Gennev vs Stella: Which Online Menopause Clinic Is Better in 2026?
By The HRT Index editorial team ·
If you're weighing Gennev vs Stella, here's the short version: for most insured women ages 35 to 70, Stella is the cheaper, simpler first check — $200 for a first visit, $90 for follow-ups, in-network with hundreds of plans, and care in all 50 states. Gennev is the better first check if you want a menopause-trained doctor and a registered dietitian working together on your symptoms, your weight, and your nutrition.
One honest catch: neither clinic prescribes testosterone for women right now. If that's your main goal, take the quiz instead.
Quick chooser: where should you start?
| If this sounds like you | Start here |
|---|---|
| "I want the lowest cost, and my insurance might cover it." | Stella |
| "I want a doctor plus a dietitian — real help with symptoms and weight." | Gennev |
| "I need testosterone, or I'm honestly not sure what I need yet." | Take the free 60-second matching quiz |
Gennev vs Stella: the short answer
Stella is the better first check for most insured women ages 35 to 70 who want a lower price and a simple, FDA-approved menopause plan. Gennev is the better first check if you want a menopause-trained doctor plus a registered dietitian and deeper help with nutrition and weight. Neither is the right first stop if your main goal is testosterone. Both treat common menopause symptoms, both prescribe FDA-approved hormone therapy when appropriate, and both work in all 50 states.
The decision matrix: Gennev vs Stella, point by point
| What you're deciding | Gennev | Stella (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | A doctor + dietitian care team | Lower cost + easy, insurance-first path |
| Self-pay first visit | $250 (doctor) | $200 |
| Self-pay follow-up | $199 (doctor) | $90 |
| Dietitian visits | Yes — $199 first, $119 after | No separate dietitian; coaching is in the app |
| Insurance | Aetna, Anthem, Cigna (more coming) | "Hundreds of plans"; ~$45 avg copay |
| States | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Age range | Perimenopause to post-menopause | Women ages 35–70 |
| Hormone therapy | FDA-approved hormonal + non-hormonal | FDA-approved hormonal + non-hormonal |
| Testosterone | No | Not yet (waitlist) |
| Lab work to start | Usually not needed to diagnose | Usually not needed to diagnose |
| App / coaching | Light | Strong — full Stella app |
| Care team | Board-certified OB-GYNs + dietitians | Board-certified clinicians; several NAMS-certified |
| Track record | Longer U.S. history; 6,423 verified reviews (4.8/5) | Newer U.S. clinic; few independent U.S. reviews |
| Owned by | Unified Women's Healthcare | Vira Health (a U.K. company) |
Prices and policies verified June 5, 2026, from each company's website. Insurance details are what each company states — always confirm your own plan.
What's the real difference between Gennev and Stella?
Gennev is built like a medical team: menopause-trained doctors and registered dietitians who work together on your care. Stella is built like a streamlined, insurance-first menopause clinic with a strong support app. Gennev feels more like a clinic; Stella feels more like a program. Both are real telehealth clinics with licensed clinicians.
Gennev — the medical team model
A virtual menopause clinic — owned by Unified Women's Healthcare — where board-certified OB-GYNs and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) treat your symptoms, with 30-minute doctor visits and prescriptions sent to your pharmacy when needed.
Stella — the insurance-first program
A U.S. virtual menopause clinic run by Vira Health (a U.K. company founded in 2020), built around in-network insurance, board-certified clinicians, and a menopause app with unlimited coaching, symptom tracking, and guided audio.
⚠️ Stella U.S. is not the same as Stella U.K.
Stella started in the United Kingdom, and its U.K. website lists different prices, different rules, and different testosterone options than the U.S. clinic. If you live in the United States, only use the U.S. site (us.onstella.com). Everything in this guide is based on Stella's U.S. clinic.
Want the deep dives? Full Gennev review » · Full Stella review »
Which is cheaper, Gennev or Stella?
Stella is cheaper — and the gap is biggest on follow-up visits. If you pay cash, Stella's first visit is $200 versus Gennev's $250, and Stella's follow-ups are $90 versus Gennev's $199 — a $109 difference every time you check in. With insurance, the math can change.
