strength, metabolic function, and overall energy levels. It's like hitting the refresh button on your body's operating system so you can better handle whatever life throws your way.
Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, Kiaora utilizes plant-based bioidentical hormones. These hormones are considered safer and more natural compared to synthetic options, as their molecular structure matches the hormones produced naturally by your body. Our partner pharmacy compounds several different formulations to suit your individual needs, offering a customized solution to hormone therapy.
When it comes to sex hormone replacement therapy, we're talking primarily about your big three - estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone! These powerhouse hormones are like the dream team of your body's biochemical ballet, keeping everything in sync and in harmony.
This is a little-known fact, but our female bodies have more circulating testosterone than estrogen! Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter, whereas estrogen is measured in picograms per milliliter. When it comes to hormone replacement therapy, testosterone isn't just for men – it's very much needed for women. Testosterone is all about energy and vitality! It also helps with libido and arousal, so that’s a nice bonus. It can produce swifter thinking and decision-making, better muscle tone, and less sagging of skin.
If you qualify for all components of the cream based on your medical questionnaire, they will be included in your first prescription. Testosterone is a key component of our therapy, and we’re passionate about its transformative benefits for women’s health - it’s one of the things that sets us apart! At your renewal, you’ll complete a follow-up questionnaire to assess how each component of the cream has worked for you. If you feel that testosterone therapy isn’t the right fit, you can indicate this in your questionnaire, and we can adjust or remove it from your renewed prescription.
To learn more about the safety and benefits of testosterone, check out the below resources:
“Everything You Never Knew About Testosterone and Women with Hormone Specialist Dr. Kay Chandler,
You will receive your Kiaora order withinDHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that has multiple benefits in the body, including boosting energy levels and improving mood and cognitive function. When used vaginally, DHEA has been shown to increase lubrication to help with vaginal dryness and potentially improve sexual health.
You will apply your daily hormone cream to the inner labia from day one (the morning after you receive it). It’s very important that you understand where and how to apply it.The inner labia is the skin on the inner side of the hair-bearing outer labia. It is the most absorbent area of a woman’s body, which is why our creams are so effective.
Our hormonal creams are designed for the mucosal skin of the inner labia (the most absorbent area of a woman’s body). Applying a minute amount of BHRT cream at this site allows restorative hormonal levels to be achieved. Not only is inner labial application remarkably effective, but this eliminates the potential of transference to children and pets.
It’s generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after applying the cream.
Hormone levels fluctuate wildly during perimenopause so a lab level is not indicative of what is happening on a day to day basis. After menopause, hormones are in full decline and there are no surprises. They may be normal for your menopausal age but not for your optimal health. Instead of relying on levels, your hormone practitioner will guide your therapy based upon how you feel and the symptoms you report. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), hormone levels don’t need to be measured for effective symptom management. Kiaora is in keeping with this guideline but has also taken the proactive step of testing all our creams (through the 18-month long Kiaora Alpha Trials) to ensure they enable levels that protect bone, brain and heart. Kiaora creams target regenerative health unlike most low-dose hormone therapy approaches which deal with symptoms only and typically do not reach levels that fully support brain and bone protection.
Despite what you’ve heard, studies indicate that estrogen therapy does not cause breast cancer! In fact, data shows it helps lower your risk. We’re not being fringe or medically alternative by stating this. It is not a viewpoint that only holistically-minded people believe. The latest statement by The American Cancer Society is this: “Estrogen-only HRT is not linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.”A recent UK study, which analyzed 43,183 breast cancer cases from 1995-2014, found that estrogen alone does not increase the risk of breast cancer. This research confirms earlier findings from the Women’s Health Initiative, showing that estrogen-only therapy, whether taken orally or transdermally, does not contribute to breast cancer risk. However, the study did reveal an increased risk for women using estrogen in combination withsynthetic progestin. Importantly, no increased breast cancer risk was associated with the use of bioidentical progesterone, which is utilized in Kiaora’s BHRT program.
Many might not realize that incontinence and bladder leaks can be linked to menopause, and urinary problems like urinary tract infections (UTIs), leaks, and painful urination are quite common during this time. Many women have experienced significant relief from these issues through BHRT, which has proven effective in dealing with these troublesome symptoms and reducing or even eliminating the recurrence of UTIs.
