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Frequently Asked Questions
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A longevity clinic combines preventive and precision medicine to reduce future health risk while improving how you feel today.
Your first visit focuses on comprehensive intake, clear priorities, and a measurable roadmap instead of rushed decisions.
WellNest is for people who want proactive, high-touch, data-driven healthcare rather than quick fixes.
WellNest is a physician-led longevity clinic on 4th & 5th floor of 183 Bree Street in the Cape Town City Bowl. The clinic serves the Atlantic Seaboard, Sea Point, Fresnaye, Camps Bay, Constantia, Bishopscourt and the wider Western Cape, with on-site consults, diagnostics, Red Light Therapy, Sauna, Ice Bath, Collagen Tan and IV therapy by appointment.
WellNest Gold offers physician-led longevity medicine in Cape Town: advanced diagnostics, hormone and peptide optimisation, medical-grade IV therapy, and Baseline 360 health assessments. Each protocol is personalised by a registered medical practitioner and built around your bloodwork, history and goals.
Yes. WellNest Gold operates as a registered medical practice in Cape Town, with consultations and clinical procedures overseen by HPCSA-registered practitioners. All treatments, including IV therapy and hormone optimisation, are formulated and administered under medical supervision.
Yes. WellNest Gold is a physician-led longevity clinic on Bree Street in the Cape Town City Bowl. The clinic offers advanced diagnostics, hormone and peptide optimisation, IV therapy, and Baseline 360 health assessments, with consultations led by Dr. Raythaan Addinall, Medical Practitioner, and his clinical team.
Programmes begin with a Baseline 360 assessment that combines bloodwork, biomarker review and a physician consult. From there, a personalised plan is built across diagnostics, hormone and peptide therapy, IV protocols and lifestyle inputs. Progress is reviewed quarterly so each intervention is measured rather than assumed.
WellNest focuses on proactive, preventive healthcare rather than reactive treatment. We use advanced diagnostics to identify potential health risks early and create personalised optimisation plans so you can feel and perform at your best long-term.
We typically work with people who want to be proactive about their health, whether that means having more energy, supporting longevity, improving performance, or getting clarity on what their labs actually mean. We'll always tailor recommendations to your context and existing medical care.
You don't usually need a referral to get started with WellNest. However, we encourage you to keep your primary care physician informed and we can collaborate with your existing care team where appropriate.
You can book a consult directly through our website by clicking the “Book Consult” button, or reach out via phone or email. We offer both in-clinic and online general consult options so you can choose what works best for you.
Your first consult focuses on understanding your goals, health history, lifestyle, and any existing lab work. From there, your clinician will recommend any additional testing needed and outline a personalised plan that may include consults, services, and at-home changes.
The follow-up schedule depends on your goals and the complexity of your case. Some people check in every few weeks at the beginning, then space visits out once they have a stable plan; others prefer more periodic reviews to stay on track.
Yes. Many consults can be completed virtually, especially follow-ups and strategy sessions. Certain assessments and in-clinic services still require you to come into the clinic.
Comprehensive assessment of absorption, delivery, and clearance across key systems, relevant for both IV and oral supplementation.
For IV, which drips and boosters align with your lifestyle and blood results. For supplements, functional nutrient analysis and true deficiencies.
Identifying stress, inflammation, or lifestyle drivers that increase nutrient or IV support requirements.
Reviewing for duplication, interactions, and unnecessary spend in your current stack or IV choices.
The Peptide Therapy Consultation is R550 on our current winter special, down from R1,200, for a focused, doctor-led session.
Peptide therapy should only be considered under medical oversight. At WellNest Gold, the Peptide Therapy Consultation is led by a registered doctor who reviews your health history to check for contraindications and to consider whether peptides may be appropriate for your goals.
The approach is deliberately conservative and evidence-informed, with guidance on dosing, safety and monitoring, and protocol adjustments over time. Individual responses vary, so we do not make guarantees. Anyone with existing conditions or on medications should raise these in the consult so a clinician can advise.
Where a protocol is started, ongoing review at follow-up consults helps the doctor monitor your response and refine the plan.
The Peptide Therapy Consultation is designed for two groups: individuals who are curious about peptide therapy and want to understand whether it may be appropriate for them, and those already using peptides who want structured, doctor-led oversight rather than self-managing.
- People exploring options around recovery, metabolism, cognition or longevity goals
- Those who want clinical guidance on dosing, safety and monitoring
- Anyone who prefers a conservative, evidence-informed plan over experimentation
Whether peptides are suitable for you depends on your individual health profile, which a WellNest doctor will assess during the consult.
Booking is done online through the WellNest survey portal. You complete a short intake so the doctor can prepare ahead of your session. Bringing recent blood work can help, though it is recommended rather than required for this consult.
In the session, a WellNest doctor reviews your health background and goals, discusses the potential benefits and risks of peptide therapy for your situation, and, where clinically suitable, outlines a conservative, evidence-informed protocol with guidance on dosing, safety and monitoring. Any ongoing plan can be reviewed and adjusted at follow-up consults. To get started, book the Peptide Therapy Consultation and select your preferred slot.
Short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules, telling cells how to behave.
A fifteen-minute screening with a doctor, then a conservative protocol with dosing, timing and cycling guidance.
Physician-led oversight, quality-conscious sourcing, and protocols reviewed at follow-up rather than issued once.
Yes. A doctor reviews your history and goals, prescribes only where it is appropriate, and monitors the plan from there.
No. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules, a different class of compound to anabolic steroids.
