Frequently Asked Questions
Your most pressing questions, answered. Explore by category to quickly find the information you need.
Common FAQs
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Sistah Pause™ is a virtual concierge wellness clinic created to fill the gap in care for Black women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife. Born from the need for culturally competent, compassionate support, we provide expert, personalized care through virtual consultations. Our team blends evidence-based medicine with holistic wellness — from prescriptions and supplements to hormone testing and lifestyle guidance — all tailored to your unique journey. Sistah Pause™ was built to ensure every woman feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive through this powerful stage of life.
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Sistah Pause™ provides personalized, integrative care for women navigating midlife transitions — from perimenopause and menopause support, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to metabolic reset and weight loss programs. We also offer longevity and wellness services designed to help you optimize energy, confidence, and vitality through every stage of womanhood.
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Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, where hormone levels begin to fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood changes. Menopause is officially defined as the point when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period, marking the end of your reproductive years. While perimenopause can last several years, menopause is a single moment in time, and the years that follow are called postmenopause.
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Because we see you, Sis. Too many Black women have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, and gaslit in traditional healthcare. Sistah Pause™ was created to change that. We deliver culturally competent, evidence-based care that listens first and treats the whole woman — body, mind, and spirit. With over 15 years of clinical expertise, we provide personalized hormone, metabolic, and wellness solutions designed for your unique biology and life experience. This isn’t one-size-fits-all medicine — it’s care that finally centers you.
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No, Sis — you don’t need insurance to work with Sistah Pause™. We’re a cash-based practice with transparent pricing and convenient payment options. You can still use your insurance for medications when covered or choose self-pay options that fit your needs.
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No, we don’t. Our programs use a comprehensive lab protocol to uncover the root causes of your symptoms. Most standard panels miss key markers — we go deeper to get the full picture and create a plan that delivers real results.
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No worries, Sis — that’s exactly what we’re here for. Your journey starts with the Discovery Labs + Results Call, where we’ll review your labs, listen to your goals, and guide you toward the Sistah Pause™ program that fits your needs — whether it’s focused on hormones, metabolism, or both.
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Absolutely. Excess weight in midlife can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. This is a stage when many of these health issues tend to emerge in women, making it a crucial time to take proactive steps toward your health. Managing your weight now can be an essential part of staying healthy for years to come.
Pricing & Insurance
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Sistah Pause™ is a cash-based practice, so we don’t bill insurance directly. However, you can use your insurance for medications when covered by your plan. If you prefer, self-pay options are also available for labs and prescriptions.
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Due to regulations, we are unable to accept Medicaid, Medicare, or Medi-Cal, even for self-pay patients.
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Your journey begins with a $297 Discovery Call, which includes a personalized lab requisition sent to your nearest lab, followed by a 1:1 results review where we map out your next steps.
From there, you can choose from our tiered programs, designed to fit your goals and treatment needs.
Sistah Pause™ is a cash-based practice with transparent pricing, and you can use your insurance for medications when covered. We accept FSA/HSA cards and all major credit cards. -
Cancellations must be made at least 2 days before your appointment via your patient portal or email.
Cancellations made within 24 hours will incur a $75 fee; no-shows are charged $150. After two no-shows, the Discovery Call fee is forfeited.
Once lab requisitions are sent, there are no refunds. All programs and services are final and non-refundable here. -
While we do our best to ensure timely deliveries, occasional delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances may occur. Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for shipping delays beyond our control.
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We do not offer refunds for unused portions of subscription services, but you can pause your subscription if needed. Just be sure to cancel or pause at least three days before the renewal date.
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If your insurance denies coverage, you lack insurance, or you can’t access the medication at your local pharmacy, we’ve got you covered. We partner with a third-party compounding pharmacy that can process your prescription and mail your medication directly to you.
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After your Discovery Call and lab review, your provider will determine which medications or therapies are best for you. Prescriptions are sent directly to your preferred local pharmacy or shipped to your home through our partner compounding pharmacies.
