Frequently asked questions

About Elsie

• What is Elsie?+
  Elsie is a telehealth service that provides hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women experiencing menopause symptoms. You fill out a health questionnaire, a licensed doctor reviews it and prescribes medication if appropriate, and your medication is compounded specifically for you and shipped to your door.
• How old is the company?+
  Elsie launched in 2025, but we work with established, long-running partners. Our pharmacy is ChemistryRx, which has been compounding medications for many years, and our physician network is powered by Beluga Health, also a well-established platform.
• Do you offer testosterone?+
  No, Elsie does not currently offer testosterone. We focus on bioidentical estradiol, estriol, and progesterone, which address the core symptoms of menopause effectively for most women. A licensed physician reviews every patient’s intake individually to confirm that our treatment is the right fit.
• What states do you serve?+
  Elsie operates in 45 US states. We do not currently serve Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, or New Mexico.

How It Works

• How does it work?+
  Fill out a free health questionnaire on tryelsie.com. Select your products and pay at checkout (your payment is authorized but not charged yet). A licensed doctor reviews your case and writes a prescription, usually within 24 hours. Your payment is charged and the prescription is sent to our pharmacy. Your medication is compounded specifically for you and shipped to your door.
• Do I need a video consultation?+
  No. Everything happens asynchronously, the doctor reviews your health questionnaire and communicates with you through the patient portal. If the doctor has follow-up questions, they’ll message you directly in the “Medical Chat” section of your portal.
• Do I need bloodwork or lab tests?+
  No. Our doctors prescribe based on your symptoms and health questionnaire. Patients must be 40 or older, patients under 40 would require lab testing that we do not currently process.
• When will I hear from the doctor?+
  Usually within 24 hours of checkout. In most cases the doctor simply reviews your intake and writes your prescription, and you don’t need to do anything. If they have a question, you’ll get an email and can reply in the “Medical Chat” in your patient portal.
• Where do I talk to the doctor?+
  In your patient portal, log in at tryelsie.com and click “Medical Chat” in the top navigation bar.
• How does the doctor decide which treatment to prescribe?+
  Your doctor bases the decision entirely on your health questionnaire: the symptoms you report, your health history, your age, and any medications or conditions that matter for hormone therapy. From there, they choose the option, or combination, that best fits your situation, personalized to your symptoms and health history. If anything in your intake needs clarifying, the doctor will message you in Medical Chat before prescribing. A licensed physician reviews every intake before any treatment is prescribed, and nothing ships without a prescription written for you.
• What can I expect in the first weeks and months of treatment?+
  Every woman responds on her own timeline. Many women begin to notice improvements in symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats within the first 2 to 4 weeks, while sleep, mood, energy, and mental clarity often continue improving over the first 2 to 3 months as your body adjusts. Some women need a dose adjustment along the way; that’s normal, and it’s included in your plan. Mild effects such as breast tenderness or light spotting can show up in the first weeks as your body adapts; if anything concerns you, message your doctor in Medical Chat. Individual results may vary.

Treatments & Safety

• Which symptoms can HRT help with?+
  HRT is designed to help with symptoms tied to declining hormone levels in perimenopause and menopause. Many women experience relief from hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood swings, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, low libido, vaginal dryness, and joint aches. Your doctor reviews your symptoms and health history to confirm whether HRT is a good fit for you, and can adjust your treatment over time. Individual results may vary.
• What treatments does Elsie offer, and how is each one used?+

  Elsie offers doctor-prescribed bioidentical hormone treatments, and your doctor prescribes the combination that best fits your symptoms and health history:

  • Trivea 3-in-1 cream: a once-daily cream combining estradiol, estriol, and progesterone, applied to thin-skinned areas (like the inner arm) for steady absorption.
  • Estradiol patch: a small, discreet patch worn on the skin that releases estradiol; you replace it on a set schedule (typically twice a week).
  • Estradiol gel: a gel that comes in single-use 1 g packets; you tear open one packet a day and apply it to the skin.
  • Progesterone capsules: taken by mouth, usually in the evening, to help balance estrogen and support the uterine lining when your doctor prescribes them alongside estrogen.
  • Vaginal estradiol cream: a low-dose cream applied locally to help address vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

  Your medication arrives with instructions specific to your prescription, and your doctor is available in Medical Chat if you have questions about how to use it.