All prices verified June 5, 2026 from each clinic's pricing page. Medication is always billed separately at your pharmacy.
| Cost | Gennev | Stella (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| First visit (self-pay) | $250 (doctor) | $200 |
| Follow-up visit (self-pay) | $199 (doctor) | $90 |
| Dietitian — first / follow-up (self-pay) | $199 / $119 | Not offered separately |
| With insurance | Your normal copay/deductible | ~$45 average copay (varies by plan) |
| Medication | Billed separately at your pharmacy | Billed separately at your pharmacy |
The quick math on your first year
A first visit plus one follow-up, paying cash, comes to $290 with Stella ($200 + $90) versus $449 with Gennev's doctor path ($250 + $199). That's about $159 more with Gennev before any medication cost — and the gap grows with every extra check-in.
Why do follow-ups matter so much? Because menopause care isn't one visit. You'll likely check in a few times in the first year to adjust your dose and see how you feel. At Stella, those check-ins are $90. At Gennev, they're $199. That's the single biggest reason Stella is the cheaper path for cash-pay patients.
The visit price is not the medication price. What your hormones cost depends on your prescription, your pharmacy, your insurance, and whether you get a generic. Both clinics send your prescription to your own pharmacy.
Which one works better with insurance?
Both clinics take insurance, but Stella advertises a wider network. Stella says it's in-network with hundreds of plans and that the average copay is about $45. Gennev lists Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna, with more carriers being added. The only number that truly matters, though, is your plan.
When you compare insurance, check these 8 things:
- Is the visit covered, or just the platform?
- Does your deductible apply first (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in)?
- Are follow-up visits covered the same as the first one?
- Are prescriptions covered under your pharmacy benefit?
- If labs are ordered, are they covered separately?
- Can you use an HSA or FSA (tax-free health spending accounts)?
- Is the clinic in-network in your state?
- If you're out-of-network, do they give you a superbill (an itemized receipt you can submit for partial reimbursement)?
Stella insurance
Names major carriers (Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare) on its insurance page. Offers a superbill if your plan is out-of-network — Stella says you could be reimbursed up to 80% if your plan includes out-of-network benefits.
Gennev insurance
Lists Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna; plan lookup on pricing page; out-of-network coverage may also be available. More carriers being added.
Don't decide from the sticker price. Run the coverage check first, then compare your real out-of-pocket cost — visit plus expected medication. It takes two minutes, and it's the step that prevents a surprise bill later.
What can each one actually prescribe?
Both Gennev and Stella prescribe FDA-approved hormone therapy and FDA-approved non-hormonal options when it's clinically appropriate. Neither is built around compounded hormones — which is a good sign for safety.
Two terms that get blurred:
- ✓FDA-approved hormone therapy — like an estrogen patch or a progesterone capsule — has been reviewed by the FDA and approved as safe and effective. Both clinics offer this.
- ✗Compounded hormones are custom-mixed by a pharmacy. The FDA does not review compounded hormones for safety, quality, or whether they work. Not FDA-approved, even when marketed as "bioidentical" or "natural."
| Treatment type | Gennev | Stella |
|---|---|---|
| FDA-approved hormonal (estrogen, progesterone) | Yes, when appropriate | Yes, when appropriate |
| FDA-approved non-hormonal | Yes | Yes |
| Compounded "bioidentical" | No | No |
| Testosterone | No | Not yet (waitlist) |
2026 update: the science is shifting in women's favor
The Menopause Society says hormone therapy is still the most effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal symptoms. For most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of their last period, the benefits usually outweigh the risks.
On February 12, 2026, the FDA removed its strongest "boxed warning" for heart disease, breast cancer, and probable dementia from six menopausal hormone therapy products, after a fresh review of the evidence. Estrogen-only products still carry a boxed warning about endometrial cancer, and your clinician still weighs your personal history — but the change reflects a real move toward giving women clearer, less fear-driven information about hormone therapy.
This is general information, not medical advice.
