Women in their 40's on the lake with their arm up and holding hands
Dr. Renee Wellenstein, board-certified functional medicine doctor specializing in hormone health and peptide therapy for women over 40

You Deserve Answers.

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again.

If you're here, chances are you've been told your labs are "normal"—but you don't feel normal at all.

You're exhausted no matter how much you sleep. Your brain feels foggy. The weight won't budge no matter what you try. Your moods are all over the place. And maybe you've even been told it's just stress, or aging, or "all in your head."

But here's what I know after over 20 years of caring for women: Your symptoms are real. They're not normal. And you don't have to live this way.

Dr. Renee Wellenstein, board-certified functional medicine doctor specializing in hormone health and peptide therapy for women over 40

Why I Do This Work Differently

I wasn't always a functional medicine doctor. I was trained as a conventional OB/GYN—the kind of doctor who writes prescriptions for symptoms and moves on to the next patient in 15 minutes.

But in 2012, everything changed. I suffered a back injury that left me in chronic pain, exhausted, and searching for answers. The conventional system I'd been trained in had nothing to offer me except more medications that didn't address the root cause.

That's when I discovered functional medicine—and it changed my life.

In 2014, I made myself a promise: I would never let another woman feel the way I felt—helpless, hopeless, and unheard. I vowed that every woman who came to me would be seen, validated, and given real answers.

Today, I combine my conventional medical training with advanced functional medicine to help women over 40 finally understand what's really going on in their bodies—and how to fix it.

How I Help You: The H.E.R. Method

I've developed a proven 4-step system that helps women rebalance their hormones, reclaim their energy, and feel like themselves again:

Step 1: Detox & Drainage

We help your body clear what's clogging your hormones by supporting natural detoxification. Before your hormones can come into balance, your body needs to eliminate toxins, hormone metabolites, and inflammation. This leads to less bloat, fewer PMS symptoms, and clearer skin.

Step 2: Gut & Nutrition

We feed your hormones what they actually need by restoring gut health and optimizing nutrient intake. Balanced hormones are built on blood sugar stability, proper digestion, and the right mix of protein, fiber, and micronutrients. This means more energy, better moods, fewer cravings, and smoother cycles.

Step 3: Hormone Reset

We support your shifting internal landscape by calming the chaos of perimenopause. That means regulating cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. You'll sleep better, feel less anxious, and notice a reduction in hot flashes and mood swings.

Step 4: Metabolic Reboot

We reignite your metabolism and help you feel strong and energized again. This is about restoring your mitochondria, reducing inflammation, and building sustainable lifestyle shifts. The result? Lasting fat loss, steady energy, and a body that works with you—not against you.

Before You Book 👉 Listen To What Working With Dr. Renee Really Looks Like

My Approach Is Different:

Here's what makes working with me different from your conventional doctor:

  • I listen. I want to truly understand how you're feeling and what you're going through.

  • I test differently. I run comprehensive lab evaluations—including hormone panels, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation markers, and toxin levels—and I look at optimal ranges, not just "normal" ranges.

  • I personalize everything. Based on your history, lab results, and genetic testing, I create a customized wellness plan to address root causes—not just prescribe medications for symptoms.

  • I use cutting-edge therapies. When clinically appropriate, I incorporate advanced protocols—including peptide therapy, bio-identical hormone optimization, and other evidence-based, non-traditional treatments—to support metabolism, energy, mental clarity, recovery, and overall hormonal health.”

  • I stay with you. You'll have regular contact with me and my care team to ensure you're making progress toward your wellness goals.

My goal is simple: to help you feel like yourself again—and hopefully even better than the old you.

Some Conditions I Help Women Overcome

As a functional medicine hormone specialist, I work with women experiencing:

  • Perimenopause and menopause symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings)

  • Hormone imbalances (estrogen dominance, low progesterone, thyroid dysfunction)

  • Unexplained weight gain and stubborn midsection fat

  • Chronic fatigue and low energy

  • Brain fog and memory issues

  • Sleep problems and insomnia

  • Anxiety, depression, and mood instability

  • Low libido and sexual dysfunction

  • Digestive issues and bloating

  • Inflammation and autoimmune conditions

If you've been told your symptoms are "just part of aging" or that your labs are "normal," I can help you get real answers.

Advanced Therapies: Peptide Protocols for Women Over 40

When clinically appropriate, I incorporate cutting-edge peptide therapy as part of my comprehensive functional medicine approach. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in your body, supporting cellular function and repair.