• Is Elsie’s treatment safe?+
  Hormone therapy isn’t right for everyone, which is why a licensed physician reviews your health questionnaire and medical history before anything is prescribed. You’ll only be prescribed medication a doctor has determined is appropriate for you. Like any medication, HRT can carry risks and side effects and may not be suitable for people with certain health histories; your intake and your doctor’s review are there to help catch that. The hormones we prescribe are bioidentical — estradiol, estriol, and micronized progesterone, molecules identical to what your body already makes. This isn’t medical advice; if you have specific health concerns, share them in your intake or ask your prescribing physician. Individual results may vary.
• Is Elsie’s treatment safe to use long-term?+
  Many menopause specialists support longer-term hormone therapy for appropriate patients when it’s monitored by a clinician. Your prescribing physician reviews your history and checks in over time, adjusting as your needs change. Hormone therapy isn’t right for everyone, and this isn’t medical advice. Individual results may vary.
• What does the Trivea cream help with?+
  Trivea is our flagship treatment: a 3-in-1 bioidentical cream we developed to help take on the major symptoms of menopause in a single daily application. It combines three bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) to help address the most common symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, without needing a handful of separate products. Many women find real relief with it, though individual results vary. And because it’s compounded specifically for you, your physician personalizes the combination and strength to your symptoms and health history.
• Is Trivea bioidentical or synthetic?+
  Bioidentical. The estradiol, estriol, and progesterone in Trivea are molecularly identical to the hormones your body used to produce, and they’re derived from plant sources rather than synthesized analogs like medroxyprogesterone.
• How is Trivea different from other hormone therapies?+
  Many hormone therapy regimens involve a patch plus an oral progesterone, and sometimes a separate vaginal cream. Trivea combines bioidentical hormones into one daily cream, which can mean fewer separate products and a simpler daily routine. Your physician decides whether it’s the right fit for you.
• How is this different from supplements?+
  They work differently. Supplements support the body indirectly, while hormone therapy replaces hormones the body is no longer producing. For symptoms tied to hormone decline, that’s a different approach from supplements. Whether hormone therapy is right for you is a decision your physician makes based on your intake. Individual results may vary.
• What if I was told I have estrogen dominance?+
  Everyone’s hormone profile is different. When progesterone is prescribed alongside estradiol, it’s intended to support balance between the two. If you have a specific concern like this, note it in your intake or raise it with your physician in Medical Chat and they’ll take it into account. This isn’t medical advice. (For reference, “estrogen dominance” usually describes estrogen being high relative to progesterone.)
• Is Trivea third-party tested?+
  Yes. Each batch is prepared by a licensed US compounding pharmacy and comes with a Certificate of Analysis from an independent lab confirming the identity, potency, and purity of the active ingredients.
• Are compounding pharmacies safe?+
  Compounding is a well-established part of pharmacy care. Trivea is compounded at a licensed, accredited US compounding pharmacy (ChemistryRx) that follows strict quality and safety standards. ChemistryRx is a 503A licensed U.S. pharmacy holding NABP and PCAB accreditation — the same standards used to vet hospital and oncology compounders.
• What do I do if I experience side effects?+
  Like any prescription medication, HRT can have side effects, most commonly mild ones such as breast tenderness, light spotting, headaches, or temporary mood shifts as your body adjusts in the first weeks. If you notice anything that concerns you, message your doctor in the “Medical Chat” section of your patient portal; they can adjust your dose or switch your treatment. If you experience severe or alarming symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, vision changes, or leg swelling, stop and seek medical care right away, then let your Elsie doctor know.
• What are the possible side effects?+
  As with any hormone medication, side effects are possible and vary from person to person. Your prescribing physician will review your health history and discuss what to expect. Most commonly these are mild — breast tenderness, light spotting, or temporary mood shifts in the first weeks as your body adjusts — and most resolve on their own; persistent issues are often addressed with a dose adjustment by your clinician. If you have questions or notice anything concerning after starting treatment, message your doctor directly in the “Medical Chat” in your patient portal; that’s the fastest way to reach the clinician who can help. This isn’t medical advice. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate care.
• What if I no longer have a uterus (for example, after a hysterectomy)?+
  That’s important information for your doctor to have. Progesterone is often included to help protect the uterine lining, and if your prescribing physician decides it should be part of your treatment, it’s included in your plan at no extra cost. If you’ve had a hysterectomy, you may need a different combination, so please note it in your health questionnaire and your physician will tailor your treatment accordingly.
• What if I’m allergic to the adhesive in the patches?+
  If the patch adhesive is a problem for you, you can message the doctor anytime in the “Medical Chat” in your patient portal. You can talk it through and, if needed, request an order change to a different option, such as the Estradiol Gel or the Trivea cream. To do it yourself, log in to your patient portal, go to “Subscriptions,” and choose “Request Order Change,” or just reach out to support and we’ll help.
• Will this affect my ability to have kids?+
  Trivea is not a fertility treatment and is not designed to be used while trying to conceive or during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your clinician before starting.

The information in this section is general and not medical advice. A licensed physician reviews every intake, and a prescription is required before any treatment is prescribed. Hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone. Elsie is not available in AK, LA, MS, NH, or NM. Individual results may vary.

Pricing & Plans

• How much does it cost?+
  Plans start at $99/month on a 30-day cycle, from $89/month on a 90-day cycle (billed as a single payment of $267 every 3 months), or from $79/month on a 6-month cycle (billed once every 6 months). The exact price depends on which products are included. Everything is included, doctor consultation, prescription, compounded medication, and free shipping. No hidden fees, no lab costs.
• Can I change my plan?+
  Yes. Log in to your patient portal, click “Subscriptions,” then “Request Order Change.” Your doctor will need to approve the change before it takes effect.
• Is there a discount for longer plans?+
  Yes. The 90-day plan works out to approximately 10% less per month than the 30-day plan, and the 6-month plan approximately 20% less per month.
• Do you accept insurance?+
  Elsie is a direct-pay service and does not accept insurance. Full pricing is at tryelsie.com/#pricing.