Does Gennev or Stella prescribe testosterone?
No — and this is the most important "neither" on the page. Gennev says its providers do not prescribe testosterone. Stella's U.S. clinic doesn't offer it yet and points interested patients to a waitlist.
Gennev
States plainly that it does not prescribe testosterone. Cites controlled-substance rules with strict federal and state requirements, and difficulty dosing it safely for women through telehealth.
Stella (U.S.)
Testosterone isn't available yet but hopes to add it in some states. You can email to join the waitlist.
Important context:
Testosterone for women is a specialized, limited path in the U.S. It's a Schedule III controlled substance — a regulated medicine with strict federal and state rules. A licensed, DEA-registered clinician has to evaluate you, prescribe only for a real medical reason, and monitor your care. The one evidence-backed reason to prescribe testosterone for women is HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder — low sex drive causing real, ongoing distress). The Endocrine Society notes the evidence doesn't support testosterone for other symptoms or for disease prevention.
Do you need lab work before you start?
Usually not just to diagnose menopause. Both Gennev and Stella follow the same expert guidance: typical menopause and perimenopause are diagnosed from your symptoms, your age, and your medical history — not a hormone blood test.
Why skip the hormone test? Because in perimenopause, a single blood test can be misleading. Your levels might look "normal" on the day you test and still leave you with real symptoms. Gennev's educational content explains this, and Stella's FAQ says menopause isn't usually diagnosed with hormone testing.
When might labs matter? If your clinician wants to rule out other causes or keep you safe — thyroid issues, unusual bleeding, early menopause, heart or metabolic risks, or checking on a specific medication. The point isn't "labs never happen" — it's "you don't need a lab result in hand just to book your first visit."
What happens after your first visit?
Both clinics can send prescriptions to your pharmacy when it's clinically appropriate, then work with you over follow-up visits to adjust your plan. Here's the basic flow at both: you complete a health questionnaire, meet your clinician by video, and — if it's right for you — they send a prescription to your own pharmacy. From there, you'll check in over time to fine-tune your dose or medication.
Ask (or check) these before you book:
- •Refills: How do refills work, and will I need a paid visit to renew?
- •Follow-up timing: When is my first follow-up, and how often after that?
- •If it's not working: What happens if my symptoms don't improve or I get side effects — can I message my clinician, or do I wait for the next visit?
- •Billing: What's the cancellation or no-show policy, and will I get my cost in writing before the visit?
What do real patients say about Gennev and Stella?
Gennev has the stronger, larger public review record. On RealPatientRatings — which only collects reviews after a verified appointment — Gennev scores 4.8 out of 5 from 6,423 reviews. Stella's U.S. clinic is newer and has very few independent reviews so far; its strongest feedback is for the Stella app, and many of those reviewers are based in the U.K. Treat reviews as proof of experience, not proof of medical results.
| Platform | Gennev | Stella |
|---|---|---|
| RealPatientRatings (post-visit) | 4.8/5 — 6,423 verified reviews | — |
| Trustpilot | 2.3/5 — 7 reviews | Not independently confirmed |
| App / patient-reported | — | Warm app reviews; mostly U.K. |
Review data verified June 5, 2026.
Gennev's review pattern
Of 6,423 verified reviews, about 96% are four stars or higher. Patients most often praise feeling heard: clinicians who listen and explain options clearly. The Trustpilot score (2.3/5 on 7 reviews) almost entirely reflects billing and insurance surprises, not care quality. Confirm your coverage in writing before you book.
Stella's review picture
The Stella app earns warm reviews — one reviewer called it "like a really sympathetic and well-informed friend." But those are mostly U.K. app reviews, not U.S. clinical reviews. The U.S. clinic is new, so there simply isn't a large pool of independent U.S. patient reviews yet.
"I felt heard and seen."
— Gennev-published patient testimonial. One person's experience; results vary, and this isn't a measure of whether the treatment works.
The honest downside you should know
Stella's catch
Stella's U.S. clinic is new. It doesn't have the years of U.S. patient reviews that Gennev has built — Gennev's 6,423 verified reviews dwarf Stella's thin U.S. review record. If a long, proven U.S. track record is your number-one priority, Gennev is the safer first check.