A doctor sets dosing from your history, your goals and your results, starting conservatively and adjusting upward rather than the reverse.
A minimum safety panel covering growth signalling, glucose and insulin, liver, kidney and blood count, with PSA for men aged 40 and over.
Yes. The consult runs in person at 183 Bree Street or online anywhere in South Africa, with the same intake and the same doctor.
A 15-minute strategic health session with Steve Uria that turns clinical insight into a practical daily plan.
A Lifestyle & Wellness Consultation with Steve Uria is R2,500 for a 15-minute strategic health session.
A Lifestyle & Wellness Consultation is a focused, strategy-led 15-minute session with Steve Uria. He reviews your context across training, recovery, stress and daily structure, and where available draws on your diagnostics and wearable data to ground the conversation.
The session is built around execution. You can expect a high-level read of where your habits and systems may be working against each other, and a set of clear, practical next steps to take away.
- A high-level look at how your routine, training and recovery fit together
- Applied strategy aligned to the physician-led WellNest clinical model
- Clear, actionable next steps you can put into practice
Many people start with a single session and book follow-ups as their goals or circumstances change. For anything that needs clinical input, Steve can point you to the right WellNest pathway or clinician.
The Lifestyle & Wellness Consultation is designed for high performers who want more from their wellbeing than reactive care. This often includes executives, founders, athletes and individuals managing sustained pressure who want structure and a clear plan.
It can be a strong fit if you already have data or a clinical picture and want help translating it into how you train, recover and run your day. Some people find the applied, strategy-first format more useful than open-ended advice.
If you are unsure whether this session or another WellNest pathway suits you better, book a consult and our team can guide you to the right starting point.
A Lifestyle & Wellness Consultation with Steve Uria focuses on applied strategy and execution across training, recovery, stress and daily structure. It is designed to help you live a plan day to day, rather than to diagnose conditions or prescribe treatment.
Clinical consults with a WellNest physician cover diagnosis, prescribing and medical oversight. Steve's session works alongside that care within the same physician-led model, drawing on diagnostics and wearable data where available so the lifestyle strategy aligns with your clinical picture.
If your needs are primarily medical, a clinician-led consult may be the better first step. You can book either pathway through the WellNest booking portal, and our team can help you choose.
A Concierge General Consult is R1,200 for a 15-minute doctor-led session, online or in person at the WellNest clinic.
You book online, complete a short intake, then meet a WellNest doctor online or in clinic and leave with structured guidance.
The Concierge General Consult is designed for non-emergency medical concerns where you want direct, doctor-led input without committing to a full assessment programme. Many people find it useful for result reviews, prescription renewals, travel health questions, general medical queries and longevity check-ins.
Because it can be completed online or in person, it can suit those who prefer the convenience of a video consult as well as those who would rather be seen at the clinic. If hands-on examination is likely to matter for your concern, the in-person format may be the better choice.
This consult is not intended for medical emergencies. For any life-threatening or urgent symptoms, seek immediate emergency care rather than booking a consult.
Both formats of the Concierge General Consult are doctor-led, run for 15 minutes and cost R1,200, so the choice comes down to what your concern needs. You select your preferred format when you book through the consult survey, and you can switch your preference with our team if your needs change.
An online video consult is conducted over secure, encrypted video and can be a practical option for result reviews, renewals and follow-up questions from wherever you are. An in-person visit at the WellNest clinic in Cape Town may be more helpful when a physical examination or in-clinic services could support your care.
If you are unsure which format fits your concern, our team can help you decide, or you can raise it at the start of your consult so the doctor can advise.
A 30-minute doctor-led review of your progress, updated diagnostics and protocol, with 30 minutes of clinical preparation behind it.
The WellNest Follow Up consult is R2,500, covering a 30-minute doctor session plus 30 minutes of clinical preparation.
The Follow Up is designed for individuals already under WellNest clinical care who want a structured review, refinement of an existing protocol and continued physician oversight. It is built around continuity of care rather than a first assessment.
It can be a good fit if you have started an optimisation plan, have updated blood work to interpret, or want to track how your biomarkers and lifestyle metrics are trending over time. It is not intended for medical emergencies, which need immediate emergency care.
If you are unsure whether a Follow Up or a different consult format suits your needs, book with a WellNest clinician who can advise on the right next step.
Yes. The Follow Up is available both in person at the WellNest clinic in Cape Town and online via secure video consultation, so you can choose the format that suits your schedule.
For online sessions, upload your lab results ahead of time so your doctor can interpret them during the consultation. Blood tests are strongly recommended before any Follow Up for meaningful clinical interpretation.
Some elements are available for in-person sessions only, including a physiological readiness scan for nervous system and recovery insight, and a body composition analysis covering muscle, fat, hydration and metabolic data. To arrange your preferred format, book a Follow Up with a WellNest clinician.
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into a vein through a drip, so it bypasses the gut. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and an infusion is one way of replenishing iron stores that have run low. It is generally considered where iron deficiency has been confirmed on blood tests and oral iron is not tolerated, is poorly absorbed, or is unlikely to replenish stores adequately.
Iron deficiency and anaemia are not the same thing, and stores can be low before a full blood count becomes abnormal, so the decision to treat rests on how the results read together rather than on symptoms alone. Infusions are given under medical supervision, because reactions can occur, can range from mild to serious, and need to be recognised and managed at the time. The type of iron used, how much is given and how it is administered are clinical decisions the doctor makes for each person, based on blood results, symptoms and medical history.
