A. Booking & Referral
1. Do I need a referral to be seen?
Yes, in most instances. A referral from a licensed Alberta physician is required to access our virtual services. This can be from your family doctor, a walk-in clinic physician or a Telehealth doctor. You can download our referral form to give to your doctor by clicking HERE.
2. Can I refer myself?
Yes — and No.
No – If you are seeking a comprehensive assessment in our virtual clinic, a referral from a licensed physician is required.
Yes with limitations.
If you are unable to obtain a referral, you may still self-refer. We will arrange a brief virtual preliminary assessment. After this appointment, with your consent, we will contact your family physician or chosen provider to confirm the referral so that we can then arrange a comprehensive virtual assessment. This makes it possible for us to send consultation recommendations back to them.
If you would like to proceed with this option and find out how you can book a virtual appointment through our secure booking system, please click HERE.
3. Do I need to live in Calgary to be seen?
No. We provide care virtually to women across Alberta, so location is not a barrier.
4. Can I see you if I don’t have a family doctor?
Yes. A walk-in clinic physician can complete the referral form if you are not attached to a regular provider.
5. Can I stay with the clinic long-term?
Yes. We offer long-term care, including routine follow-ups and annual reviews, for patients who benefit from ongoing support. If you are stable on your current treatment, we can discharge you back to your family doctor if appropriate.
6. Will you notify me when it’s time for a follow-up or annual review?
Yes. We send reminders for routine follow-ups, especially for patients who are on treatment such as hormone therapy.
B. Appointments & Process
7. How are appointments conducted?
All appointments are conducted virtually, either by secure video (preferred) or telephone, based on your comfort and preference.
8. What platform do you use for video calls?
We use a secure, privacy-compliant video platform. You’ll receive a link and instructions before your visit.
9. How long is the first appointment?
The initial consultation typically lasts 30 minutes to allow time for a thorough review of your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.
10. What happens if I miss an appointment or follow-up?
You can rebook an appointment but there’s no guarantee when your next appointment will be.
11. Can I message my menopause specialist between appointments?
At this time, we do not offer messaging between visits. If you have questions or concerns, please book a follow-up appointment via the patient portal.
12. Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. We require 4 full business days’ notice for cancellations or changes. While we don’t charge a fee, we ask for your consideration as our appointments are carefully triaged.
13. What if I don’t want any treatment right now?
That’s completely fine. We offer education, reassurance, and future planning. You can revisit treatment options when you’re ready.
14. How soon can I get an appointment after my referral is sent?
Once your referral is received, it is triaged based on urgency. Appointment times vary depending on demand, but we strive to book you as soon as appropriate.
C. Care & Scope
15. Do you only see patients going through menopause?
No. We care for patients at all stages of hormonal transition — including perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. For more understanding of the different stages of this transition, please click HERE.
16. Can I see you if I’m still having regular periods?
Yes. Many women experience perimenopausal symptoms while still menstruating. If you’re noticing changes in your cycle, mood, or sleep, it’s a good time to seek care.
17. What symptoms can you help with?
We support concerns such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, brain fog, peri-menopausal mood changes, vaginal dryness, low libido — among others.
18. Do you manage chronic conditions?
No. We focus on concerns directly related to hormonal transition. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or hypertension should be managed by your primary care provider.
19. Will you become my primary doctor?
No. We offer specialized care for menopause and women’s health, and work in collaboration with your primary care provider.
20. Do you offer support for surgical menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?
Yes. We offer individualized support for women experiencing menopause due to surgery or POI, with treatment tailored to your age, history, and symptoms.
D. Treatment & Tests
21. What if I’m not sure I want hormone therapy?
That’s completely fine. We never pressure you into any treatment. Our goal is to provide information and work with you to find a plan you’re comfortable with.
22. Do you only offer hormone therapy?
No. We offer a range of options including non-hormonal medications, lifestyle-based strategies, and symptom monitoring.
23. Can you prescribe hormone therapy (HRT)?
Yes. If it is appropriate for your health, we can prescribe and monitor HRT as part of your treatment plan.
24. Will I need tests before starting treatment?
Possibly. We may recommend lab work or imaging based on your symptoms and history to help guide safe and effective treatment.
25. Can I see you without recent lab work?
Yes. If you haven’t had recent labs, we can still proceed with your consultation and order necessary tests afterward if indicated.
26. Can you help with contraception during perimenopause?
Yes. We provide guidance on safe contraceptive options and how they relate to hormone symptoms and midlife health.
27. Do you offer lifestyle guidance for menopause symptoms?
Yes. We include lifestyle strategies — such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management — in many of our care plans.
E. Costs & Coverage
28. Is your clinic covered by Alberta Health?
Yes. All medically necessary visits are covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
29. Are there any extra fees for appointments?
No. There are no out-of-pocket fees for consultations or follow-ups. If that ever changes, we will inform you in advance.
F. Communication & Continuity
30. Will I receive follow-up instructions or resources after my visit?
Yes. Depending on what’s discussed, we may send you test requisitions, educational resources, or a summary of your care plan after your appointment.
31. Do you share information with my doctor?
Yes. We send consult letters to your referring physician after your initial visit and after any follow-up visits to support collaborative care.
G. Tests & Treatments Not Offered
32. Do you offer salivary or dried urine hormone testing (e.g., DUTCH tests)?
No. We do not offer salivary or dried urine hormone testing (such as the DUTCH test), as they are not recommended by the majority of medical authorities (including Canada) for managing menopause. These tests are often costly and may not provide reliable information for guiding treatment. We use clinical history and standard blood work when appropriate.
33. Do you check hormone levels before starting hormone therapy?
Not always. Hormone levels fluctuate daily and are often not helpful for diagnosing perimenopause or determining treatment. Clinical symptoms are typically the most reliable guide. In some cases, blood work may be ordered to rule out other medical concerns or support safe treatment planning.
34. Do you offer bio-identical hormone therapy from compounding pharmacies?
No. We do not typically prescribe compounded “bio-identical” hormones from pharmacies, as they are not regulated by Health Canada and lack consistent dosing and safety data. Instead, we usually prescribe hormones that are commercially available, well-researched, and approved for use in Canada.
35. Do you offer hormone pellet implants or hormone injections?
No. Hormone pellet implants and compounded injections are not approved in Canada for menopause treatment and are not supported by current evidence. We use hormone therapies that are safe, effective, and backed by national and international guidelines.
36. Can you recommend naturopathic or alternative hormone treatments?
While we respect each individual’s approach to wellness, our clinic follows evidence-based practices. We do not recommend or manage alternative hormone therapies that lack scientific backing.