Peptide therapy can support:

  • Metabolic function and fat loss – especially stubborn midsection weight

  • Energy levels and mitochondrial health – addressing fatigue at the cellular level

  • Mental clarity and cognitive function – reducing brain fog

  • Lean muscle maintenance – crucial for women over 40

  • Recovery from joint discomfort – supporting mobility and strength

  • Cellular repair and healthy aging – promoting longevity from the inside out

Unlike hormone replacement alone, peptides work by optimizing your body's natural processes. They're personalized based on your individual needs, health history, and lab results—and are available in all of my programs using your flexible supplement bank.

Peptide therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If peptides are a good fit for you, we'll discuss how to integrate them into your wellness plan during your strategy call.

1:1 Wellness Programs

I offer four comprehensive programs designed to meet you where you are and get you where you want to be:

  • Who’s it for:

    Women in New York who want fast, expert answers about their hormones—no fluff, just clarity. Ideal if you’re looking for targeted solutions, not a full deep-dive.

    Description:

    A focused, high-impact program for women seeking answers and a clear plan to rebalance hormones quickly. We use advanced hormone testing and a personalized approach to help you understand what’s really going on and what to do next. Get actionable steps and support, fast.

  • Who’s it for:

    Women ready to lose up to 25 pounds, boost energy, and finally feel like themselves again. Perfect if you want to address stubborn weight, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances with a proven, step-by-step plan.

    Description:

    This is my most popular program for women who want to restore balance, improve energy, sleep, and mood, and get to the root of stubborn midsection weight—all while learning how to support their hormones naturally.

    Over six months, we’ll complete comprehensive lab testing to uncover what’s truly driving your symptoms—from hormonal imbalances to metabolic or nutrient issues—and build a customized treatment plan to help you feel energized, rested, and confident again.

    You’ll receive my full functional medicine approach, including supplement and lifestyle guidance, and ongoing support from me and my team to help you stay consistent and make meaningful progress every step of the way.

  • Who’s it for:

    Women ready to lose more than 25 pounds and make lasting changes. Best for those who want to address deeper hormone and metabolic issues, and are committed to long-term transformation.

    Description:

    This program is designed for women who are ready to finally get to the root of what’s driving their symptoms—whether it’s hormone imbalance, blood sugar dysregulation, stress, inflammation, or cholesterol issues.

    Over nine months, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your hormones, metabolism, and nutrient levels through advanced functional lab testing. From there, I’ll create a customized plan that supports your unique biology—focusing on restoring energy, improving sleep, reducing hot flashes, supporting libido, and addressing the root causes of stubborn midsection weight.

    My team and I will be with you every step of the way, helping you make sustainable changes that feel doable—not overwhelming. Most women find their energy, mood, and body composition start to shift within the first few months.

  • Who’s it for:

    Women with a complex health history who need deeper protocols and hands-on support, or those who want a proactive, preventative approach and advanced longevity strategies.

    Description:

    The most comprehensive program for women who want to overhaul their health, feel their best, and set themselves up for long-term wellness and vitality.

    Over the course of a year, you’ll work closely with our team on personalized nutrition, functional testing, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle protocols that go far beyond the basics. This program is about making lasting, foundational changes—whether you’re overcoming long-standing health challenges or optimizing for energy, resilience, and healthy aging.

All programs include:

  • My full functional medicine approach (Note: Limited scope in the 3-month program)

  • Comprehensive lab testing (3-month program includes hormone testing only; longer programs cover advanced, full-panel labs)

  • A flexible lab and supplement bank that can be used as needed throughout your program

  • Personalized supplement, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations

  • Access to cutting-edge therapies including peptide protocols (when clinically appropriate)

  • Ongoing guidance and accountability from my team

Please note: I work with women nationwide, but I can only prescribe medications (including bioidentical hormones) to residents of New York. If you live outside of New York, I can still help you understand what you need and guide you on what to request from your local healthcare provider.

What Women Are Saying…

  • "As I was approaching 50 and entering peri-menopause, I was grateful to have the opportunity to benefit from Functional Medicine and the expertise of Dr. Renee Wellenstein. I was facing huge life changes, raising 3 children, recently widowed due to a cancer diagnosis and although I myself was working in healthcare, I knew the stress and changing hormones needed to be addressed. Dr. Renee was so warm and eagerly shared her own health ups and downs never once making judgements but always being open and genuine. In my case, vitamin B methylation and cortisol needed to be addressed. Thankfully, over the course of a couple appointments I began to feel much better. I would highly recommend Dr Renee Wellenstein and Functional Medicine!"