Our Iron Infusion Consultation is a 15 minute appointment with an HPCSA-registered doctor, online or in person, at R550. Blood work is required and is billed separately, and if an infusion is clinically appropriate it is billed separately again. Nothing is infused before the doctor has reviewed your results, and an infusion is considered rather than assured.
Iron deficiency can show up as persistent tiredness, breathlessness or a racing heart on exertion, reduced exercise tolerance, poor concentration, headaches, dizziness and feeling cold. Some people notice hair shedding, brittle nails, restless legs at night, cracks at the corners of the mouth, a sore or smooth tongue, or unusual cravings such as chewing ice. Others have no symptoms at all.
None of these are specific to iron. Thyroid disease, disrupted sleep, low mood, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic illness and other causes of anaemia can produce much the same picture. Iron deficiency and anaemia are also not the same thing: stores can run low well before anaemia appears, so feeling reasonably well or having a normal haemoglobin does not rule deficiency out.
Because the symptoms overlap so heavily, they point towards testing rather than towards a diagnosis, and this page is general information rather than advice about your own health. In the consultation the doctor reviews your symptoms, history and blood results together before deciding whether iron is the problem and what, if anything, is appropriate.
Ferritin reflects stored iron and is usually the first-line marker. It is also an acute phase reactant, so it rises with inflammation, infection and liver disease, which is why it is read alongside a marker such as CRP: otherwise stores can look adequate when they are not. Transferrin saturation, calculated from serum iron together with transferrin or total iron binding capacity, indicates how much iron is available for use, and serum iron itself varies through the day and with recent intake.
A full blood count adds context. Haemoglobin shows whether anaemia is present, while red cell size and haemoglobin content tend to fall as iron deficiency progresses. Iron deficiency and anaemia remain separate findings: a normal full blood count does not exclude iron deficiency, because stores can be depleted before anaemia develops, and anaemia has causes other than low iron.
Results are read together and against your history rather than in isolation, and finding the cause of a deficiency matters as much as confirming it, since it can point to blood loss, poor absorption, low intake or increased requirements. Your doctor decides which tests apply to you in the consultation, and reviews them before any treatment is considered.
The consultation is 15 minutes with an HPCSA-registered doctor, online or in person, at R550. The doctor asks about the symptoms you have noticed, such as fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, hair shedding or poor concentration, which are common to many conditions and do not point to low iron on their own. Your history and medication are covered too, along with anything that raises iron loss or demand: heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, gut conditions, blood donation or endurance training.
Blood work is required and is billed separately. The doctor decides which tests are appropriate, typically a full blood count together with iron studies, because iron deficiency and anaemia are not the same thing: haemoglobin can read normal while iron stores are already low. Ferritin is the usual first marker of stores, but it also rises with inflammation, infection and other illness, so a normal or raised result does not by itself rule low stores out. Results are read in context rather than against a single number.
Nothing is infused until the doctor has reviewed those results. If iron deficiency is confirmed, the conversation moves to what is driving it, whether that cause needs investigating in its own right, and whether intravenous iron is clinically appropriate for you. An infusion is considered, not assured, and the doctor may recommend a different route instead.
Often, yes. Oral iron is well established as the usual first step for iron deficiency, and for many people it corrects the deficiency when it is absorbed and tolerated. It is also the less invasive option, which matters when both routes are reasonable.
Tablets do not suit everyone. Absorption can be limited by coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, previous gastric surgery or acid-suppressing medication, and side effects such as nausea and constipation stop some people finishing a course. Ongoing losses, heavy menstrual bleeding among them, can also outpace what the gut absorbs. Intravenous iron is considered in those situations, and it is not simply a faster version of a tablet: it is given under medical supervision because reactions during or after an infusion are possible, so it is used where the clinical case for it is clear.
Which applies to you is a clinical decision, made by the doctor with your blood results in front of them. Iron taken without confirmed deficiency carries its own risks, so it is worth testing rather than guessing.
At WellNest Gold in Cape Town city centre, the cost comes in three separate parts rather than one package price. The Iron Infusion Consultation is R550 for 15 minutes with an HPCSA-registered doctor, online or in person.
Blood work is required and is billed separately, since the doctor cannot judge your iron status without it. If an infusion is then prescribed, it is billed separately again, and what it comes to depends on what the doctor prescribes, so no single figure applies to everyone. Our reception team can confirm the current fees for each part before you commit to anything.
Paying for the consultation does not buy an infusion. Nothing is infused until your results have been reviewed, and if intravenous iron is not the right answer for you, the doctor will say so and set out what else is worth considering.
Intravenous iron is a well-established treatment and is generally well tolerated when it is given under medical supervision. Most side effects are mild and settle on their own: headache, nausea, a temporary metallic taste, or aching and a flu-like feeling in the days after the infusion. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon, but they do happen, which is why intravenous iron is given in a setting where staff can observe you during the infusion and for a period afterwards, and respond if something changes.
Two risks are specific to iron. If the drip leaks at the cannula site it can leave brown staining of the skin that may be long lasting, so the line is checked throughout. Iron given to someone who is not genuinely iron deficient carries risk without benefit, including loading the body with iron it has no ready way to clear, which is why deficiency is confirmed on blood work before anything is infused.
None of this replaces an individual assessment. Your doctor weighs your history, your other conditions and medicines, any previous reaction to intravenous iron, and your results, and then decides whether an infusion is appropriate for you at all.
