Frequently Asked Questions

About The Practice

  • Resplendence is based in Cary, North Carolina and offers telehealth consultations for patients who are physically present in the state of North Carolina or Virginia at the time the visit takes place.

  • Your investment in yourself—your health, your personal evolution, and the answers you’re longing for— begins at $597.

    This includes your Clarity Consult, comprehensive lab fees, and your personalized Total Body Wellness Profile, featuring detailed lab interpretation, evidence-based medication and targeted supplement recommendations, foundational nutrition and movement strategies, and techniques to support nervous system regulation so that you are free to feel like the most authentic version of yourself.

  • Once you complete your Clarity Consult you will have a clearly defined plan for resolving your symptoms and transforming your health. The next step is to put that plan into action through our Signature Suite of Services.

    Our services are organized through a tiered system, allowing you to choose the level of care and investment that best aligns with your goals—without hidden costs, upsells, or pressure to purchase. This is healthcare that honors your autonomy, meets you where you are, and empowers you to move forward with confidence.

    Each tier offers a different level of support:

    Tier One is for the woman who is ready to get started with clarity and structure. She wants expert guidance and clinical direction but prefers to implement the plan at her own pace and in her own way and without any prescription therapy just yet. She’s motivated, capable, and seeking a sustainable starting point through supplements and lifestyle changes that meets her exactly where she is—without pressure or overwhelm.

    Tier Two is for the woman who is ready to begin prescription therapy and desires more hands-on support and layered guidance. She’s ready to invest more deeply in a comprehensive plan that includes medical management, ongoing check-ins, added accountability, in-depth education, and individualized care with hormone, thyroid, metabolic, and nervous system support.

    Tier Three represents our most elevated experience—a white-glove level of personalized support, on-demand provider access, and exclusive resources designed to anticipate your needs before you even have to ask.

    Every package is curated and customized to your unique needs so that it includes only what you need, and no pressure to purchase products or services that you don’t.

    Your personal package options with individualized pricing will be presented to you as part of your Clarity Consult, providing you with the information you need to make decisions from a place of transparency and confidence.

  • Resplendence is a private pay practice, which means we do not participate in any insurance plans and are unable to submit claims or superbills for reimbursement. Additionally, we are unable to provide services to individuals covered under Medicare or Medicaid.

    While this model may feel unfamiliar, it’s intentionally designed to provide you with the kind of care that insurance-based systems often can’t. Without the constraints of coverage limits or pre-authorizations, your care is centered around safe, effective treatments that are also proactive, personalized, and deeply attuned to the female experience.

    This allows us to take the time to listen deeply, investigate thoroughly, and offer thoughtful, personalized recommendations that reflect your unique needs, values, and goals. It also means more transparency, more continuity, and a level of service that prioritizes your long-term wellbeing—not just short-term symptom relief.

    Your investment in this model is an investment in comprehensive, collaborative care that centers you as the expert of your own body—and honors your desire for a healthcare experience that feels aligned, empowering, and effective.

  • We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

    We provide clear and upfront pricing for all services to ensure there are no hidden fees or unexpected bills, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health care. By choosing a private-pay wellness practice, you are investing in a model that prioritizes your health and well-being, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care without the limitations and frustrations often associated with insurance-based practices.

  • At Resplendence, we value your time and are committed to providing high-quality care. To ensure that we can serve all our patients efficiently, we have established the folllowing provisions regarding the scheduling, rescheduling, cancellation, and late arrival of appointments.

    • Full payment of the Discovery Call fee is required at the time of scheduling. Due to the nature of this appointment type, no refunds will be given if you do not attend or if you cancel your Discovery Call. If you need to reschedule your Discovery Call, please contact us at hello@experienceresplendence.com or 984-224-7470.

    • Full payment of The Clarity Consult is required at the time of scheduling.

    • The Clarity Consult must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance. If you do not see an available date or time that works for your schedule, please reach out to hello@experienceresplendence.com so we may accommodate you.

    • If you need to reschedule your Clarity Consult, you may do so without incurring any fees, provided you reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

    • If you reschedule your Clarity Consult less than 24 hours prior to your appointment time, a $50 late rescheduling fee will be automatically applied to your credit/debit card on file.

    • If you need to cancel your Clarity Consult, you may do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled time to receive a full refund of your consultation fee minus a 3% processing fee.

    • If you cancel your Clarity Consult less than 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time, a $150 late cancellation fee will be deducted from your consultation fee, and the remainder will be refunded to you.

