Oestra, by Inner Balance Vs. Midi Health

Oestra by Inner Balance is a brand new-to-market vaginal Estradiol/Progesterone cream. Use PEGGY10 for 10% off.

I've been a patient of both Midi Health and Inner Balance. These two providers are vastly different, but equally popular in Google Search Results.

If you are considering either of these two providers, keep reading to learn if there are any similarities, their differences and what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket with both.

The estradiol patch was introduced in the 1990's.

Estrogen Patch Vs. Cream

The Estradiol Patch also known as the estrogen patch, was introduced and approved by the FDA in late 1990's; so over 35 years ago. Since that time, in the past ten-years, the only other FDA approved products have been non-hormonal drugs like Veozah and Lynkuet which treat hot-flashes by blocking a specific brain chemical.

A generic version of Premarin (conjugated estrogens from female horses) was also introduced. There is also a focus on improved delivery methods to improve efficacy and reduce risks. New research focuses on achieving a more controlled hormone release to minimize side effects compared to older methods like the transdermal patch.

I should also add, that menopause symptoms are caused by a drop in hormones, and using a product that blocks a brain chemical doesn't address the root issue - a decrease in hormones. Estrogen is beneficial for your brain, bones and your heart. What good does it do to block a hot flash if you are not treating the root cause of the problem, hormone deficiencies.

Traditional topical estradiol creams that you rub on your inner thighs or inner arms were introduced and approved by the FDA in 1984. So over 40 years ago. For many women the topical creams don't absorb well enough to provide a systemic effect. Many end up transitioning to other formulas for more systemic outcome.

You'll create an account in the Midi Health portal to schedule your first 30-minute consultation, which will cost you $250 if they don't take your medical insurance. With insurance, you'll pay your co-pay or deductible.

Midi Health and Insurance

Midi Health operates much like a traditional doctor's office only they conduct appointments via Telehealth rather than in-person. They work with many of the larger well-known Medical providers.

Should you choose to become a patient of Midi Health, you'll use your medical insurance for appointments and your prescription Insurance for medications that you'll pick up at your local pharmacy.

Midi Health writes prescriptions that you can pick up at your pharmacy using prescription insurance. They also offer name brand medical weight loss medications, if your insurance covers them. Most don't.

Midi Telehealth Cost and Out of Pocket

The initial 30-minute consultation is $250, if you are paying out of pocket, they do accept HSA Credit Cards. If Midi Health accepts your medical insurance you'll pay your co-pay whatever that is based on where you are with deductibles, etc. for the insurance year. Be sure to check their website to inquire as to whether they accept your medical insurance.

I picked up my HRT prescriptions from my local CVS about six weeks ago.

• Estradiol Patches - $31.03 for 90-day supply

• Estradiol Vaginal Inserts - $44.80 for a 90-day supply

• Progesterone Capsules - $20.81 for a 90-day supply

In addition to the cost of the prescriptions, you'll also have to pay for your consultations, so be sure to factor that in when you are comparing costs.

Midi Health primarily prescribes the age old, long-established estradiol patch, progesterone tablets, and estradiol vaginal cream combo. These products have been on the market for decades, with little innovation or updating since their introduction more than 35 years ago. They’re FDA-approved—though so is Premarin, an HRT made from the urine of pregnant mares. I can’t speak for you, but if the FDA considers horse-urine–derived hormones an acceptable option, it makes me wonder what other questionable products they’re willing to sign off on.

Oestra comes in a pump jar with enough cream for a full three-months. You pay one month at at time. Use Code PEGGY10 for 10% off.

Oestra Cream by Inner Balance Reviews and Public Perception

Oestra cream, by Inner Balance is a compounded bioidentical hormone cream that requires vaginal delivery via your fingers or vaginal applicator. Oestra is NOT intended to be rubbed topically on your inner arms or inner thighs. The ingredients in Oestra are FDA approved, but the formulation and delivery method hasn't been submitted for formal FDA approval as of yet.

Most Common reported impacts of Oestra:

• Significant improvement in vaginal dryness

• Sleep Quality

• Mood and Mental Health

• Energy Levels

• Sexual Function

Inner Balance doesn't accept prescription insurance, but you can use your HSA Credit Card. There is no additional cost for HRT Clinician visits, if needed or to chat/message with their staff if you have questions.

From juggling three prescriptions to taking just one a day—Oestra made the difference instantly noticeable.

How Does Oestra Work

I wasn’t thrilled about the vaginal delivery aspect of Oestra at first, but after juggling three separate prescriptions—twice-weekly patch changes, nightly progesterone tablets, and twice-weekly vaginal inserts on matching days—it started to feel like a lot to keep track of. In comparison, taking something just once a day quickly became familiar, simple, and so much easier to manage. -Peggy B. HRT Patient Reviewer

I've been on HRT since 2019.

Here is what makes Oestra Different:

• Vaginal mucosa delivery and Systemic (Whole Body)

• Bypasses liver's first pass metabolism to reduce unwanted matabolites

• Consistent & stable blood levels have been shown with vaginal delivery

• Treats the whole body - not intended for ONLY vaginal dryness

I was already on the patch, progesterone tablets and vaginal inserts when I transitioned to Oestra. I felt equally as good, but the best part was the immediate improvement in my sleep along with the simplicity of once per day administration of only one product. I fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer now that I've switched to Oestra.

There is no increase in your monthly cost, even if your dose is increased to two pumps per day. Use Code PEGGY10 for 10% off.

Inner Balance Cost

Inner Balance prescribes Oestra as a subscription. The cost for Months 1-6 is $199 per month and then starting on month seven, the cost is reduced to $99 per month, ongoing. The initial jar of Oestra contains enough cream for a full three months.

Even if at your three-month check-up with your Inner Balance clinician, if your are prescribed to increase your dose to two pumps daily, your cost doesn't increase. For me, that is comforting. It's nice to know that the cost remains the same regardless of my dosage.

Oestra, by Inner Balance Vs. Midi Health

In this side-by-side comparison, Oestra gets my vote. It's a new-to-market product and based on it's creator's notion that vaginal delivery better mimics how our bodies made hormones in our 20's, I'm a believer.

The improvement in my sleep is the biggest factor for me compared the the old fashion patch + pill combo you can get from any HRT provider like Midi Health.

Yes, Oestra costs a bit more, but over the course of the first year it's an average of $149 per month, and then just $99 per month on year two.

Use Coupon Code Peggy10 for 10% off your order.