Although many women experience minor side effects when beginning BHRT, they are usually mild and temporary. This is as a result of a woman’s body “waking up” after having been deprived of hormones and they usually resolve on their own over a few weeks or months. They may include labial irritation, breast tenderness, spotting/bleeding, changes to your menstrual cycle, acne, headaches, drowsiness (often a welcome side effect for a good night’s sleep), and bloating or water retention, which might cause temporary weight gain.
The amount of each hormone in the cream is tailored to fit your specific needs and the dosage prescribed for you.
When our doctors prescribe estrogen, they also add progesterone to the mix. This is because, as estrogen levels drop during menopause, progesterone levels do the same. Progesterone plays a crucial role in keeping the uterus healthy. So, if you are on estrogen, incorporating progesterone is essential.(is this still correct?)
It’s important to let us know if you’ve had an oophorectomy or hysterectomy, as these procedures may impact the therapy your doctor chooses for you. Hormone replacement therapy is often indicated for those in surgical menopause.
Recommended revision: Yes. If you’ve had a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, it’s important to share this as part of your medical history, as it can influence the type and dosage of hormone therapy that’s right for you. Hormone replacement therapy is often recommended for individuals in surgical menopause, and your clinician will create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, labs, and overall health.
Absolutely. We only use bioidentical micronized progesterone derived from yams. Recommended revision: Yes. Kiaora prescribes bioidentical oral micronized progesterone when it’s clinically appropriate. This form of progesterone is designed to closely match the hormone your body naturally produces and is micronized to improve absorption when taken by mouth. Your clinician will determine whether this option is right for you based on your medical history, symptoms, and overall treatment plan.
When it comes to BHRT, think of it as a long-term investment in your health and well-being. While many see improvements in symptom relief relatively quickly, the long-term benefits for overall health often happen with consistent, long-term use. Staying on BHRT long-term can help maintain optimal hormone balance, support overall health, and even reduce the risk of certain age-related conditions. It's not just a quick fix – it's a recipe for sustained vitality and wellness! Historically, it was thought that women should end hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by the age of 65, but this belief is not supported by current evidence. Recent findings and updated recommendations now emphasize that the decision on how long to use HRT should be made jointly by the individual and their healthcare provider. This means you and your practitioner can review your symptoms, medical history, and current condition to decide what's best for you. BHRT can be discontinued at any time without adverse effects, although symptoms may return. Many patients choose to remain on BHRT for several years due to the benefits it offers.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
Once you complete your assessment and we confirm there are no medical contraindications, you'll pay for your monthly thyroid subscription. We'll then order your lab work, which you'll pay for separately at our discounted lab rates. After your lab results are available, your doctor will review your thyroid levels and determine if thyroid replacement therapy is appropriate for you. If prescribed, your medication will be shipped directly to your door.
Important notes:
If you don't qualify for thyroid replacement therapy after your lab review, we'll refund your monthly subscription fee.
Lab costs are non-refundable and vary by state and lab provider
All patients receive our special discounted lab pricing
Monthly subscription includes medical reviews, lab interpretations, medication, shipping, messaging and support.
There is no option to pay up front for the thyroid program. You will pay monthly and receive a shipment every 2 months. Cancel at anytime.
Renewals:
You will receive a notification when you are eligible to begin the renewal process. A provider reviews your progress and, if all looks good, approves the next shipment.
You will receive a 60 day supply of medication in every shipment. It's crucial that you complete your labs if needed to further your optimization journey. There is no option to pay up front for the thyroid program. You will pay monthly and receive a shipment every 2 months. Cancel at anytime.
Kiaora prescribes a custom compounded medication that contains T3 and T4 called "biothyroid". We have over 20 formulations so we are able to get just the T4/T3 ratio that is unique to each individual.
Your labs will be checked every 6-8 weeks until you have 2 consecutive labs that show optimal levels, Then you will transition to obtaining labs every 6 months. Kiaora’s Thyroid labs include TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3.
Your labs will be checked every 6-8 weeks until you have 2 consecutive labs that show optimal levels, Then you will transition to obtaining labs every 6 months. Kiaora’s Thyroid labs include TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3.
Just like with BHRT the time to feel optimized varies person to person. Most women begin to notice symptom relief during the first 6-8 weeks, but it can take several months to reach full optimization. Maintaining the renewal timeline and obtaining lab results at the advised timeline is important so that your dose can be customized to help you reach optimization!