    — Susan C.

  • "A few years ago, I knew something was wrong with my body. I wasn't sleeping, my anxiety was through the roof and I felt awful day in and day out. Giving birth to a baby 7 months prior, my OB told me that it must be late onset postpartum depression while my primary doctor knew it was something hormonal but couldn't quite figure it out. After countless nights with no sleep, I knew I had to try something different. Within 2 months I felt so much better, I was sleeping again and my anxiety was subsiding. Without Dr. Renee I would have probably ended up on sleeping pills and antidepressants and not be living the healthy lifestyle I lead now. I am so thankful to you Dr. Renee!"

    — Felicia R.

  • "In 2017 I was struggling with not feeling well after having seen many 'conventional medicine' docs who kept assuring me it was in my head, even though I knew I wasn't feeling my best. A colleague referred me to Dr. Renee and I immediately liked her. She didn't doubt any of my symptoms and got to work right away on finding the cause. After a few weeks on some of them I started to feel better and had more energy than I had in a while. I would recommend anyone (especially women in the Peri-menopause range) to call Dr. Renee and get some answers!"

    — Tracy M.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Do you take insurance?

A: I understand this is an important question, and I want to be completely transparent with you.

I don't accept insurance—and here's why: Insurance companies dictate how much time I can spend with you, what tests I can run, and what treatments I can recommend. They focus on managing symptoms, not finding root causes.

I know paying out of pocket can feel like a big decision. But when you work with me, you're investing in care that's truly personalized to you—not limited by what an insurance company says I can or can't do. You're getting the time, attention, and comprehensive testing you need to finally feel better.

My goal is to help you get healthy so you can stay out of the doctor's office—and that kind of care simply isn't possible within the constraints of insurance-based medicine.

Q: What if I don't live in New York?

A: I work with women all over the country! The only limitation is that I can only prescribe medications (including bioidentical hormones) to residents of New York due to licensing regulations.

If you live outside of New York, I can still help you with comprehensive testing, personalized supplement protocols, nutrition and lifestyle strategies, and I can guide you on what to request from your local healthcare provider if prescriptions are needed.

Q: What if I've tried everything and nothing has worked?

A: I hear this all the time—and I want you to know that I can't speak to what you've tried before or the providers you've worked with. But I can tell you this: my approach is different.

I don't use a one-size-fits-all protocol. I run comprehensive functional lab testing that most doctors don't order. I look at optimal ranges, not just "normal" ranges. And I focus on root causes—not just symptom management.

Many of the women I work with have been told their labs are "fine" or that their symptoms are "just part of aging." But when we dig deeper, we find hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and metabolic issues that were never addressed.

If you're still struggling, it's not because you're broken—it's because you haven't found the right approach yet.

Q: I don't have time for this. How much time will this really take?

A: I completely understand—you're busy. You're juggling work, family, responsibilities, and a million other things.

But here's what I know: You can't not make time for your health. At the end of the day, your health is everything. Without it, nothing else matters.

The good news? My programs are designed to fit into your life. We meet monthly for 30-60 minutes. You'll have support from my team along the way. And the changes we make are sustainable—not overwhelming.

The women who commit to this process don't just feel better—they get their lives back. They have energy to show up for their families, their work, and themselves. Isn't that worth making time for?

Q: Do you offer peptide therapy?
A: Yes, when clinically appropriate, I incorporate cutting-edge peptide protocols as part of my comprehensive approach. Peptides can support metabolic function, energy levels, mental clarity, lean muscle maintenance, and recovery from joint discomfort.

Peptide therapy is available in all of my programs and is personalized based on your individual needs, health history, and lab results. If peptides are a good fit for you, we can discuss how to integrate them into your wellness plan using your flexible supplement bank.

Dr. Renee Wellenstein, board-certified functional medicine doctor specializing in hormone health and peptide therapy for women over 40

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Ifyou're tired of feeling dismissed, exhausted, and stuck—and you're ready to finally get real answers—I'd love to help you.

The first step is simple: fill out my health questionnaire. This helps me understand your symptoms, health history, and goals so we can determine if one of my programs is the right fit for you.

From there, we'll schedule a complimentary strategy call where we'll discuss your health challenges and I'll walk you through how I can help.

You deserve to feel like yourself again. Let's make it happen.