An iron infusion is considered for people whose iron deficiency has been confirmed on blood work, commonly where iron taken by mouth has not worked, is not tolerated, or is not being absorbed. Poor absorption or ongoing loss can sit behind that, including coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, previous bariatric surgery, long-term acid-suppressing medication, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Iron deficiency and anaemia are not the same thing. Iron stores can be low while haemoglobin is still normal, so iron deficiency without anaemia is still iron deficiency. Symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, poor exercise tolerance and hair shedding overlap with many other conditions, so blood work is needed rather than symptoms alone. Ferritin is the usual first marker of iron stores, but it rises with inflammation and infection, so a normal or raised ferritin does not on its own rule deficiency out. Your doctor reads it alongside your other results and your history.
It is not for everyone. Iron overload, an active infection, a previous reaction to intravenous iron, and deficiency with no explained cause all change the picture, and in pregnancy the timing and the choice of treatment need particular care. Your doctor works through this with you in the consult and decides whether an infusion is appropriate.
Iron is a clinical decision, not a menu item. A doctor works out whether you are genuinely iron deficient, why you became deficient, and whether intravenous iron is the right route at all. Iron deficiency in an adult has an underlying cause, and finding that cause can matter as much as replacing the iron.
At WellNest the Iron Infusion Consultation is a 15-minute appointment with an HPCSA-registered doctor, online or in person, at R550. Blood work is required and is billed separately, and nothing is infused until your results have been reviewed. If an infusion is prescribed, it is billed separately again.
That order matters. It means the doctor can tell you that an infusion is not appropriate, look for what is driving the deficiency, arrange follow-up blood work to see how your iron stores have responded, and manage anything unexpected on the day.
Preventive medicine focuses on early detection and risk reduction so problems are addressed before they become diagnoses.
Functional medicine looks for underlying drivers of patterns so your plan is more personalised and actionable.
We align your biology, your goals, and your real-life constraints to design a specific, measurable, adaptable plan.
Longevity medicine is a preventive, data-led approach to extending healthy years. It combines advanced diagnostics, biomarker tracking, hormone and metabolic optimisation, nutrition, and recovery protocols. At WellNest Gold in Cape Town, programmes are designed and overseen by HPCSA-registered practitioners and personalised to each patient's bloodwork and goals.
The assessment combines a 30 minute doctor-led consultation with dedicated preparation and analysis before you meet. Your clinician reviews your hormone profile, history and goals, and discusses the biomarkers that help build a clearer picture.
Typical areas explored can include:
- Energy and resilience
- Sleep quality
- Mood and stress tolerance
- Weight regulation and metabolism
- Libido, vitality and cognitive function
Where appropriate, your clinician may recommend blood tests or specialist hormone testing to clarify the picture further.
You leave with a personalised optimisation roadmap. Any recommendations are tailored to you, so the consultation is the place to discuss what fits your circumstances.
Yes. Blood work is required before your hormone assessment, so your clinician has a baseline in front of them and the session can be spent on what your results mean rather than on what to measure.
The panel is chosen once your intake has been reviewed, and pathology is billed separately from the consult fee. If you already have recent results, share them ahead of your appointment and your clinician will tell you whether anything further is worth adding.
The assessment is built around a 12-month optimisation roadmap, so any follow-up or repeat review is paced to your plan and goals rather than a fixed schedule. Your clinician will advise a cadence based on your profile.
If you are unsure which tests are useful for you, book the assessment and a WellNest clinician will guide what is worth measuring.
The Hormone Optimisation Assessment is designed for executives, high performers, and individuals who are either experiencing symptoms they suspect are hormone-related or proactively optimising their long-term health.
People often book when they notice changes in areas such as energy, sleep, mood, weight regulation, libido or focus, and want a clinician-led look at what may be contributing. The assessment is structured around your profile rather than a one-size-fits-all template.
Whether it is right for you depends on your history and goals, which is exactly what the consultation is there to work through with a WellNest clinician.
HRT is a clinician-prescribed treatment for hormone-related symptoms, used selectively based on your individual risk profile.
Long-term HRT can be appropriate for some patients, but safety must be reassessed regularly with clear guardrails.
TRT is a medical treatment for men with confirmed low testosterone and symptoms, monitored with structured safety checks.
A clinician-led assessment that reviews your hormone profile and builds a personalised 12-month optimisation roadmap.
The Hormone Optimisation Assessment at WellNest Gold is R2,890 for the clinician-led consultation.
The Hormone Optimisation Assessment is physician-led, so where it is clinically relevant your doctor can discuss approaches such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the context of your profile and goals.
Any such approach is considered individually. It is not something we apply by default, and whether it may be appropriate depends on your history, biomarkers and a clinician's judgement after assessment.
Because this involves prescription-level decisions, the assessment is the proper setting to explore your options with a WellNest clinician, who can explain the considerations and next steps for your situation.
Medical weight loss targets the biology behind weight regulation instead of relying on willpower alone.
We design weight management with an “exit strategy” from day one to protect muscle, stabilise appetite, and build durable habits.
A physician-led, data-driven consult at WellNest Gold in Cape Town focused on metabolic health and sustainable body recomposition. Your doctor maps the physiology behind weight that resists change, reviewing hormones, glucose and insulin alongside your nutrition, training and sleep. You leave with a structured plan built on your own numbers rather than a generic diet.
The Weight Loss and Body Composition Consultation at WellNest Gold is R3,890; any recommended blood tests are billed separately.
this consult is suited to people who want a structured, medically guided approach to weight, body composition and metabolic health.