Absolutely, we are here to help you! Through the assessment and labs we will determine the best dose of Biothyroid to match you to! It's very important that you are aware that when switching from another thyroid medication to Kiaora's biothyroid, there will be an adjustment period where things may dip or get bumpy before they get better. This is normal and expected when switching medications.
Yes! For women who are going through menopause thyroid therapy should not stand alone. Even if fully optimized thyroid-wise, if sex hormones are still tanked, you may still struggle with fatigue, weight issues, sensitivity to cold, etc. Thyroid optimization is best paired with sex hormone therapy. The two together truly optimize health.
Yes! Thyroid Therapy is for anyone 18 and over. Maybe you have been told that your thyroid is "normal", but you know that you continue to deal with hypothyroid symptoms. We're here to help you!
Yes, we will work with you to find the right dose to help you reach thyroid optimization!
You may lose some weight once metabolism normalizes, but medication is not a weight-loss treatment. It helps restore your natural metabolic balance.
Most people with hypothyroidism need to take thyroid medication for life. However, dosage may change over time depending on lab results, age, or other health factors.
Take it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water. Wait 30–60 minutes before eating or drinking anything (especially coffee or milk).
Avoid taking calcium, iron, antacids, or multivitamins within 4 hours of thyroid medication, as they interfere with absorption.
If you forget one dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it’s the next day, just skip it — don’t double up.
If the dose is too high, you may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or insomnia. Too low, and symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog persist.
If you begin to experience heart palpitations log into your portal and report your side effect to your provider. If you being to experience persistent and significant heart palpitations you should seek emergent care.
We don’t submit insurance claims. However, you can often use HSA or FSA dollars- download itemized receipts from your payment portal and confirm eligibility with your benefits administrator.
Labs should be drawn 8 hours after taking your Thyroid Therapy medication. You should discontinue any Biotin containing supplements 48 hours prior to your thyroid lab draws.
Biothyroid (Thyroid Therapy) should be taken first. It is recommended to keep Biothyroid at your bedside and take it immediately upon waking, wait 30 minutes to take your GLP-1 medication, and then wait another 30 minutes to eat or drink.
Lab times can vary based on geographical location, and which day of the week your lab is drawn. On average, it takes approximately 7 days to get final labs back.
At this time, our physicians are unable to manage your thyroid therapy based off of labs ordered from from outside providers.
Weight Management (GLP-1)
Please note that Pearl and Serene are not physicians or clinicians. The information they provide is based on conversations with physicians and extensive research and should not be construed as medical advice. Anyone considering our program will undergo evaluation by a team of qualified physicians to determine their suitability for therapy.
Billing: You pay for your prescription only after a licensed provider confirms that treatment is appropriate and writes the prescription. During checkout you'll choose to pay for your 8-week prescription either all up front, or in 2 monthly installment payments.
Renewals: You will receive a notification when you are eligible to begin the renewal process. A provider reviews your progress and, if all looks good, approves the next shipment.
Naturally produced GLP-1 surges only for a short time after you eat and then fades quickly. If your body makes less of the hormone—or your receptors become less sensitive with age—you may feel hungry sooner and find it harder to control portions. A provider-prescribed GLP-1 therapy extends those fullness signals, slows stomach emptying, and supports steady blood-sugar control, making healthy weight loss easier to achieve and maintain.
GLP-1 medications mimic the body's own fullness hormone, tackling weight and blood-sugar regulation through four key actions:
- Smarter insulin release – They cue the pancreas to release insulin only when it's needed, helping cells absorb sugar after meals.
- Lower glucagon after eating – They signal the liver to ease up on glucagon, so less extra sugar floods the bloodstream.
- Slower stomach emptying – Food leaves the stomach more gradually, stretching out the feeling of fullness and smoothing post-meal blood-sugar peak.
- Quieter hunger signals – They interact with brain centers that control appetite, so you naturally feel satisfied with smaller portions.
Together, these effects make it easier to maintain a calorie deficit, stabilize energy levels, andsupport long-term weight management under the guidance of a licensed provider.
Most people notice appetite changes within the first week or two of starting therapy. Visible weight-loss often follows in the first month when GLP-1 treatment is combined with balanced nutrition and movement. Because everyone's metabolism is different, some will progress faster and others more gradually.
