{"total":15,"categories":["weight-loss","TRT-treatments","hrt-providers","best-ed-providers","NAD-treatments","general"],"faqs":[{"id":"glp1-what-is","category":"weight-loss","treatment":"GLP-1 Weight Loss","question":"What is GLP-1 and how does it cause weight loss?","answer":"GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a hormone naturally produced in the gut that signals satiety and reduces appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) mimic this hormone, slowing gastric emptying, reducing hunger, and improving insulin secretion. Clinical trials show 10–22% average body weight reduction over 68 weeks.","sources":["https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9543539/","https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss"]},{"id":"glp1-eligibility","category":"weight-loss","treatment":"GLP-1 Weight Loss","question":"Who is eligible for GLP-1 weight loss medications?","answer":"Typical eligibility requires a BMI ≥30 (obesity), or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. A licensed clinician must evaluate your medical history, current medications, and contraindications before prescribing.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/am-i-eligible"},{"id":"semaglutide-vs-tirzepatide","category":"weight-loss","treatment":"Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide","question":"What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?","answer":"Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that targets two incretin pathways. Head-to-head trials (SURMOUNT-5) show tirzepatide produces greater average weight loss (around 47% vs 25% of participants achieving ≥20% weight loss). Both are once-weekly injections. Individual response varies.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/comparison"},{"id":"glp1-cost","category":"weight-loss","treatment":"GLP-1 Pricing","question":"How much do GLP-1 weight loss programs cost?","answer":"Compounded semaglutide typically costs $150–$400/month. Compounded tirzepatide ranges $200–$450/month. Branded Wegovy and Zepbound retail at $900–$1,400/month without insurance. Many telehealth providers offer all-inclusive monthly memberships covering medication, consultations, and monitoring. Insurance coverage varies significantly.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/weight-loss/cost"},{"id":"glp1-side-effects","category":"weight-loss","treatment":"GLP-1 Side Effects","question":"What are the common side effects of GLP-1 medications?","answer":"The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea (most frequent, especially when starting), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These typically improve after the first few weeks. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and (in animal studies) thyroid tumors. Always report severe symptoms to your prescribing clinician immediately.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/weight-loss/guides"},{"id":"trt-what-is","category":"TRT-treatments","treatment":"TRT","question":"What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?","answer":"TRT is a medically supervised treatment for men with clinically low testosterone (hypogonadism). It involves supplementing testosterone via injections, gels, patches, or other delivery methods. It requires a confirmed diagnosis through blood testing (typically total testosterone <300 ng/dL on two morning samples) plus symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, depression, or decreased muscle mass.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/TRT-treatments"},{"id":"trt-eligibility","category":"TRT-treatments","treatment":"TRT","question":"Am I eligible for TRT?","answer":"TRT eligibility typically requires: (1) Total testosterone below 300 ng/dL confirmed on at least two morning blood tests, (2) Symptoms of hypogonadism such as fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, or mood changes, (3) No contraindications such as prostate/breast cancer, severe untreated sleep apnea, or high red blood cell counts. A telehealth clinician will review your labs and health history.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/trt/check"},{"id":"hrt-what-is","category":"hrt-providers","treatment":"HRT","question":"What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women?","answer":"HRT for women involves supplementing estrogen and/or progesterone that declines during perimenopause and menopause. It is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) and also helps with vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and bone density preservation. Available in various forms including pills, patches, gels, creams, and vaginal preparations.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/hrt-providers"},{"id":"hrt-safety","category":"hrt-providers","treatment":"HRT Safety","question":"Is HRT safe for women?","answer":"Modern HRT is considered safe for most healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset. The 2002 WHI study raised concerns about risks, but subsequent analysis showed those findings largely applied to older women or those with pre-existing conditions. Current guidelines from NAMS, ACOG, and Menopause Society support HRT as safe and effective for most women with bothersome menopausal symptoms. Individual risk assessment is essential.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/hrt-providers/guides"},{"id":"ed-treatment","category":"best-ed-providers","treatment":"ED Care","question":"What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction online?","answer":"Online ED treatment primarily includes PDE5 inhibitors: sildenafil (generic Viagra), tadalafil (generic Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). These work by increasing blood flow to the penis. Some providers also offer intracavernosal injections (Bi-Mix, Tri-Mix) for non-responders. All require a prescription following a medical consultation and cardiovascular screening.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/best-ed-providers"},{"id":"ed-nitrates","category":"best-ed-providers","treatment":"ED Safety","question":"Can I take ED medications with nitrates?","answer":"No. PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) are absolutely contraindicated with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide). The combination causes severe, life-threatening drops in blood pressure. Always disclose all medications during your ED consultation. This is a critical safety screening point.","sources":["https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-revised-recommendations-cardiovascular-risk-pde-5-inhibitors"]},{"id":"nad-what-is","category":"NAD-treatments","treatment":"NAD+ Therapy","question":"What is NAD+ therapy and what are its benefits?","answer":"NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair. NAD+ levels decline with age. Supplementation via IV infusion, injections, or nasal spray aims to restore these levels. Potential benefits include improved energy, cognitive function, and metabolic health. Evidence is promising but clinical human trials are still ongoing.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/NAD-treatments"},{"id":"telehealth-safety","category":"general","treatment":"Telehealth","question":"Is telehealth safe for prescription medications?","answer":"Telehealth is safe when provided by licensed, credentialed clinicians who properly screen patients for contraindications and drug interactions. Quality indicators include: state licensure verification, thorough intake processes, clear escalation pathways for complications, and regular follow-up. Prescribing without proper evaluation is unsafe — always verify clinician credentials and ensure contraindication screening is performed.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/methodology"},{"id":"insurance-coverage","category":"general","treatment":"Cost / Insurance","question":"Does insurance cover telehealth weight loss or hormone treatments?","answer":"Coverage varies widely by insurer, plan, and treatment type. Branded GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Zepbound) may be covered with prior authorization when prescribed for obesity. Compounded medications are generally not covered. TRT may be covered when medically necessary. HRT coverage depends on diagnosis and plan. Many telehealth providers are cash-pay only, but some accept insurance. Our insurance calculator can help estimate out-of-pocket costs.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/insurance-cost-calculator"},{"id":"comparing-providers","category":"general","treatment":"Provider Selection","question":"How should I choose between telehealth providers?","answer":"Key factors to compare: (1) Clinical safety — contraindication screening quality and clinician credentials, (2) Pricing transparency — total monthly cost with no hidden fees, (3) Follow-up protocol — frequency of check-ins and monitoring, (4) Medication sourcing — 503B pharmacy for compounded medications, (5) Customer support — response times and clinical messaging access, (6) State availability — verify the provider is licensed in your state.","related_url":"https://www.exploretreatments.com/methodology"}]}