It may be helpful if:
- Weight feels resistant to change despite effort
- Energy fluctuates through the day
- Cravings, appetite or blood sugar swings are affecting progress
- You want to preserve or build lean muscle while reducing body fat
- You want clinical insight into hormones, glucose, insulin and metabolic markers
- You prefer accountability and a personalised plan rather than generic diet advice
The consult is not a substitute for emergency or acute medical care, and it is not a diagnosis on its own. It is a clinician-led assessment designed to help you understand your metabolic picture and create a more targeted plan.
The consult is built around a 30-minute doctor-led session, supported by 30 minutes of preparation and analysis beforehand so your clinician arrives with context on your profile.
During the session, your clinician reviews your metabolic picture, which may include hormones, glucose and insulin, alongside a personalised nutrition review.
Together, you outline a practical strategy aimed at sustainable fat loss, lean muscle preservation, steadier energy and improved metabolic health.
Any recommendations are personalised to your circumstances and may include nutrition changes, training guidance, supplementation, further testing, follow-up monitoring or prescription options where appropriate.
The goal is not a quick-fix plan. The goal is a clear, clinically responsible roadmap that helps you understand what is driving your results and what to do next.
Yes. Blood work is required before this consult, so your clinician arrives with your results rather than working from your history alone.
Markers such as glucose and insulin give a clearer view of your metabolic health, which is what makes the resulting plan specific rather than general. Pathology is billed separately from the consult fee.
If you already have recent results, you can share them ahead of your session and your clinician will let you know whether anything further is worth adding for your goals.
There is no single schedule that suits everyone, as the right cadence depends on your goals and how your plan progresses. Many people start with one Weight Loss and Body Composition Consultation to establish a strategy and a baseline.
From there, follow-up reviews can help track changes in body composition and metabolic markers, and refine your plan as your circumstances shift. Some people find a periodic check-in keeps them accountable over the longer term.
Your WellNest clinician can suggest a review rhythm that fits your objectives. Book a consult to discuss a schedule that works for you.
Usually because the deficit isn't what you think it is, or because your body has adapted to it. Under-eating for months lowers resting energy expenditure, raises appetite signalling and costs you lean muscle, which lowers it further. Sleep debt, high training load without recovery, thyroid function, insulin resistance and fluid retention all change the picture too, and none of them show up on a calorie app.
A consult starts by working out which of those applies to you, because the fix for an adapted metabolism is close to the opposite of the fix for genuine over-eating.
Several things move at once. Lean muscle declines from your thirties onward unless you're actively training against it, which lowers the energy you burn at rest. Insulin sensitivity tends to drift. Sleep quality drops. In women, perimenopausal changes in oestrogen shift fat toward the abdomen and can add fluid retention and bloating that has nothing to do with what you ate.
None of this makes fat loss impossible, but the approach that worked at 28 usually stops working, and pushing harder at it tends to make things worse rather than better.
There's no single test, but a few together give a clear picture. Fasting insulin and fasting glucose are the core pair, and used together they produce HOMA-IR, a calculated index of how hard your body is working to keep glucose in range. HbA1c shows your average glucose over roughly three months. The triglyceride to HDL ratio is a useful additional signal.
Standard bloods often look "normal" here, because a routine panel usually measures glucose but not insulin. That's the gap: glucose can sit in range for years while insulin quietly climbs to keep it there.
All of these are on the WellNest metabolic panel. Testing is recommended but optional, and billed separately from the consult.
It's a common reason people come in. Medication can stop producing results, produce results that don't hold, or produce weight loss that takes lean muscle with it, and in each case the useful question is what the underlying picture looks like rather than simply what dose was used.
Your doctor reviews what you've taken, how you responded, your body composition and the relevant bloods, and then advises on next steps. Sometimes that means adjusting the wider plan around it: training, protein intake, sleep, thyroid or insulin. Sometimes it means the medication was never addressing the actual constraint. We'll tell you which we think it is.
This is general information, not personal medical advice, and outcomes vary between individuals.
Advanced blood testing assesses cardiometabolic risk, inflammation, nutrient status, and hormones to guide preventive decisions.
A quick, non-invasive analysis that uses bioelectrical impedance to estimate your muscle, fat, and water.
An InBody body composition scan at WellNest in Cape Town is R500 per scan, which covers the analysis and a detailed report of your results.
You can book a single scan to set a baseline or return to track changes over time. We confirm the price and what is included when you book.
An InBody scan uses bioelectrical impedance. A small electrical signal passes through your body, and the device uses the measured resistance to estimate body water, muscle and fat.
You stand barefoot on the platform and hold the handgrips while the measurement runs. It is non-invasive, with no needles, and our team walks you through the resulting report.
If you have an implanted electronic medical device such as a pacemaker, contact us before booking and obtain advice from your treating physician before testing. InBody does not recommend body composition testing during pregnancy because pregnancy-related changes affect the results.
Keep the time of day and preparation similar for each scan. Maintain your normal fluid intake the day before and wait at least three hours after your last meal. Test before exercise, once you have fully recovered from any recent strenuous session.
Use the toilet beforehand, remove shoes, socks and heavy accessories, and avoid lotion on your hands and feet. Stand upright for five to ten minutes before testing.
Follow any personal medical advice about food or fluids. If these instructions do not suit your circumstances, contact us before booking.
The right interval depends on your goals and plan. InBody recommends repeat testing every two to four weeks under similar conditions. This is manufacturer guidance, rather than a requirement for everyone.
A WellNest clinician can help decide when another scan would be useful. Consistent preparation and hydration make results easier to compare over time.
WellNest offers DNA, hormone, gut, metabolic and longevity testing in Cape Town, in partnership with accredited labs.
