Frequently Asked Questions

NOVA is a concierge longevity medicine practice specializing in hormone optimization and cardiovascular prevention. We combine WorldLink Medical's evidence-based hormone protocols with the BaleDoneen Method for heart disease prevention — helping you feel better now AND live longer.

Most hormone clinics focus only on symptom relief — hot flashes, low libido, fatigue. We go further. We're a LONGEVITY practice, meaning we use hormones as one tool in a comprehensive approach to prevent disease and extend your healthy years.

Key differences:

• Unhurried consultations (not 15 minutes)
• Advanced testing most providers don't run
• Cardiovascular prevention integrated with hormone care
• Root cause focus, not just symptom masking
• True concierge access to your provider

For Women:

• Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• PCOS and cycle irregularities
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Metabolic issues and weight concerns

For Men:

• Low testosterone and hormone imbalance
• Erectile dysfunction
• Metabolic issues and weight concerns
• Energy and performance optimization

For Everyone:

• Cardiovascular disease prevention
• Insulin resistance and prediabetes
• Inflammation and metabolic dysfunction

No — and here's why. Insurance limits what tests we can run, how much time we can spend with you, and what treatments we can offer. Our concierge model lets us provide unrestricted, personalized care without those limitations.

You can use HSA or FSA cards for consultations, labs, medications, and supplements.

Your membership covers hormone prescriptions (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid as needed). Additional costs may include:

• Labs: Can often be run through insurance, or cash pricing available
• GLP-1 medications (Zepbound, Mounjaro): Priced separately
• Specialty medications or add-on therapies: Priced as needed
• Supplements: Available through FullScripts at discounted rates

1. Book a consultation to see if we're the right fit
2. Schedule your initial consultation (in-person or virtual)
3. Complete your advanced lab testing
4. Meet with Alexis Ammons, DNP for your comprehensive consultation
5. Receive your personalized treatment plan
6. Begin treatment with medications shipped to your door
7. Ongoing optimization with monthly membership

Not necessarily. We offer virtual consultations for patients in Louisiana, Arizona, Florida, Maine, and Virginia. More states coming soon.

Many patients choose in-person for the initial visit to get arterial imaging, then continue with virtual follow-ups.

Currently we can only provide ongoing care in Louisiana, Arizona, Florida, Maine, and Virginia. However, you can travel to Lafayette, LA for an in-person consultation regardless of your home state.

We're actively expanding to additional states — contact us to learn about upcoming availability.

BHRT uses hormones that are molecularly identical to the ones your body naturally produces. They're derived from plant sources (like yams or soy) and modified in a lab to match human hormones exactly.

Common bioidentical hormones include:

• Estradiol (estrogen)
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Thyroid hormones

Because they're identical to your natural hormones, bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into your body's receptors, making them more physiologic than synthetic alternatives.

Yes — when properly prescribed and monitored. Much of the fear around hormone therapy comes from the 2001 Women's Health Initiative study, which used SYNTHETIC hormones (not bioidentical) and has been widely misinterpreted.

Modern research supports bioidentical hormone therapy as safe and beneficial when managed by a trained provider. At NOVA, your protocol is personalized to your specific needs, and we monitor closely to ensure safety and effectiveness.

This is a common misconception based on outdated research using synthetic hormones. Bioidentical hormones do NOT carry the same risks when properly prescribed.

In fact, proper hormone optimization may be PROTECTIVE:

• Bioidentical progesterone protects the uterus (unlike synthetic progestins)
• Estradiol is cardioprotective when started at the right time
• Testosterone does not increase prostate cancer risk in properly screened men

We take a thorough health history and monitor regularly to ensure your therapy is safe for YOUR situation.

Everyone responds differently, but typical timelines:

Weeks 2-6: Early improvements

• Better energy and mood
• Improved sleep
• Mental clarity returning

Months 2-4: Significant progress

• Hot flashes and night sweats reduced or gone
• Libido and sexual function improving
• Body composition starting to shift

Months 4-6+: Full optimization

• Stable energy and mood
• Weight and body composition goals achievable
• Long-term disease protection in place

It depends on your situation and goals. For some patients, we address underlying causes (insulin resistance, thyroid issues, nutrient deficiencies) that may reduce the need for ongoing hormone support. For others — especially post-menopausal women or men with age-related decline — long-term optimization provides the most benefit. We discuss your individual situation and goals to determine the best approach for you.

Absolutely not. Hormone decline can begin in your mid-30s, and early intervention often leads to better outcomes. If you're experiencing symptoms — fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, irregular cycles — your hormones may already be declining. Starting earlier can provide better symptom relief AND more effective long-term disease prevention.

Most OB-GYNs have limited training in hormone optimization. They typically:

• Use synthetic hormones or standard estrogen patches
• Prescribe one-size-fits-all doses
• Focus on symptom relief, not optimization
• Don't integrate cardiovascular prevention
• See you for 15 minutes

At NOVA:

• We use bioidentical hormones with personalized dosing
• We target optimal levels, not just "normal"
• We focus on prevention AND symptom relief
• We include cardiovascular assessment
• Your first visit is unhurried and comprehensive

Yes — this is outdated misinformation. Modern research shows properly managed testosterone therapy is cardioprotective for most men. In fact, LOW testosterone is associated with HIGHER cardiovascular risk. We monitor your cardiovascular health alongside hormone optimization, including arterial imaging that most providers never do.

Exogenous testosterone can suppress sperm production. If fertility is a concern, we have protocols (including HCG) that can maintain fertility while optimizing hormones. Always tell us your family planning goals so we can design the right approach for your situation.

Those clinics are testosterone factories — inject and move on. They don't investigate WHY your testosterone is low, don't check for insulin resistance or thyroid issues, don't look at your arteries, and don't provide true optimization. We find root causes, integrate cardiovascular prevention, and build a comprehensive plan — not just a testosterone prescription.