Finding the Right Doctor for Duavee

If you're dealing with hot flashes or worried about bone loss after menopause, your doctor may have mentioned Duavee. But not every provider is familiar with this unique medication — and finding one who can prescribe it takes a little know-how.

Duavee (Conjugated Estrogens/Bazedoxifene) is a specialized hormone therapy that combines estrogen with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) instead of the traditional progestin. Because of its unique formulation, some providers may not have it top of mind when discussing menopause treatment options.

This guide walks you through exactly how to find a doctor who can prescribe Duavee, what to expect at your appointment, and how to make sure you can actually fill the prescription once you have it.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Duavee?

Duavee is a prescription medication, so you'll need a licensed healthcare provider to write the script. The most common specialties that prescribe it include:

• OB/GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) — This is often the best starting point. OB/GYNs specialize in women's health and are very familiar with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options, including Duavee.
• Endocrinologist — These doctors specialize in hormones and may be a good fit if you have complex hormone-related conditions alongside menopause symptoms.
• Menopause specialist — Some providers are certified by the Menopause Society (formerly NAMS). These doctors focus specifically on menopause management and are likely to be familiar with newer options like Duavee.
• Internal Medicine or Family Medicine — Your primary care doctor can also prescribe Duavee, especially if they're comfortable managing menopause symptoms.

If you already have a doctor you trust, it's worth asking them first. If they're not comfortable prescribing Duavee specifically, they can refer you to someone who is.

How to Find a Provider Who Prescribes Duavee

Here are the most effective ways to locate a prescriber near you:

1. Check Your Insurance Provider Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's online provider directory. Search for OB/GYNs or endocrinologists in your network. This ensures you'll get the best coverage for your visit.

Most insurance websites let you filter by specialty, location, and whether the provider is accepting new patients.

2. Use Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Online platforms like Zocdoc and Healthgrades let you search for doctors by specialty and location, read patient reviews, and book appointments online. Search for "menopause" or "hormone therapy" as a reason for your visit.

3. Ask for a Referral

Your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist who has experience with Duavee. This is especially helpful if you have a complicated medical history or if your PCP isn't confident prescribing hormone therapy.

4. Search the Menopause Society Directory

The Menopause Society (menopause.org) maintains a directory of certified menopause practitioners. These providers have additional training in menopause management and are more likely to be familiar with options like Duavee.

5. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has made it much easier to access specialist care. Several telehealth platforms now offer menopause-focused consultations where providers can prescribe Duavee and other hormone therapies.

Telehealth can be especially useful if you live in a rural area or don't have a menopause specialist nearby. Just make sure the telehealth provider is licensed in your state.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Whether you're seeing a new doctor or discussing Duavee with your current provider, here's what to prepare for:

Before the Visit

• Write down your symptoms — how often you get hot flashes, how severe they are, and how they affect your daily life
• Bring a list of all current medications and supplements
• Note any family history of blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, or heart disease
• Know whether you still have your uterus (Duavee is specifically for women with an intact uterus)

During the Visit

Your doctor will likely:

• Review your symptoms and medical history
• Discuss the benefits and risks of Duavee, including the boxed warning about cardiovascular risks
• Determine if Duavee is appropriate for you based on your health profile
• Check for contraindications like a history of blood clots, liver disease, or undiagnosed uterine bleeding
• Possibly order blood work or a mammogram before starting treatment

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Is Duavee the best option for my symptoms, or should I consider alternatives?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• How long should I stay on Duavee?
• Will my insurance cover it, and are there savings programs available?

After You Get Your Prescription

Getting the prescription is only half the battle. Duavee can be difficult to find at pharmacies due to ongoing supply challenges. Here's what to do once you have your Rx in hand:

Check Pharmacy Availability First

Before your doctor sends the prescription to a pharmacy, ask them to check availability — or use a tool like Medfinder to see which pharmacies have Duavee in stock near you.

Consider Specialty or Mail-Order Pharmacies

Some specialty pharmacies and mail-order services have been more reliable sources for Duavee than standard retail pharmacies. Ask your doctor or insurance company about mail-order options.

Look Into Cost Savings

Duavee typically costs $300–$500 per month without insurance. Pfizer offers co-pay savings cards that can bring your cost down to $30–$50 per month for eligible commercially insured patients. You can also check our full guide to Duavee savings programs for more options.

Have a Backup Plan

Because of supply issues, it's a good idea to ask your doctor about alternative medications in case Duavee becomes temporarily unavailable. Options like Prempro, Bijuva, or Activella may be suitable substitutes.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Duavee doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your OB/GYN or primary care provider, use online tools and directories to find menopause specialists, and don't overlook telehealth as a convenient option.

Once you have your prescription, the bigger challenge may be finding a pharmacy that has it in stock. Use Medfinder to check real-time availability and save yourself time and frustration.

Your menopause symptoms deserve treatment — and the right provider can help you decide if Duavee is the best path forward.