Test prices range from around R3,600 for Medcheck to R11,000 for TruAge, with most panels priced individually.
WellNest offers genetic testing including DNA Core, DNA and Epigenetic testing, and Medcheck pharmacogenomics. DNA Core reports on gene-environment interactions and offers summarised guidance across core wellness areas, while Medcheck reports on how your body may metabolise over 100 medications.
These tests report predispositions and tendencies, not certainties. A genetic predisposition is not a diagnosis and does not mean a condition will develop. Results are designed to help inform preventive and prescribing decisions made with your clinician, considered alongside your full health picture.
Genetic results can be nuanced, so we review them with you in a consultation rather than leaving you to interpret a report on your own.
Our longevity-focused tests include TruAge, a methylation-based test that estimates your biological age relative to your chronological age, and the NAD Profile, a dried blood spot test measuring NAD+ and related metabolites involved in cellular energy and DNA repair signalling.
These tests are used for benchmarking and tracking over time. They estimate patterns linked to ageing and may show how lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, diet and exercise can influence those markers. They are not a diagnosis of any disease and do not predict lifespan.
Many people find biological age testing most useful when repeated periodically so trends can be tracked alongside changes in sleep, stress, diet, exercise, body composition and recovery.
A WellNest clinician can advise whether this type of testing suits your goals and how often retesting may make sense.
Yes. For gut health we offer the GI-MAP stool assay, which screens for microbes that may disturb normal microbial balance, and the Organic Acids Test, which gives a metabolic snapshot across more than 70 markers, including indicators that may point to yeast or bacterial overgrowth.
For hormones, the DUTCH Adrenal and DUTCH Complete panels map daily cortisol patterns and, in the case of DUTCH Complete, sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone with their metabolites. DUTCH Complete is available from ages 12 and up.
- GI-MAP and the Organic Acids Test focus on gut and metabolic markers.
- DUTCH panels focus on adrenal and sex hormone patterns.
Results from these tests are interpreted by your clinician in context. They are designed to help inform a tailored plan, not to diagnose a condition on their own.
Preparation depends on the test. Standard Bloodwork, for example, may require a 12 hour fast where glucose or lipids are included, avoiding alcohol for 24 hours, and staying well hydrated. Other tests, such as the Mitochondrial test or the Physiological Readiness Scan, have their own guidance around exercise, caffeine and timing. We share the exact instructions for your test before your appointment.
Some samples are collected at our Bree Street clinic, while certain specialist panels are processed through our partner laboratories. Turnaround varies by test, and we book time to walk you through your results once they are ready.
To get started, book a consult with a WellNest clinician through our booking portal or contact the clinic. They can confirm which tests suit you, how to prepare, and what to expect from your results.
Our assessments may include comprehensive blood panels, hormone testing, metabolic markers, cardiovascular markers, body composition analysis, and more. The exact tests depend on your current health, goals, and the consult or assessment you choose.
Some testing is completed directly at WellNest, while other panels may be done through partner laboratories. When you book, we'll give you clear instructions on where to go, how to prepare, and what to bring.
Timelines vary by test, but most standard labs are ready within a few business days. More advanced or specialty testing can take longer. As soon as results are in, we'll schedule time to review them with you and explain what they mean.
Retesting frequency depends on your individual plan, the type of markers being tracked, and how you're progressing. Many people retest key markers every 3–6 months so we can adjust your strategy based on real data over time.
InBody uses Direct Segmental Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to give a non-invasive, ~5-minute read of muscle, fat, water and visceral fat across both arms, both legs, and the trunk, plus BMR and an InBody score. We use it because it tracks the changes that matter quarter-on-quarter without empirical estimations.
An 8-minute, non-invasive readiness assessment that reads both your central nervous system (DC-EEG) and your cardiac system (HRV) at rest. It tells us how recovered you actually are, and how to train optimally today.
Steve translates the physician's clinical strategy into the structure of your daily life: training, recovery, lifestyle and long-term resilience. His session bridges the plan and the execution so the strategy actually gets lived.
Where clinically indicated, the protocol may include targeted supplementation, peptide therapy, prescription medication, or precision IV therapy. Every component is physician-prescribed and tailored to your individual clinical picture.
An IV protocol designed around your biomarkers and your stated goals, not a menu pick. We use it where oral or dietary correction would be slower than the change you want.
Yes. Your first follow-up is booked before you leave the room, and your written roadmap arrives in your secure vault shortly after.
Continuity-of-care membership pathways are available so the plan keeps moving past the assessment. Speak to the team if you'd like a fit-for-purpose recommendation.
IV therapy in Cape Town is medical-grade intravenous nutrient delivery, administered in a clinical setting by a registered medical professional. At WellNest Gold on Bree Street, every drip is physician-formulated for hydration, immunity, cellular energy or performance, and is matched to your health profile before infusion.
IV therapy in Cape Town suits busy professionals, frequent travellers, athletes and anyone managing demanding weeks who wants targeted hydration, recovery or performance support. Because every drip is matched to your health profile at intake, it is not a fit for everyone: a registered medical professional confirms suitability first. If you are not sure which drip fits, a 25-minute Targeted Supplement/IV Assessment lets a clinician review your symptoms, lifestyle and bloodwork and design a protocol around your goals.
The infusion is administered in a private lounge in our Bree Street clinic, taking from about 30 minutes for a hydration reset up to roughly three hours for a higher-dose NAD+ infusion.
