Frequently Asked Questions

Soluna Vitality is a physician-led medical practice specializing in hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity medicine. Based in Howard County, Maryland, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatments designed to help you feel strong, focused, and resilient at every stage of life. We focus on preventing and reversing metabolic dysfunction rather than simply treating symptoms.

Dr. Andrea Ridgeway founded Soluna Vitality. She is a board-certified physician with over a decade of experience caring for patients in high-stakes environments. After years on the frontlines of emergency care, Dr. Ridgeway witnessed the limits of reactive medicine and was inspired to create a more holistic, personalized approach to health. As a physician and mom of three, she understands the real-life challenges of balancing family, work, and health.

Your health deserves more than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. At Soluna Vitality, every patient is under the direct care of Dr. Andrea Ridgeway, a board-certified physician with advanced training in hormone and metabolic health. Unlike many medi-spas or franchise clinics, your care here is grounded in evidence-based medicine, not sales-driven trends. Each recommendation is made with your long-term health in mind rather than cosmetic quick fixes.

We specialize in hormone imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, prediabetes, perimenopause and menopause symptoms, andropause (age-related testosterone decline in men), thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, weight management challenges, fatigue and low energy, brain fog and cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and reduced libido. Our focus is on prevention and optimization, helping you take control of your health before problems develop.

Yes. Soluna Vitality is a locally owned and operated medical practice based in Howard County, Maryland. When you become a patient, you are not talking to a provider across the country. You are building a relationship with a local physician who knows you and your community. Our care model combines the convenience of telehealth with the reassurance of having a real, accessible medical home right here in your neighborhood.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is designed to restore balance when your body's natural hormone production begins to decline. Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived compounds that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body. Because of this molecular match, they are often better tolerated and more physiologic than synthetic alternatives.

Traditional hormone therapies may use synthetic or non-identical compounds. BHRT uses molecules that match your body's own hormones, making them easier to integrate and metabolize. This structural similarity often results in fewer side effects and a more natural hormonal response compared to synthetic alternatives.

BHRT can be delivered through creams, gels, injections, sublingual tablets, or pellets. Each method has unique benefits and considerations depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and health goals. During your consultation, we will help you choose the safest and most effective option for your specific situation.

When prescribed and monitored by a qualified clinician, BHRT is considered safe for many patients. At Soluna Vitality, we prioritize evidence-based treatment protocols and provide ongoing monitoring to minimize risk and optimize outcomes. Your safety is our top priority, which is why we use comprehensive lab testing and regular follow-ups to ensure your treatment remains effective and appropriate.

Some patients notice improvements within weeks, while others experience gradual changes over several months. Restoring hormone balance is a process, not a quick fix. Factors like your starting hormone levels, overall health, age, and treatment adherence all influence how quickly you experience results. We set realistic expectations and monitor your progress closely.

Yes. Balanced hormones not only improve day-to-day quality of life but may also support cardiovascular health, metabolic function, bone density, and cognitive performance when combined with lifestyle optimization. Our approach focuses on longevity medicine, helping you maintain physical strength, mental clarity, and vibrant energy as you age.

You may benefit from BHRT if you experience fatigue, low energy, or brain fog; weight gain (particularly around the midsection); decline in libido or sexual function; changes in skin, hair, or nails; sleep disturbances or insomnia; difficulty recovering from exercise; hot flashes or night sweats; or mood swings, irritability, or low motivation. BHRT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some patients may benefit more from lifestyle and nutritional interventions, thyroid optimization, or targeted supplementation. We guide you through your options so you can make an informed choice.

Yes. Women often seek BHRT for perimenopause and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Men may use BHRT to address age-related testosterone decline (known as andropause), which can cause fatigue, reduced muscle mass, decreased libido, and cognitive changes. Both men and women can benefit from tailored hormone treatment.

Your first visit is called the Foundations Visit. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation including a detailed medical history, thorough lab testing, and an in-depth consultation. We take the time to understand your symptoms, goals, lifestyle, and medical history. This information helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Your treatment plan is fully customized based on your specific hormone levels, lab results, symptoms, and health goals. We take the time to understand your medical history, lifestyle, and goals to build a plan that aligns with your body's physiology. Whether it involves bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition guidance, or integrative wellness strategies, every element is designed specifically for you.

We provide ongoing partnership care, monitoring and adjusting your plan over time to ensure safety, effectiveness, and optimal results. The frequency of follow-up appointments depends on your treatment type and how you respond to therapy. Most patients have regular check-ins every 4-12 weeks during the initial optimization phase, then less frequently once stable.

Yes. All of your visits are conducted virtually via telehealth for your convenience. This allows you to receive high-quality, personalized medical care from the comfort of your home while still maintaining a close relationship with your physician. Our telehealth platform is secure, easy to use, and allows for thorough consultations.

No. Soluna Vitality operates on a fee-for-service basis. Most insurance companies, including Medicare, consider BHRT an elective treatment and do not cover it. To provide the highest level of personalized, patient-focused care without the restrictions and limitations imposed by insurance companies, we do not accept insurance. All memberships, visits, supplements, and services are self-pay.

The services offered at Soluna Vitality are not covered by Medicare. Medicare will not pay for your visits, membership fees, supplements, or wellness services with us, and no claims will be submitted to Medicare or secondary insurers. By receiving care here, you agree to be fully responsible for payment. Please read our full Medicare Notice for complete details.

Our self-pay model allows us to provide truly personalized, preventive care without the restrictions of insurance. Insurance companies focus on disease treatment rather than prevention and optimization. They limit visit times, restrict which treatments are covered, and require disease-level lab results before approving therapy. By operating on a self-pay basis, we can focus on optimal health rather than just meeting minimum diagnostic criteria.

In many cases, yes. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can often be used for medical services including hormone therapy and wellness consultations. We recommend checking with your specific plan administrator to confirm eligibility for the services you receive.

Treatment costs vary based on your specific needs, the complexity of your treatment plan, and which services you require. We believe in transparent pricing and will discuss all costs during your initial consultation. Contact us to learn more about our membership options and service pricing.

No. Our focus is on hormone optimization and wellness coaching to support your vitality. It is important that you continue to work with your primary care provider for routine health maintenance, screenings, preventive care, and urgent medical concerns. We work alongside your existing healthcare team to optimize your hormonal and metabolic health.

Soluna Vitality is based in Howard County, Maryland and provides virtual telehealth services to patients throughout Maryland. Our telehealth model makes it convenient to receive care from anywhere in the state while benefiting from the expertise of a local, physician-led practice.

New patients can request their Foundations Visit by contacting us through our website or calling (301) 664-4280. We will guide you through the scheduling process and answer any questions you have before your first appointment. Existing patients can schedule follow-up appointments directly through our patient portal.

Longevity medicine focuses on helping you not just live longer, but live better. Our programs emphasize maintaining physical strength, mental clarity, and vibrant energy as you age. The choices you make today directly influence how you will live later in life, including how active, independent, and resilient you will be. By optimizing your hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle, we help you build lasting health now so you can continue to enjoy a full and active life for years to come.

Hormones and metabolism are deeply connected. When your metabolic system functions properly, it supports every aspect of your health including energy, weight balance, cardiovascular health, and cognitive performance. Our care focuses on preventing and reversing metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance, prediabetes, and other early warning signs of disease, so you can take control of your health before problems develop.