Why Stella's newness can work for you
The price difference is real and in your favor: $90 follow-ups instead of $199, $200 to start instead of $250, a wider insurance network, and the same FDA-approved menopause care in all 50 states. New doesn't mean unproven medicine — Stella's clinicians are board-certified, several are NAMS-certified menopause practitioners.
The choice isn't "good clinic vs bad clinic." It's "what do you value more — a longer track record, or a lower price and broader insurance?"
So which should you choose?
✅ Choose Stella if…
- ✓You want the lowest visit cost ($200 first, $90 follow-ups).
- ✓You're a woman ages 35 to 70 and your insurance check shows Stella is in-network.
- ✓You like the idea of an app with coaching, tracking, and guided audio.
- ✓You want FDA-approved hormonal or non-hormonal treatment when it's right for you.
- ✓Testosterone is not your main goal.
✅ Choose Gennev if…
- ✓You want a menopause-trained doctor plus a registered dietitian working together.
- ✓You want real help with nutrition, weight, and metabolic changes.
- ✓You value a clinic with a long U.S. track record and thousands of verified reviews.
- ✓Your insurance check shows Gennev takes your plan.
- ✓You like 30-minute doctor visits and prescriptions sent to your pharmacy.
🛑 Choose neither if…
- ✗Testosterone is the main reason you're searching (neither offers it now).
- ✗You specifically want a compounded-hormone clinic.
- ✗You need urgent or in-person care, or you have a complex history that needs a specialist.
- ✗Neither takes your insurance and the cash price is too high.
If you land here, you still have good options. Midi Health is another insurance-based, FDA-approved menopause clinic worth comparing — see our Midi vs Gennev breakdown »
Heads up: Midi is one of our affiliate partners, so if you sign up through our link we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Gennev and Stella are not affiliates — we earn nothing from them.
How we compared Gennev vs Stella
We based this comparison on each clinic's own website, its pricing and insurance pages, its FAQs, third-party review platforms, and trusted medical sources — then formed our recommendations from those verified facts. We don't rank by who pays us; we earn nothing from Gennev or Stella.
What we confirmed — and what still depends on you
| What's claimed | Verified (June 5, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Gennev self-pay: $250 first / $199 follow-up (doctor); $199 / $119 dietitian | ✅ Confirmed on gennev.com pricing page |
| Stella self-pay: $200 first / $90 follow-up | ✅ Confirmed on us.onstella.com |
| Stella: ~$45 avg copay, "hundreds of plans" | ✅ Wording confirmed (Stella's stated claim) |
| Stella: designed for women ages 35–70 | ✅ Confirmed on us.onstella.com |
| Gennev: no testosterone; no compounded "bioidentical" | ✅ Confirmed on Gennev support pages |
| Stella: no testosterone yet (waitlist) | ✅ Confirmed on us.onstella.com |
| Both: FDA-approved HRT; usually no hormone test to diagnose | ✅ Confirmed on both sites |
| Gennev reviews: 4.8/5 from 6,423 (RealPatientRatings) | ✅ Confirmed |
| Gennev Trustpilot: 7 reviews, 2.3/5 (mostly billing) | ✅ Confirmed |
For medicine and safety facts, we relied on the FDA, The Menopause Society, the National Academies, and the Endocrine Society. For prices and policies, we used the clinics' own pages. Prices and coverage change, so we re-check this page regularly and update the "Last verified" date at the top.
Gennev vs Stella: FAQ
- Is Stella better than Gennev?
- Stella is better if your insurance covers it and you want a lower price ($200 first visit, $90 follow-ups). Gennev is better if you want a doctor-plus-dietitian care team and a longer track record. The right pick depends on your priority.
- Is Gennev cheaper than Stella?
- No. On self-pay prices, Gennev charges $250 for a first doctor visit and $199 for follow-ups, while Stella charges $200 and $90. Insurance can change your real cost, so check both.
- Does Gennev take insurance?