Subscriptions & Billing

• Can I cancel at any time?+
  Yes. You can cancel yourself in your patient portal at any time, or contact support at hello@tryelsie.com. Cancellation requests must be received at least 72 hours before your next billing date to take effect that cycle. If you cancel, any shipment you’ve already paid for is still yours; cancelling stops future charges and shipments, it doesn’t reverse a cycle that’s already been billed. Once medication has been dispensed and shipped, it cannot be returned. Full details in our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
• Is there a money-back guarantee?+
  Yes, give Elsie a try for 30 days, and if it’s not the right fit you can request a full refund any time within 90 days of your purchase. We’ll refund what you’ve paid and cancel your subscription. Because your medication is compounded specifically for you it can’t be returned (federal law for all pharmacies), so this is your money back, not a product return. The guarantee* can be used once and doesn’t apply to the 6-month plan. Individual results may vary.
• How do I pause my subscription?+
  You can pause your subscription yourself in the patient portal: log in, go to “Subscriptions,” and choose “Pause Subscription.” You’re also welcome to contact our support team and we’ll pause it for you. Your prescription has a defined validity period, so pausing for an extended time may require a new doctor review when you resume.
• How does billing work?+
  When you check out, your payment is authorized but not immediately charged. It’s only charged once your doctor writes your prescription, usually within 24 hours. If no prescription is written within 7 days, the authorization expires and you are never charged. Once you’re an active subscriber, your Next Billing Date is shown in your patient portal, so you always know when your next charge is coming.
• How do I update my payment information?+
  Log in to your patient portal, click your name in the top right corner, and select “My Account” or “My Billing Information.”

Products & Ingredients

• What products does Elsie offer?+

  We offer five products, and your doctor prescribes the combination and strength that best fits your symptoms:

  • Trivea: our main product, a single daily 3-in-1 cream combining estradiol, estriol, and progesterone to help with the most common menopause symptoms.
  • Estradiol patch: a simple apply-and-forget patch worn on the skin and replaced on a set schedule (about twice a week).
  • Progesterone tablets: when needed, your doctor can prescribe these alongside your patch, and we include them at no extra cost.
  • Estradiol gel: comes in single-use 1 g packets (one a day) that you tear open and apply to the skin, simple and easy to use.
  • Vaginal estradiol cream: a low-dose local cream to help address vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

  Full list: tryelsie.com/#pricing.

• What are the active ingredients in the Trivea cream?+
  Three bioidentical hormones: estradiol, estriol, and progesterone.
• What are the ingredients in the carrier base?+

  Our creams are compounded by our pharmacy, ChemistryRx, using an inactive carrier base that carries the active hormones into the skin.

  The Trivea 3-in-1 cream (anhydrous cream base) contains: Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Isoamyl Laurate, Propylene Glycol Monocaprylate, Stearyl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), Cetyl Alcohol & Ceteth-20 & Steareth-20, White Beeswax, Olus Oil, Ethoxydiglycol, and Citric Acid.

  The local (vaginal) estradiol cream contains: Medium-Chain Triglycerides NF, Hard Fat NF, Polyoxyl Stearate NF, Glyceryl Monostearate NF, Poloxamer 407 NF, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, and Polyoxyl 20 Cetostearyl Ether NF.

  If you have a known allergy to any of these, let us know or note it in your intake so your physician can take it into account.

Shipping & Orders

• How long does shipping take?+

  Typically 7 to 10 days from checkout to delivery. Once your prescription is written, your medication is usually shipped within 2 to 3 business days.

  For active subscriptions, your Next Shipping Date is shown in your patient portal, so you always know when your next order is on the way.

• Can I change my shipping address?+
  Yes. Log in to your patient portal, click your name in the top right corner, and select “My Account.” If a shipment is already in progress, contact support right away, we may not be able to redirect it in time.
• Can I return my medication?+
  No, prescription medications cannot be returned once dispensed. This is federal law and applies to all pharmacies. If your product arrived damaged or defective, contact us at hello@tryelsie.com.

Patient Portal

• Where can I see my next billing and shipping dates?+
  Log in to your patient portal, your Next Billing Date and Next Shipping Date are shown for every active subscription, so you can always check when your next charge and next shipment are coming without contacting us.
• How do I log in?+
  Go to tryelsie.com and click “Log In,” or go directly to patient.tryelsie.com/login. You’ll receive a one-time verification code by email to complete your login, no photo ID or password required. If you set up a password previously, that still works too.
• I forgot my password.+
  Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page, or simply use the email code option to log in without a password.
• Where do I see my doctor’s messages?+
  Click “Medical Chat” in the top navigation bar of your patient portal.

Contact & Support

• How do I reach support, and what are your hours?+
  Text us at 833-630-2009 or email hello@tryelsie.com. Our support team is available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET. We reply as quickly as we can during those hours, and by the next business day for anything that arrives outside them. Your patient portal is available 24/7. You can also find more ways to reach us on our contact page.