Most WellNest Gold IV drip sessions take between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the formula and infusion volume. Hydration drips run closer to 30 to 45 minutes. NAD+ infusions take 90 to 180 minutes, as they must be administered slowly to be well-tolerated. We confirm timing at booking.
Yes. At WellNest, all IV drips are physician-formulated and administered by a registered medical professional in a clinical setting. We conduct a brief health intake before every session. IV therapy carries a well-established safety profile when administered correctly, which is why professional oversight matters.
Every IV drip at WellNest Gold is formulated and overseen by a registered medical practitioner, and administered by a registered medical professional in our Cape Town clinic. A brief health intake is completed before your first session, so the drip is matched to your profile and there are no contraindications.
WellNest Gold administers IV drips in our Cape Town clinic, where a registered medical professional oversees every infusion and can respond immediately if needed. This clinical setting is central to how we keep IV therapy safe. If you have a specific access requirement, contact us through the booking form and we will advise.
At WellNest Gold, IV drips range from R590 to R1,690, depending on the formula, infusion volume and any add-ons. Hydration drips sit at the lower end, while NAD+ infusions are at the premium end. We confirm the exact price for your selected drip when you book.
This depends entirely on your goals. Many clients start with a single session and return monthly or fortnightly. Those pursuing longevity or performance goals often follow a structured protocol recommended by their practitioner. We'll advise a cadence based on your intake and objectives.
Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. It neutralises free radicals, supports the liver's natural clearance processes and plays a central role in immune function and skin clarity. IV delivery achieves concentrations far higher than oral supplementation, making the “glutathione finish” one of the most impactful add-ons we offer.
NAD+ IV therapy delivers nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide directly into the bloodstream. NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair. At WellNest Gold we offer it across dose tiers, from 250mg to 750mg, with higher doses requiring longer infusion times. It is administered slowly under medical supervision.
A brief intake review is conducted before every first session, either in-person or via our intake form. This ensures the right drip is selected for your health profile and that there are no contraindications. It takes about 10 minutes and is included in the session.
WellNest Gold is on Bree Street in the Cape Town City Bowl, serving the Atlantic Seaboard, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Constantia and the wider Western Cape. We share exact directions on confirmed appointment. Contact us via WhatsApp or the booking form to arrange your visit.
For many services you can book directly, but in some cases we may recommend or require a consult first to make sure the service is appropriate for your goals and medical background. If you're unsure, our team can help you decide the best first step.
Service times vary by modality. For example, IV therapy is usually 45–60 minutes. Other sessions may be shorter or tailored on the day. You'll see details when you book.
In many cases you can stack services in a single visit, for example by pairing sauna, red light therapy, and an IV. Our team will help plan the order and timing so everything is done safely and efficiently.
Safety is always our first priority. Before you start any service, we'll review your intake form and any relevant medical history. In some situations we may adapt, delay, or avoid certain services until you've spoken with your doctor or completed additional evaluation.
A day pass is R1,000. Longevity Privilege Membership is by application, with investment and final terms discussed privately.
Longevity Privilege Membership connects quarterly physician-led reviews, a monthly clinically selected IV, listed recovery modalities and member hospitality.
The WellNest gym is designed for people who want a quieter, more intentional way to train. It is a private, high-performance space in the Cape Town City Bowl, built for strength, movement quality and conditioning without commercial-gym noise or crowds.
Some people find a calm, uncrowded floor helps them train more consistently, with sauna and ice bath on hand to build a more deliberate recovery rhythm. Membership is by application.
If you are unsure whether the space fits your routine or training goals, you are welcome to enquire through our gym page and our team can help.
The R1,000 day pass gives you one day of access to the gym and listed recovery facilities.
Longevity Privilege Membership connects physician-led reviews, clinically selected monthly IV therapy, listed recovery modalities and hospitality in one membership, limited to 50 active individuals. Membership investment and final terms are discussed privately.
Both the day pass and Longevity Privilege Membership include sauna and ice bath access. Membership also includes the listed recovery modalities described on the membership page.
Access is subject to operating hours, booking, capacity and service-specific safety guidance. If you have a health condition or any concern about heat or cold exposure, speak to a WellNest clinician before starting.
Apply for Membership through our contact form, with the membership selected. No medical history is required at this stage.
Our team will contact you privately to discuss your goals, the membership investment and final terms. Applying does not guarantee admission.
For a single visit, explore the day pass.
IV therapy delivers fluids and nutrients intravenously under medical supervision, used selectively with clear clinical rationale.
Red light, sauna, and cold plunge can complement a longevity programme when used purposefully and safely.
Contrast therapy combines sauna and ice bath in one session. You move between heat and cold at a pace that feels manageable, with the team nearby for support.
Our contrast therapy session is R450 and includes both sauna and ice bath in one booking.
Yes. Sauna and ice bath are also available as standalone services at R250 each.
Many members use sauna and cold plunge after gym sessions, strength training, and running for recovery support. If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before starting.
WellNest is in Cape Town CBD on Bree Street, convenient for the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard.
A short, self-directed cold immersion in water typically kept between 4 and 8 degrees, used to support recovery and wellness.
A single self-directed ice bath session at WellNest in Cape Town is R250.
For many healthy adults, short cold immersion is generally well tolerated when approached sensibly. Our sessions are time-controlled, and the team is on hand at the clinic.
Cold immersion may not suit everyone. People who are pregnant, or who have heart conditions, high blood pressure, Raynaud's, or other circulatory or medical concerns should take extra care.
If you have any health concerns or are unsure whether cold immersion is right for you, please book a consult with a WellNest clinician before your first session. We cannot give personal medical advice through this page.