- Yes. Gennev lists Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna, with more carriers being added, and offers a plan lookup. Your actual cost depends on your plan and deductible.
- Does Stella take insurance?
- Yes. Stella says it is in-network with hundreds of plans and that the average copay is about $45. You will still need to confirm your specific plan.
- Does Gennev prescribe HRT?
- Yes. Gennev's doctors prescribe FDA-approved hormonal and non-hormonal medications when appropriate, based on your health history and symptoms.
- Does Stella prescribe HRT?
- Yes. Stella's clinicians prescribe FDA-approved hormonal and non-hormonal treatments based on your symptoms, history, and preferences.
- Does Gennev prescribe testosterone?
- No. Gennev says its providers do not prescribe testosterone, citing controlled-substance rules and the difficulty of dosing it safely for women through telehealth.
- Does Stella prescribe testosterone?
- Not yet. Stella's U.S. clinic points interested patients to a testosterone waitlist.
- How old do you have to be to use Stella?
- Stella's U.S. clinic is designed for women ages 35 to 70.
- Do I need labs before starting with Gennev or Stella?
- Usually not just to diagnose typical menopause or perimenopause — both follow guidance that uses your symptoms, age, and history. A clinician may still order labs depending on your situation.
- Is Stella U.S. the same as Stella U.K.?
- No. The U.S. and U.K. versions have different prices, pharmacy rules, and testosterone options. If you are in the U.S., use only the U.S. site and U.S. facts.
- Are medications included in the visit price?
- No. Treat the visit cost and the medication cost as separate. Both clinics send your prescription to your own pharmacy.
- Which is better if my doctor brushed off my symptoms?
- Either can help. Choose Gennev for more doctor-plus-nutrition depth; choose Stella for a lower-cost, insurance-friendly start. Both focus only on menopause, so you're less likely to be dismissed.
- Which is better for weight gain or metabolic changes?
- Gennev has the clearer edge here because it includes registered dietitians. Stella may still help through its app coaching — just confirm the support you'll get before booking.
- What if neither Gennev nor Stella fits?
- Use our free matching quiz to compare other HRT telehealth clinics by your symptoms, budget, insurance, and state.
Still not sure which HRT program is right for you?
Take our free 60-second matching quiz — it asks about your symptoms, insurance, and budget, then shows you the clinic that fits. No email needed to see your result.
→ Take the free 60-second matching quizSources
- Gennev — Insurance & Pricing — gennev.com/patients/insurance-pricing/ — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Gennev Support — testosterone prescribing policy — help.gennev.com — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Gennev Support — compounded/bioidentical hormone policy — help.gennev.com — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Gennev — Symptoms & Treatment / Home — gennev.com — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Gennev Testimonials — gennev.com/testimonials/ — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- RealPatientRatings — Gennev (4.8/5 from 6,423 verified reviews) — realpatientratings.com/Gennev — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Trustpilot — gennev.com (7 reviews, 2.3/5) — trustpilot.com/review/gennev.com — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Stella (U.S.) — homepage & FAQ — us.onstella.com — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Stella (U.S.) — Insurance page — us.onstella.com/insurance/ — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Stella — bioidentical hormone caution — us.onstella.com/the-latest/ht/bioidentical-ht/ — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- U.S. FDA — Feb 12, 2026 labeling changes to menopausal hormone therapy products — fda.gov — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- The Menopause Society (NAMS) 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement — menopause.org — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- National Academies — Clinical Utility of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy — nationalacademies.org — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- Endocrine Society — testosterone/HSDD guidance — endocrine.org — Accessed June 5, 2026.
- DEA/HHS — Fourth Temporary Extension of Telemedicine Flexibilities for Controlled Medications (through Dec 31, 2026) — federalregister.gov — Accessed June 5, 2026.
Disclosure: The HRT Index is an independent comparison resource for HRT telehealth providers. We are reader-supported. We are not affiliated with Gennev or Stella and earn nothing if you choose either. Some clinics we mention as alternatives (such as Midi) are affiliate partners; if you sign up through those links we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your health.