Medication costs may be covered by insurance or available as self-pay, depending on your plan. Please note: compounded medications are not covered by insurance, and branded GLP-1s (such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro®) are dispensed only through LillyDirect™ or Novo Nordisk™.
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Yes. Sistah Pause™ partners with Fullscript and OrthoMolecular to provide professional-grade supplements that support hormone balance, metabolism, and overall wellness. Your provider may recommend products tailored to your specific needs as part of your personalized care plan.
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Yes, at Sistah Pause, we prescribe bioidentical hormones, which have the same chemical and molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced by your body. We offer a variety of FDA-approved bioidentical hormone options, including pills, patches, and vaginal formulations.
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No! Sistah Pause is dedicated to individualized care, recommending treatments based on your unique symptoms, medical history, and personal approach to health. Not every woman needs or desires hormone replacement therapy (HRT), so we explore a full range of alternative solutions. We may suggest non-hormonal medications, supplements, and botanicals, as well as wellness therapies such as acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, and yoga, either in place of or alongside HRT. Additionally, we offer coaching on effective lifestyle changes, including improvements in sleep, mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise. For those who prefer alternatives to HRT, we also consider a variety of safe and effective non-hormonal prescription medications to help you find relief.
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Yes. At Sistah Pause™, our clinicians may prescribe testosterone therapy if it aligns with your symptoms, labs, and treatment goals. Due to state regulations, prescriptions may be limited in certain areas, such as CT or LA. If appropriate, your prescription will be sent to a licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.
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Yes. Compounded medications are generally safe when prepared by state-licensed 503A/503B pharmacies. While they are not FDA-approved like brand-name drugs, they are regulated for safety and quality. During drug shortages, compounding pharmacies play a vital role in filling the gap by creating safe, customized alternatives when commercial options aren’t available.
At Sistah Pause™, we work only with trusted U.S.-based compounding pharmacies that meet the highest standards of safety, purity, and care. -
Yes — when done correctly. At Sistah Pause™, your provider will give you clear instructions and guidance to ensure safe and confident self-administration. Many of our treatments are designed for at-home use, and we only prescribe medications appropriate for self-injection. If you ever feel unsure, we’ll walk you through the process virtually to make sure you’re comfortable and safe.
Prescriptions, Supplements & Labs
Appointments & Care
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All appointments must be scheduled online through our booking portal. Simply choose a time that works for you, and you’re all set.
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Yes, you can reschedule at no additional cost if done at least three days before your scheduled appointment. Appointments rescheduled within three days may be subject to cancellation policies.
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Our virtual consultations are conducted with the same level of professionalism and scrutiny as in-person visits. Your privacy is protected, and all information is securely stored, complying with HIPAA standards.
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During your Discovery Call, we’ll review your lab results, discuss your symptoms and goals, and create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs. You’ll leave with clarity, direction, and next steps to begin your wellness journey
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Our subscription plans offer ongoing support, regular follow-up appointments, and continuous care. It’s a convenient option to ensure you’re getting the most out of your wellness journey.
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Yes, all health information is stored securely and will not be shared except as required or permitted under applicable privacy laws such as HIPAA. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy here.
Additionally, our virtual consultations are conducted with the same level of HIPAA compliance as in-person visits to protect your privacy.
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If you need to cancel your subscription, please do so at least three days before the renewal date to avoid automatic charges. Cancellations within three days may result in your subscription renewing for the next period. For more information, please read our Cancellation and Refund Policy here.
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Our Shift, Sis™ Weight Loss Program is designed especially for Black women navigating perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause who are struggling with weight gain linked to hormonal changes.
You may be eligible if you meet one or more of the following:
BMI over 27 with conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, or diabetes.
BMI over 30, regardless of other conditions.
Experiencing hormone-related weight gain or metabolic changes.
Committed to lifestyle changes, including nutrition and movement.
Willing to complete lab testing and consultations to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Open to prescription medications when appropriate.
At Sistah Pause™, we address the root causes of weight gain — from hormonal imbalances to metabolism — helping you achieve sustainable, long-term results that honor your body and your stage of life.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!