Providers start you on a low dose and increase only as needed to keep side effects low while preserving lean muscle. Slow-and-steady loss—supported by adequate protein and strength training—helps protect muscle mass and sets you up for long-term maintenance.
GLP-1 treatments come in both single-hormone and dual-hormone formulations. Dual-hormone products can yield slightly higher average weight-loss in studies, but the "best" option depends on your unique biology, health history, and side-effect tolerance.
During your consultation, a licensed provider will evaluate all those factors and prescribe the formulation and dose most likely to deliver safe, sustainable results for you.
You'll likely notice a reduced appetite and feel satisfied with less food—that's how GLP-1 therapy supports calorie reduction. To stay nourished and energized:
- Eat when you're genuinely hungry, but stop as soon as you feel comfortably full.
- Prioritize lean protein, colorful produce, whole-food carbs, and healthy fats so each bite packs maximum nutrition.
- Update your care team if you're consistently skipping meals or falling short on protein; they can tweak your dose or share meal-planning tips.
Yes—nutritious foods remain important. GLP-1 therapy curbs appetite, but your body still needs protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to stay energized, preserve muscle, and support metabolic health.
GLP-1 therapy works best when paired with nutrient-dense foods that keep you satisfied and energized. Aim to build plates that include:
- Protein: chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, Greek yogurt, or legumes.
- Colorful produce: at least half your plate in non-starchy vegetables plus 1–2 servings of fruit daily.
- Smart carbs: sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats, beans, or other whole-grain options.
- Healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, nuts, or seeds for flavor and fullness.
Limit added sugars, sugary drinks, and heavily processed foods when possible. Staying well hydrated (water, herbal tea, sparkling water) supports digestion and helps curb unnecessary snacking. Your provider will share simple meal-building tips so you can take advantage of smaller portions without sacrificing nutrition—or flavor. For personalized meal ideas, check the recipe library in your patient portal or ask your care team.
Yes. Many people reach a "sweet-spot" dose that controls appetite, feels comfortable, and drives steady progress. Your provider reviews weight trends and progress at every renewal. If you're still losing or maintaining your target weight and feel well, you can request to remain on that dose as long as it keeps working. Providers may recommend increases when weight-loss stalls for several weeks and you can safely tolerate a higher level.
GLP-1 treatment is typically a medium- to long-term tool. Many people use it for a year or more to reach and stabilize their goal weight while building sustainable nutrition, activity, and mindset habits. After that, your provider may:
- Keep you on a low "maintenance" dose if it helps prevent regain.
- Taper the dose gradually while monitoring weight.
- Transition you fully to lifestyle-only management if you're maintaining easily.
The timeline is personalized—no one-size-fits-all rule. Your care team will review your progress every few months and map the safest, most sustainable exit or maintenance strategy for you.
Yes—movement helps preserve muscle and support overall health while the medication curbs appetite. Aim for:
- Strength training: work major muscle groups 2–3 times per week to protect lean mass.
- Cardio: add brisk walking or other low-impact activity on alternate days for heart health and extra calorie burn.
Even short, home-based workouts count—consistency matters more than perfection.
Charges appear on your card as "KIAORA".
We don't submit insurance claims. However, you can often use HSA or FSA dollars—download itemized receipts from your payment portal and confirm eligibility with your benefits administrator.
Safety
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room. If this is not an emergency, we encourage you to log into your patient portal and share your symptoms with your practitioner.
Privacy & Security
Yes. Kiaora takes your privacy seriously and uses industry-standard security measures to protect your personal and health information. Your data is handled in accordance with applicable privacy regulations and is only accessed by authorized personnel involved in your care and support.
Kiaora only shares personal health information when necessary to provide your care, operate our services, or comply with legal and regulatory requirements. We do not sell your personal data, and access is limited to trusted partners and authorized professionals involved in your treatment.
Technical Support
The video visit with your practitioner will be your opportunity to discuss your symptoms and therapy needs. Based on your medical history, your doctor will determine what prescriptions are the best fit for you. The doctor is happy to answer any of your questions and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In the event that you do not qualify for treatment, you will be issued a full refund.
Yes, just log into your patient portal to view your current prescription as well as your prescription history. This can be accessed by clicking on “Prescriptions” button in the top navigation.
