Hormone & Regenerative Medicine Specialist, Lead Educator

We sat down with Anna Donaghy, NP-C, to talk about her work as a nurse practitioner at RegenCen in Traverse City, Michigan, her long-standing love of NAD+ therapy, and the regenerative treatments that continue to surprise her most. From hormone health to joint pain to the quiet ways wellness can change someone’s life, Anna brings both clinical depth and real-world perspective to every patient interaction.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and life outside of work?
I live in Traverse City with my husband, our dog, and our new baby. We spend a lot of time at our family cottage on Higgins Lake. Being on the water is a big part of our life. We boat, swim, and spend as much time outside as possible. I also learned how to sail, which has been really fun. Living here, it’s hard not to love the outdoors.

Where did you work before joining RegenCen?
I worked in primary care in Kingsley, which is about half an hour from Traverse City. Before that, I worked in a women’s health and OB-GYN practice in Grand Rapids. That experience played a big role in shaping how I think about hormone care today.

Have you had a personal wellness journey of your own?
Absolutely. I could not start hormone therapy myself while trying to have a baby, but my husband recently started testosterone pellets, which has been exciting to see. I have done PRF in just about every joint imaginable and I have used NAD+ therapy for years. I am very consistent with it and so is my husband. I also used semaglutide before my wedding and plan to restart it after having our next baby.

Was there a treatment that truly surprised you with its impact?
PRF, without question. I had plantar fasciitis, which is notoriously difficult to treat. After PRF, the improvement was tremendous. I have also used PRF for joint pain in various areas, and the results continue to impress me.

What inspired your focus on hormone health and regenerative medicine?
Working in women’s health was a big turning point. Years ago, menopause and hormone issues were often brushed off or treated very traditionally. Looking back, we did not fully understand the options available. Once I started learning more about hormones and regenerative medicine, it became clear how many people were being underserved. It felt important to help fill that gap and shift the focus toward feeling well, not just treating illness.

What are the most common concerns patients come to RegenCen for?
Energy and weight are very common. Sexual health concerns come up frequently as well, including vaginal dryness or bladder leakage. Joint pain is another big one. Many people also come in feeling like they have lost motivation or a sense of themselves and want help getting that back.

What improvements do men most often notice after testosterone replacement?
Mood is a big one and it often surprises them. Energy improves significantly, including no longer needing afternoon naps. Libido, motivation, and recovery from physical activity also stand out. Many men simply feel stronger and more capable again.

Can you share a patient success story that has stayed with you?
One patient in her 60s came in struggling with severe vaginal dryness that was affecting her marriage. After starting pellet therapy, she came back for follow-up and became emotional describing how much better her intimacy and relationship had become. Moments like that stay with you because the impact goes far beyond physical symptoms.

What do you wish more people understood about regenerative treatments?
Many people are told that feeling tired, uncomfortable, or unlike themselves is just part of aging. That does not always have to be the case. There are options that can truly help. Aging does not automatically mean you have to feel unwell.

How do you see hormone and regenerative medicine evolving in the future?
I think it will continue to grow rapidly. People are taking their health into their own hands more than ever. Many patients come to us after not finding answers elsewhere, and they are relieved to finally have options. There is also a shift toward prioritizing how people feel, not just how they look.

What attracted you to RegenCen and what keeps you here?
Being part of something that was still evolving was exciting. When I started, many of the services we offer now did not exist yet. I was the first provider focused solely on RegenCen, and watching it grow while helping shape that growth has been incredibly rewarding. The best part, though, is the patients. Seeing them regularly, watching them feel better, and building those relationships is what makes the work meaningful.

Just for fun, if you were not in medicine, what would you be doing?
I always thought I might become a lawyer, or something in interior design. I love design and home projects, even if I am far from an expert.

Is there a health myth you love busting?
That hormones are bad or something to be feared. The field has changed so much, and when done correctly, hormone therapy can be life-changing.