    • If you do not attend your Clarity Consult and do not provide any advance notice of cancellation, you will forfeit the entire cost of the consultation fee and will not receive any full or partial refund.

    • If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment without any prior advance notice of your late arrival, you will be considered a “no show” and you will forfeit the entire cost of your Clarity Consult fee and will not receive any full or partial refund.

    • If you anticipate you will arrive late to your scheduled appointment, please call 984-224-7470 to notify us. If you arrive 15 or more minutes late to your appointment, you may be required to reschedule your appointment to the next available date/time.

    • These policies are meant to serve the best interests of the patients and the practice. In the event of extenuating circumstances, the Practice reserves the right to allow exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

  • At Resplendence, we focus on providing specialized care for women in the menopause transition, optimizing their hormonal and metabolic health. While we offer a range of services that complement primary care, we do not replace your primary care provider. It’s important to continue seeing your primary care provider for general health needs, routine check-ups, and management of any other health conditions.

    There may be times when referral back to your primary care provider or other specialist is necessary including completion of pap smears, breast exams, mammograms, uterine ultrasound, or other needs as indicated. It is important that you inform your primary care provider of the services you are receiving from Resplendence. Our role is to work alongside your primary care provider to offer specialized support tailored to your unique needs during menopause.

About Perimenopause & Menopause

  • Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which can cause various physical and emotional symptoms. Perimenopause may start as early as age 35 and may last for several years until menopause is reached.

    Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause is caused by the decline in ovarian function and the decrease in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal shift leads to the cessation of ovulation and menstruation. This marks the end of reproductive capability and is a biological process that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51 in the United States

  • Perimenopause is considered a “clinical diagnosis.” This means the diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history, reported symptoms, signs observed on physical examination, and the healthcare provider's clinical judgment rather than relying solely on laboratory tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures.

    Symptoms of perimenopause can start as early as age 35 and include: irregular cycles, mood changes, difficulty falling or staying asleep, hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, changes in metabolism and weight gain, lack of mental clarity, hair thinning or loss, headaches, palpitations, muscle and joint pain, vaginal dryness, irritation, and burning, painful vaginal intercourse, changes in urination, and increased risk of bladder infection.

    If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule your initial consultation today so we can discuss your concerns and health goals in more detail.

About Hormone Replacement Therapy

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is used to supplement or replace hormones that the body no longer produces in optimal quantities.

    Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is comprised of plant-derived hormones that are chemically similar or structurally identical to those produced by the body. Bioidentical HRT includes compounded medications formulated an dosed to your specific needs, as well as FDA approved commercially available medications.

    Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy is artificially manufactured from man-made chemical compounds and interact differently with target hormone receptors in the body. As a result, synthetic hormones confer a higher risk profile and may produce more side effects as compared to bioidentical formulations. Synthetic HRT is primarily found in FDA approved commercially available medications.

  • Determining whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is right for you begins with a thorough consultation and lab evaluation to assess your symptoms, goals, medical history, and current health status. HRT can be a safe and effective option for many women navigating perimenopause and menopause—but like all medical therapies, it isn’t appropriate for everyone.

    You may not be a candidate for HRT if you have any of the following medical conditions:

    • Unexplained vaginal bleeding occurring after menopause (after 12 consecutive months of no periods)

    • Present or prior history of liver disease (Hepatitis, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Cirrhosis, etc.)

    • Present or prior history of breast cancer or other estrogen- or progesterone-sensitive cancers

    • Prior history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart attack

    • Present or prior history of a blood clot or pulmonary embolism

    • Currently pregnant

    • Currently breastfeeding

    • History of Porphyria cutanea tarda

    If any of these conditions apply to you, we can explore alternative treatment options that may be more appropriate for your safety and long-term health goals.

    What if I’m over 60?
    Age alone does not disqualify a woman from receiving HRT. For women 60 and older, we will carefully review your personal and family health history to assess your individual risk profile and discuss the benefits and potential risks of therapy in detail during your consultation. The decision to move forward with HRT is always made collaboratively and with your full understanding.

    Our goal is to ensure that any therapy you consider is not only safe and evidence-based—but also tailored to reflect your values, needs, and long-term vision for your health.

  • According to the North American Menopause Society 2022 Position Statement, hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for several menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, irritation, burning, painful intercourse, urinary issues like frequent bladder infections, and prevention of osteoporosis.

    According to the Women’s Health Initiative study, additional benefits of hormone replacement therapy include reduced risk of fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and death from any cause.