Your first ice bath is short and self-directed. The water is typically kept between 4°C and 8°C, and the session is time-controlled so you stay in control of the duration.
Many people find the first few moments the most intense, then settle into steady, calm breathing. There is no need to push beyond what feels manageable, and you can step out whenever you choose.
Bring a swimming costume and a towel. The team is nearby throughout, so you can ask for guidance at any point.
How often you use an ice bath depends on your goals and routine. Some people choose cold immersion after intense training to support recovery, while others build it into a regular weekly wellness practice.
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Listening to how your body responds, and keeping sessions short and comfortable, tends to work well.
For a cadence matched to your training and recovery goals, book a consult with a WellNest clinician.
A private sauna session using controlled, penetrating heat that may support circulation, recovery, and relaxation.
A standalone sauna session at WellNest is R250, with the exact price confirmed when you book.
Many people use the sauna as part of a recovery and relaxation routine, including after training. Heat is controlled for your comfort and the team is nearby for support throughout your session.
Heat is not right for everyone. If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, low blood pressure, or any other medical concern, speak to your doctor before starting. For personalised guidance, you are welcome to book a consult with a WellNest clinician who can advise based on your health profile.
Your session takes place in a private, comfortable cabin. The heat builds gently and is guided to suit you, so you can relax through natural sweating without feeling rushed.
It helps to arrive well hydrated, bring a towel, and plan to rest and rehydrate afterwards. If at any point the heat feels like too much, you can step out. The session is always paced around your comfort.
This depends on your goals and how your body responds. Some people enjoy a weekly sauna session for relaxation, while others fit it around training days as part of their recovery routine.
There is no single right cadence. If you would like a rhythm matched to your wellness goals, book a consult with a WellNest clinician who can suggest an approach based on your individual picture.
Non-invasive red and near-infrared light, also called photobiomodulation, delivered in a comfortable room at our Bree Street clinic.
A red light therapy session at WellNest Gold is R500 and runs for 10 to 20 minutes.
Red light therapy is a gentle, low-effort option that some people find useful when recovering from training, supporting skin health, relaxation and nervous system downshifting, or part of a broader longevity or wellness plan. The session is non-invasive and requires no downtime.
It may not suit everyone. We do not carry out a full medical suitability assessment before each session, so if you are pregnant, have a photosensitivity condition, take medication that increases light sensitivity, or are unsure whether light-based therapy is appropriate for you, please check with a WellNest clinician first.
For anything personal, book a consultation so we can confirm whether red light therapy is a sensible fit for your goals.
A red light therapy session at WellNest Gold lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You settle into our comfortable, dedicated room while targeted red and near-infrared light is delivered to the skin and soft tissue.
The experience is calm and relaxing, and you can return to your day straight away. The team is on hand to position you, provide eye protection and answer any questions before you start.
If you are new to the service, mention it when you arrive so we can talk you through what to expect.
How often you book red light therapy depends on your goals. Some people use it regularly as part of an ongoing recovery or skin-health routine, while others book it occasionally, such as after intense training.
There is no single schedule that suits everyone, and consistency over time tends to matter more than any single session. We can suggest a cadence that fits your wider routine when you book.
For a recommendation tailored to your situation, book a consult with a WellNest clinician.
A Collagen Tan Can session at WellNest is R250. Booking is done online so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.
For guests who want long-term skin support, a 10-session package is available at R2000, saving R500 compared to single sessions.
Our protocol is typically 4–8 minutes of guided light exposure, with setup and changeover managed by the team to keep sessions efficient and consistent.
Your booked visit includes a little extra time for setup, eye protection fitting, and any guidance from the team so you always leave clear on what to expect next.
Most guests begin with around two sessions per week, then adjust based on skin goals, routine, and clinician-led guidance.
Consistency tends to matter more than frequency. We help you find a rhythm that fits your schedule rather than prescribing a rigid protocol.
Spray tans provide cosmetic colour and are a purely aesthetic finish. They do not use light exposure and have no overlap with skin-support therapies.
Collagen tan can and red light therapy both use light exposure aimed at skin support and recovery, though they differ in format and positioning. We confirm the specific light profile of each option with you before you book. The collagen tan can is a stand-up full-body format; red light therapy is typically a panel-based session.
If you are comparing options, we help match the right modality to your goals and schedule during a brief intake conversation.
Eye protection (goggles) is required for every session, with clear guidance on timing and frequency. We do not carry out a full medical suitability assessment before each session, so if you are pregnant, photosensitive, taking light-sensitising medication, or have a skin condition or any concern, book a consult with our doctor first to check whether it suits you.
That keeps the experience clear and transparent: you know what to expect, and a clinician is available whenever you would like your suitability checked.
Yes. You can book online in advance and reserve your preferred slot directly from the service page. Booking takes a few seconds and you will receive a confirmation with everything you need to know before you arrive.
We work with various insurance providers and some services may be eligible for reimbursement. Coverage can vary widely, so we recommend contacting us with your insurance details so we can help you understand your options.
Many of our services and consults may be eligible for health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs), depending on your plan. We can provide documentation you can submit to your benefits provider.
We offer various packages and options that bundle services, consults, or assessments to make it easier to stay consistent. Our team can walk you through the current options and help you choose what fits your goals and budget.
We ask that you provide notice ahead of your scheduled visit if you need to cancel or reschedule so we can offer the slot to other patients. Specific cancellation windows and any applicable fees will be shared during the booking process.
Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp and our team will respond within the hour.