    Even more clinically-proven benefits from other studies include reduced muscle loss, improvement in depressive symptoms in perimenopause, and improved signs of skin aging.

  • If you’ve been hesitant about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you’re not alone. For years, women were misled by incomplete and inconsistent research that exaggerated risks while ignoring the overwhelming benefits

    Here’s what we now know:

    • HRT is safe and effective for relieving common symptoms associated with menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness and irritation) as well as improving sleep, mood, metabolism, and body composition.

    • HRT does not increase breast cancer risk. The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study that sparked fear was later found to be deeply flawed. More recent research confirms that properly dosed HRT does not increase the risk of breast cancer above baseline cancer risk for the general population.

    • Topical estrogen (creams, gels, patches) does not increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, or gallbladder disease in the same way oral estrogen may.

    • Vaginal estrogen cream for treatment of symptoms like irritation, dryness, frequent UTI’s, and painful intercourse is safe and effective for menopausal women at any age.

    • HRT reduces the risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and cognitive decline. Estrogen plays a critical role in bone, brain, and heart health—without it, these systems decline more rapidly.

    Ultimately, the risk and benefit profile of hormone therapies differ depending on type, dose, duration of use, route of administration, timing of initiation, and whether a form of progesterone is used. Therefore, it is recommended that treatment is individualized to the patient using the best available evidence to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

    Your comprehensive consultation with Resplendence will include a detailed evaluation of your past and present medical history, possible contraindications to hormone therapy, and discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives so you can make a truly informed decision on whether hormone therapy is right for you.

  • Resplendence offers estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapies that are available in a variety of formulations, including oral capsules, topical creams or gels, transdermal patches, and injections.

    Please note we do not offer hormone pellet therapy, nor are we able to offer testosterone therapy in Virginia at this time.

  • Compounded medications are customized prescriptions created by a licensed pharmacist to meet a patient’s specific needs. This may include adjusting the dosage, removing allergens, or combining ingredients in a way that is not available in standard, mass-produced medications.

    Because these medications are tailored to the individual, they are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that commercially manufactured drugs are. While the ingredients used in compounded medications must come from FDA-registered facilities and meet quality standards, the final product has not gone through the FDA’s formal approval process or large-scale clinical trials.

    Compounding pharmacies are regulated by state pharmacy boards and must follow strict safety and quality standards, including those established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Some compounding pharmacies are also inspected by the FDA, particularly if they operate as outsourcing facilities.

    In contrast, conventional pharmacies (like CVS, Walgreens, or local retail pharmacies) dispense FDA-approved medications that are mass-produced in standardized dosages and formulations. These medications have gone through the full FDA review process and are available in fixed forms and strengths.

    At Resplendence, we believe in personalizing your care based on your body’s unique needs. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether a conventional or compounded medication is most appropriate for you, including a clear explanation of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Our goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and empowered to make the best decision for your health.

  • While compounded medications are not FDA-approved in the same way that mass-produced drugs are, they can be safely and effectively used when prepared by a reputable pharmacy that follows strict quality and safety standards.

    At Resplendence, we take the safety and integrity of your medications seriously. That’s why we only partner with compounding pharmacies that have undergone thorough vetting to ensure they meet or exceed regulatory and industry standards.

    The pharmacies we work with have verified that they:

    • Are licensed to dispense or ship medications in the states of North Carolina and Virginia

    • Hold accreditation through the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB)

    • Comply with USP <795> (non-sterile) and USP <797> (sterile) compounding guidelines

    • Source all active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from FDA-registered facilities subject to FDA inspection

    • Perform internal and third-party testing to assess sterility, potency, stability, and screen for endotoxins and other impurities

    • Have no outstanding or unresolved FDA Form 483 observations, which would indicate significant regulatory concerns

    We are happy to provide additional information about the specific pharmacies we utilize upon request. Your safety, trust, and confidence are our highest priorities.

  • Many patients start to notice symptom improvement in as few as two weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks to experience the full therapeutic effect of hormone therapy. Keep in mind that symptoms may not be 100% resolved. Instead, it is realistic to aim for a goal of 80% improvement in symptoms with hormone replacement therapy.

    Additionally, hormone fluctuations in perimenopause vary considerably over time as a woman moves closer towards menopause. As such, medication dosage and/or formulation may require frequent adjustments to provide adequate symptom relief. The key is to communicate frequently with your provider and remain patient throughout the process.

  • Please feel free to contact us via email at hello@experienceresplendence.com or via phone at 984-224-7470.